Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, photographs for your personal use are allowed. Please remember that images may not be published, including electronically or on the Web, without written permission. See the Digital Reproductions section of this site for more information.  Photography may be restricted in some special exhibitions.

Yes, photographs of materials in the Waterman Research Center for your personal use are allowed. In order to preserve materials for future users, flash photography is not allowed. Please remember that images may not be published, including electronically or on the Web, without written permission. See the Digital Reproductions section of this site for more information.

Yes, there is a separate wheelchair entrance to the building. All public areas of the building can be accessed by wheelchair. There are elevators in the building that provide access to upper levels.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the museum galleries or in the Waterman Research Center. However, you are welcome to picnic on our extensive grounds, and several picnic tables are provided. Visitors are also welcome to eat at the tables in the Veeder Living Room or the Auditorium Lobby, when not in use. School and youth groups may reserve indoor lunch space for an additional fee. Please contact education_assistant@chs.org or (860) 236-5621 x232 to reserve space.

Coffee, tea, sodas, and snacks are available for purchase in the museum store, and seating is available in the Veeder Living Room. There are also many area restaurants and fast food options, several within a 10-minute walk. Ask at the Welcome Desk or call (860) 236-5621 for more information.

It depends on what you are interested in doing here! If you would like to browse our orientation space and “Hallway History Blasts,” peek into the Waterman Research Center, visit our current exhibitions, and stop in the museum store, you should probably plan to spend at least 2-3 hours. Or join as a member and come back as often as you want to enjoy new exhibits, explore the Waterman Research Center, and attend programs for families and adults!

Yes! Our hands-on, family-friendly exhibits are perfect for kids ages 5 and up. Kids can dress up in historic costumes, try out life in a colonial home, “build” a town on one of our magnet boards, work a World War II assembly line, and more. Check out our calendar of events to learn about upcoming family programs (many of them FREE!) or visit the Education section of this site for information about school, scout, or other youth group programs and activities.

Pencils, laptop computers, digital cameras, and loose papers may be brought into the Waterman Research Center. A coat rack and free lockers are available for all of your other belongings (coats, purses, brief cases, tote-bags, computer bags, folders, etc.) Paper is provided to researchers using historical manuscripts. See additional information about using the Waterman Research Center.

Our helpful Waterman Research Center staff is available to assist you when you visit. For follow-up research assistance or assistance via phone, email, or letter, please contact research_center@chs.org or (860) 236-5621 x247. Fees may apply.

Service animals are allowed in the building. Other pets are allowed on leash on the grounds. For the safety of your pets, please do not leave animals unaccompanied in parked cars.

Donations are so important to us! Please contact the Membership & Development Office at call (860) 236-5621 x223 or visit the Support section of this site.

The CHS is a private, nonprofit organization, not a state agency. We rely on income from our endowment, government, foundation, or corporate grants, sponsorships, individual donations and bequests, admission fees, and other earned revenue to support our mission.