Celebrate CT’s Open House Day at Osborne Homestead

Connecticut is home to a bounty of beautiful and unique gardens, many of them an integral part of historic landmarks dotted throughout the state. Connecticut’s Historic Gardens (CHG), a group of sixteen distinctive historic sites and gardens within Connecticut’s borders, hosts its annual CT’s Historic Gardens Day on Sunday, June 22, inviting visitors to experience the timeless beauty and rich histories of places that have delighted and inspired patrons for a century or more. With a variety of tours and special activities planned, CHG member gardens entice explorers of any age, or those simply seeking a peaceful retreat, to take part in this special day. Hours are noon to 4 pm unless otherwise noted. For details on each site’s activities, visit https://cthistoricgardens.org/chg-day.

Come to the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby, Connecticut on Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 12pm to 4pm to celebrate the 22nd Annual Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day. The Osborne Homestead Museum, one of sixteen members of the lovely Connecticut’s Historic Gardens, will provide self-guided and docent-led tours of the museum and its gardens. After strolling through the gardens, visitors can tour the historic house museum where they will learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s love of flowers and impact on environmental conservation.

More than picturesque, Connecticut’s historic gardens are immersive, living legacies. Perfect for history lovers, plant enthusiasts, and casual wanderers alike, these gardens offer a welcome escape into worlds shaped by generations past. Don’t miss this statewide celebration! Be sure to take advantage of CHG’s Passport Program – at your first location, pick up a CT’s Historic Gardens brochure, have it initialed at three member locations, and you’ll receive a free packet of notecards featuring the works of the CHG Day Poster Art Contest winners.

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens increases the awareness of the state’s unique historic sites and gardens and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of historic garden styles. For more information about Connecticut’s Historic Gardens, go to www.cthistoricgardens.org.  The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is open for free docent-led and self-guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off Rte. 34 in Derby, CT. For further information or directions please email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov or phone the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203)734-2513.