Governor Rell: 375^th Anniversary a

Centerpiece for Connecticut Magazine

May Travel Edition Highlights Popular Historic Destination

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut Magazine is taking a page out of history – literally – to promote the state’s 375^th Anniversary by offering a comprehensive listing of popular sites for history buffs and tourists to visit in the upcoming May travel edition.

            The special page, “History is All Around,” features dozens of historic homes and public buildings, from the iconic State Capitol to the architecturally significant churches and houses of Old Wethersfield.

            “This wonderful road map provided by Connecticut Magazine offers anyone with a passion for the past and a thirst for learning a chance to step back into Connecticut’s rich history,” Governor Rell said. “Celebrating our 375^th Anniversary gives all of us a chance to reflect on our remarkable roots.”

            Connecticut Magazine Editor Charles Monagan, a member of the 375^th Anniversary Planning Committee, said the special page will also be included in Rhode Island Monthly and Westchester Magazines as part of a 32-page “Connecticut Travel” pull-out section. The publications have an estimated readership of 770,000.

            “We are fortunate in Connecticut to have so many sites of historic importance that are open to the public – and tell our story so well,” Monagan said.

            Many of the highlighted sites are also featured in a special exhibit of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT). The agency is showcasing nearly two dozen historic house museums at its Gallery in Hartford.

            The exhibit, “From Stone House to Glass House: Preserving Connecticut’s History,” tells the collective story of 23 of the state’s more than 200 historic house museums and their links to personalities, preservation organizations and legislation, including the National Preservation Act of 1966.

            The historic homes exhibit runs through May 28 at the CCT Gallery, One Constitution Plaza, 2^nd Floor, Hartford. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the exhibit, go to www.cultureandtourism.com.

            Governor Rell and other dignitaries kicked off the 375^th Anniversary on February 17 at the State Library, which houses the Fundamental Orders and State Constitution. Historians say 1635 was the critical year in Connecticut history because that year marked the settlement of the three river towns – Windsor, Wethersfield and Hartford – that initially established the colony.

                Services and items related to the state’s year long 375^th Anniversary celebration are donated or purchased with donated funds. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Go to www.CT375.com for more information and to donate. More information on 375^th Anniversary events can also be found at:

• http://twitter.com/Connecticut375
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hartford-CT/Connecticuts-375thAnniversary/10150113573780463?ref=ts
• http://www.youtube.com/user/ct375