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Connecticut's history of constitutional government dates back to the seventeenth
century and two significant documents: the 1639 Fundamental Orders, which bound
the three original towns of Windsor, Wethersfield and Hartford into a colonial
entity, and the Royal Charter of 1662 granted by Charles II. Twenty-five years
later, when agents of James II attempted to seize the charter, it was spirited
away and hidden in a majestic oak tree on the Wyllys estate in Hartford, thereby
preserving the charter and the rights of the colonists.
 For over a hundred
and fifty years, the "charter oak" was a prominent and widely recognized
Connecticut landmark. When it was toppled during an 1856 storm, acorns
were collected as keepsakes, as were a considerable amount of twigs,
leaves, branches and lumber.
The Museum exhibit "Liberties and Legends" tells the story of this
venerated icon. The exhibit includes numerous souvenirs made from wood
of the original charter oak, including a Colt revolving pistol, picture
frames and miniature furniture. Today, several "descendants" of the
charter oak are to be found on the grounds of the State Capitol and in
Hartford's Bushnell Park. The original charter, preserved in an ornate
frame made of "charter oak" wood, is prominently displayed in the
museum.
Also on permanent display are the State Constitutions of 1818 and 1964
and Connecticut's copy of the United States Bill of Rights.
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The Museum is part of the Connec
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The Museum is
part of the Connecticut State Library.
Admission is free
Museum of Connecticut History, Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 [Directions/Parking]
Tel: 860-757-6535,
Fax: 860-757-6521
Museum
Administrator: Dean Nelson
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Museum Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Library and Museum are closed on Sundays,
State Holidays & Saturdays when a holiday observance is on a
Friday or Monday.
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