Honoring Hartford's soldiers in the Battle of Antietam

September 17th marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in U.S. history. The Civil War engagement, fought near Antietam Creek in Maryland, claimed an estimated 23,000 casualties on both sides. Among those fighting for the North were 36 men later buried in Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. You can learn their stories on Saturday, August 25, when Mary Falvey conducts a commemorative tour at the cemetery, at 453 Fairfield Avenue, starting at 10 a.m.

According to the Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's website, you'll learn about the bravery and valor that occurred during the battle, the anguish and suffering survivors would later endure, and the contributions the returning veterans made to Hartford history. Admission is $5 (free for Let’s Go Arts members.)

Saturday: Great deals at Hartford museums, landmarks, & other attractions

Count the following among those offering free or reduced-price admission on Saturday, in conjunction with the eighth-annual Connecticut Open House Day:

• Bushnell Park Carousel
• Butler-McCook House & Garden
• Cinestudio at Trinity College
• Connecticut Historical Society & Museum
• Governor's Residence
• Hartford Base Ball Grounds at Colt Meadows
• Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
• Mark Twain House & Museum
• Old State House
• Wadsworth Atheneum of Art 

Check the state's tourism website, ctvisit.com, for details on what's being offered by these institutions and others around the state.

No more Saturday tours of the Capitol

The word went out this week that Saturday tours of the state Capitol have been discontinued "due to budget constraints." The tours, conducted by the League of Women Voters, will continue as normal on weekdays, at 9:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 and 1:15. If you've never taken this tour, find a way to get a morning off for it -- you won't be disappointed. The League is very dedicated to this work; the guides really know their stuff. Here's where you can learn more.

Thursday, May 7: Walking tour of the Ancient Burying Ground (and more)

Suggestion to Connecticut Landmarks' Butler-McCook House & Garden & Main Street History Center: Shorten your name.

That said, the mustard-colored house at 396 Main Street, opposite Capitol Avenue, will host some great events in conjunction with the next First Thursday:

-- A walking tour of the Ancient Burying Ground led by Ruth Shapleigh Brown, executive director of the Connecticut Gravestone Network. The Burying Ground, located near the corner of Main and Gold streets, is Hartford's oldest historic property. The tour will depart promptly from the Butler-McCook House at 3:15 and return by 4:30. It's a short walk.

-- A stone carving demonstration by Ty Tryon, board member of the Ancient Burying Ground Association and coordinator of conservation projects for historic gravestones. The demonstration will take place in the Victorian garden of Butler-McCook from 4:30 to 5:30.

-- A "history happy hour" from 5:30 to 7:30, featuring an exhibition of Ancient Burying Ground photographs by Hartford-based photojournalist Nick Lacy. Every stone in the graveyard was photographed for the exhibit, called "Stories in Stone." The happy hour will also feature Spanish, Latin, and classical music by guitarist Lorena Garay.

Everything is free, with donations suggested for wine and light refreshments.