Date: Fri 02-Aug-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Quick Words:

New-State-House-CT-Faude

Full Text:

(feature on CT's New Old State House reopening, 8/2/96)

New Old State House:

The Rebirth Of A Designated Landmark

(with many photos)

By Shannon Hicks

HARTFORD - Boston may have had its Tea Party, and Philadelphia has the Liberty

Bell, but not too many people know constitutional democracy was developed in

Connecticut.

Residents across the state celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Old State

House - the National Historic Landmark at the site where democracy as

Americans know it was initiated. The celebration marked the end of a

four-year, $12 million makeover. Renamed the New Old State House, 800 Main

Street reopened its doors to the public in May.

In 1976, Connecticut state historian Albert Van Dusen called The Old State

House, "Connecticut's single most important building." After all, this was the

site from which the Rev Thomas Hooker stood in 1638 and preached a sermon that

led to the adoption of The Fundamental Orders, the first written constitution

in the world that created a government (Ever wonder why we are called "The

Constitution State"?).

Rev Hooker addressed those assembled with a doctrine to create a

constitutional government which derived its authority from the free consent of

the people. The Fundamental Orders, the stepping stone to what became the

Constitution, were adopted one year later.

That was one of the first of a number of history-making events which have

taken place on this site. In 1636 the Colony of Connecticut was founded at the

site. In 1780, General George Washington met with French armies under Comte de

Rochambeau to plot the Yorktown strategy, the beginning of the end of the

Revolutionary War.

The first meeting houses were built in Hartford; the Old State House is the

nation's oldest. From 1792 to 1796, the present version of the State House was

built. The building was opened in 1796 by Governor Oliver Wolcott, a signer of

the Declaration of Independence.

In 1839 came another precedent: The Amistad Trials began at the Old State

House. The trial resulted in the freeing of enslaved persons for the first

time in history.

The building served as Hartford's City Hall from 1878 to 1915 before being

converted to a community center and headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce,

the Red Cross, the Hartford Symphony and several conservation drives.

The building operated as a museum by the Connecticut Historical Society for

fifteen years, from 1960 to 1975. Two years after becoming a museum showcase,

the United States Secretary of the Interior designated the Old State House a

Registered National Historic Landmark, citing the building's "exceptional

value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States."

The building has always been a symbol of pride for Connecticut's citizens.

Home to Connecticut legislature for more than eighty years, before the present

State Capitol building was constructed, the State House has always been

Connecticut's "signature meeting place." Presidential candidates have

campaigned from the building. It has been visited by Presidents Adams, Monroe,

Johnson, Grant, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Bush.

And yet, even with all its historical significance, twenty years ago the Old

State House was nearly destroyed, a target of demolition in order for the City

of Hartford to gain another parking lot.

A Cause For Celebration

"Things are happening in Hartford this year," Gov John Rowland told state

residents Saturday, May 11. In addition to the reopening of the New Old State

House, Hartford will also host its Mark Twain Days celebration this month and

a Vice Presidential debate in October.

"This is an opportunity to look ahead, to look forward," the governor

continued. "It is difficult to comprehend sometimes the part Connecticut had

in creating this country."

A day-long gala bicentennial celebration featuring a parade, rededication

ceremony and myriad forms of entertainment brought together citizens from

every corner of Connecticut, and the doors to the State House were reopened to

its rightful owners: Connecticut's residents. Incredibly, not one dime of the

$12 million used for the 1796 brownstone's facelift was taxpayer money.

Governor John Rowland and First Lady Patricia Rowland were among the

dignitaries invited to the State House's opening party. Following a formal

rededication ceremony, Gov and Mrs Rowland cut the symbolic ribbon to re-open

the building.

From 1882 to 1934, the Hartford Post Office stood on what was (and again is)

the State House's East Lawn. That building no longer stands, and the lawn -

which faces the Connecticut River - has been restored to its original

splendor.

An elaborate iron fence surrounds the lawn's perimeter, constructed of cast

Roman axes and pickets of charter oak leaves. First constructed in 1834, the

fence was removed to make way for the post office building 48 years later. It

has been replaced, and even includes gas-lit lanterns.

Initial work for the renovation consisted of a new foundation for the

structure. Inside, the building is bright, beautiful, glowing... and inviting.

Now that it has opened, the New Old State House will be active every day. A

cannon will be fired every morning, the carillon will play in the cupola, and

guided tours will be offered Monday through Saturday. Costumed docents and

guides were on hand opening weekend, and will remain employed for future

visitors.

Wednesdays are school project days, where teachers around the state are

invited to use the building for classes, not just field trips. Children will

be allowed to sit in the 19th Century chairs while participating and/or

viewing mock trials in the former City Council Chambers upstairs, active from

1878 to 1915.

The chamber has been restored to reflect its use from the building's City Hall

days, with a Victorian design and captivating stenciling and drawings on all

walls. The first Catholic Mass in Connecticut was held here.

Opposite the Council Chambers room is the Senate Chamber. Abe Lincoln once

spoke here. In this room hangs Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington.

It is the only portrait of the nation's first president to be found in its

original setting. With its yellow walls and cream woodwork, all in High

Federal style, the room has been called one of the ten most beautiful rooms in

America.

Between the Council Chambers and Senate Chamber is the Great Hall, where John

Stanwoods' golden statue of "Liberty" reigns supreme. Created in 1827, the

statue was originally on the building's roof before losing a neverending,

destructive battle against the elements.

Regular events will also include visits from special "guests" - actors

portraying historical figures from the building's past such as Governor

Wolcott and P.T. Barnum.

On the first floor - which housed the governor's offices in the 1800s - will

be special exhibits, beginning with "Latino/Legado - A Latino Bicentennial

Reflection." The major contemporary art exhibit - centered on the theme of

legacy in history, culture, family and childhood by 15 of the world's more

celebrated Latino artists - will remain on view until October 6.

Additionally, 6,700 square feet of new exhibit space was created underground.

A permanent Connecticut Historical Society exhibit, "Discover Connecticut,"

will open later this year, offering an introductory overview of the state's

complete history. Computer users around the globe can visit the Old State

House on the World Wide Web (http://state.ct.us/statehouse), which means the

building now represents both the history and the future of the country.

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the New Old State

House is now fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Old State House executive director Wilson H. Faude campaigned for - and has

created - a gathering place where, he hopes, all walks of people can visit and

enjoy. The priority, he has stated emphatically, is to make Connecticut's New

Old State House a true building of the people where history comes alive, not

put away behind a glass case. In that case, be sure to check out "Stewart's

1769 Museum," overlooking Main Street and complete with everything from

ostrich eggs to dinosaur bones, all out in the open and very much within arm's

reach.

"I didn't want this to be a stuffy museum piece," he said. There is not much

chance of that happening any time soon: Initial figures predict over 600,000

annual visitors will walk through the shiny new front doors of 800 Main

Street, Hartford.