Connecticut Field Trip Guide
American culture, art and science field trips are just the tip of the iceberg in Connecticut
There are many incredible places to explore throughout Connecticut, providing students with a range of interests from education to the arts opportunities galore. The Constitution State is one of the original thirteen colonies, and as such it has a rich American history and culture which can be experienced everywhere from within museums to the streets, parks and ports of beautiful cities and villages like New Haven and Mystic. While enjoying an educational field trip, timing can be everything as Connecticut’s autumnal foliage is often unmatched. It’s also worth noting for foodies that Connecticut is the birthplace of the traditional American hamburger. Take your time to take in everything this historic state has to offer.
A Few Connecticut Field Trip Ideas
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- Mark Twain House
- Bushnell Performing Arts Center
- Garde Arts Center
- Hartford’s Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut History & Heritage Field Trip Ideas
Connecticut is rich in history; its nickname “The Constitution State” originates from its colonial constitution of 1638–1639, which is not only the oldest in the U.S. but arguably the world. After becoming the fifth U.S. state on January 9, 1788, Connecticut thrived on its seaports with trade and fisheries. Mystic Seaport Museum in the village of Mystic is the largest maritime museum in the country, famous for its large collection of sailing ships and boats as well as the recreation of 19th-century crafts and fabrics. Founded in 1903, the New Britain Museum of American Art is the first museum dedicated to American art, featuring a permanent collection of colonial portraits, works from the American Impressionists, Hudson River School and more. In the capital of Hartford, Colt Armory is to become part of Coltsville National Historical Park. The massive armory was built in 1855 and is well maintained with its distinctive onion dome. In addition to war history within, the armory is close to the Mark Twain House—now a museum—where the famed author wrote many of his most-famed works such as The Prince and the Pauper and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Performing Arts Locations to Visit
There are many quality locations in Connecticut for student groups to show off their talents in the performing arts. The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford is a landmark playhouse with a capacity of 2,800 in Mortensen Hall, and just over 900 in Belding Theater. Mortensen Hall opened in 1930 and features the largest hand-painted ceiling mural in the country, as well as a 5,600 pipe Austin Organ. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra regularly performs at Belding Theater. In New London, the Garde Arts Center shows everything from musicals to comedies and more. Built in 1926, its Garde Theatre is famous for its Moroccan-style interior and features middle-eastern themed wall murals.
The 478-capacity Yale Repertory Theatre (the Rep) occupies the former Calvary Baptist Church, providing a unique visual experience for performances. Located on the edge of the Yale University campus, the theater has a reputation for nurturing young artistic talents and producing Pulitzer Prize-winning premieres and ten productions that have gone on to win Tony Awards after transferring to Broadway. Youth programs are available at the Rep and student groups will be able to enjoy downtown New Haven with ease thanks to its location right in the heart of the action.
Educational Field Trips through STEM
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recognized Mystic Seaport Museum and its Treworgy Planetarium as major community resources for education, and provided a grant to broaden student perspectives in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Rolling out in autumn 2022, the STEM programs for middle school students are available in three formats: virtual, in-school, and on-site. This allows students to experience a memorable class trip regardless of their location.
Hartford’s Connecticut Science Center provides equitable engagement and access to STEM learning opportunities through educational field trips, classroom connections and virtual programs. This modern center opened in 2009 and includes 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibits with videos, live demonstrations and more. The diverse team at the center is supported by research and insight from the Hartford community as well as partners within the STEM Ecosystem.
Main photo: Yale University
