Nathan Hale Homestead Museum — Attraction in Coventry

The Nathan Hale Homestead is a historic home located at 2299 South Street in Coventry, Connecticut. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and was also known as Dacon Richard Hale House.

Connecticut Landmarks operates the house as a late 18th-century historic house museum. As of 2011, they were working with the attorney general's office on an investigation into their alleged neglect of some of their sites and artifacts

Nathan Hale was a spy for the American Continental forces during the American Revolutionary War. A graduate of Yale, he taught school for two years, first in East Haddam, then in New London.

After being captured by the British, Hale reportedly gave a speech stating that his only regret was that he had but one life to give for his country.

After he was hanged, his body was not returned and was never found. There is a monument to him in a cemetery in his hometown of Coventry, Connecticut.

Despite the name of the property, Nathan Hale never lived in the house that is named for him. As a child, he did live in a home that was located in the same spot. This house was razed by his parents in order to create a larger living space for the family.

News of Nathan's death came when his family grew concerned for his well-being. His brother traveled from Coventry to Old Saybrook to meet with the army and inquire about Nathan's whereabouts. He was informed that Nathan had been killed and was given a trunk of his belongings. This trunk is in the house.

Interior of the house After the Hale family, the house was sold to a series of other families who used it as a private residence, and the story of Nathan Hale became forgotten as just another story of a fallen soldier. However, a Connecticut lawyer named George Dudley Seymour became fascinated by the story while living in New Haven and was instrumental in the effort to recognize Hale's efforts. After championing the cause of erecting a statue of Nathan Hale at Yale University, Seymour learned that the farm in Coventry, which had been owned by Nathan's father, the Reverend Deacon Richard Hale, was for sale and in disrepair. He purchased the property in 1914 and restored the house to its original dignity, furnishing it with Connecticut antiques and artifacts, including Nathan's trunk.

In addition, he purchased the property across the street. Named the Strong-Porter House, it was the home of Nathan's grandmother, and is also a museum and on the list of National Registered Historic Places.

In a further effort to recognize Nathan Hale's sacrifice, Seymour also convinced the federal government to print a Nathan Hale postage stamp in 1925. The stamp was designed by artist Bela Lyon Pratt, who also created the statue of Nathan at Fort Nathan Hale...

This place is an absolute cultural gem for Connecticut. Not only does it serve as a museum and as a historical site, but it also is the location for the Coventry Farmer's Market in the warmer months, which is one of the highest rated farmer's markets in the country.

There are beautiful open fields for activities and a vast network of hiking trails in the woods. It's essentially open all the time and has offered such a peaceful and serene place of solace for me during the pandemic.

I like to use the many stone walls to work out on, especially the stunning patio hardscape area behind the main barn off to the side. I believe there are weddings and events held in these spaces in the summer as well!

Would highly recommend visiting this place and giving it some love and...

My family recently went on an East Coast road trip and had the pleasure of visiting the Nathan Hale Homestead. It was one of the highlights of our two week trip!

Anne Marie was incredibly helpful, gracious, and knowledgeable. She made my son, who had done a project about Nathan Hale for school and dressed up as him for a presentation, feel SO special and honored.

We were able to participate in an unforgettable tour, conducted by a very knowledgeable and engaging man named Nathan (perfect!). He facilitated truly memorable moments on the tour and kept the wide age range of our crew engaged.

The homestead is beautiful, pristine, and a very enriching experience. Wonderful for school field trips and family...