Senate Leadership
July 25, 2008
Democrats and Republicans Work Together to Rescue Old State House
99-year lease ($1 each year) signed today that tranfers control of historic treasure to the legislature
Legislative leaders from both political parties have signed-off on a deal with the City of Hartford that will hand control of the Old State House in Hartford over to the state’s Joint Committee on Legislative Management. The 99-year lease, which begins July 25th, will ensure that the Old State House, one of Connecticut’s most coveted historic treasures, is protected and preserved for future generations.
The City of Hartford owns the facility and had leased it to the Old State House Association, a non-profit, that could no longer afford to operate the building. The State of Connecticut will pay the City of Hartford $1 a year for 99 years to lease the Old State House and has budgeted $500,000 annually to operate the facility.
As stated on the Old State House’s web site, “It was on the site of the Old State House in 1637 that the first written constitution guaranteeing the right to representative government was enacted by the English colonists.”
“The Old State House is too important a part of our history to let it fall into disrepair, as it has too many times in the past three hundred-plus years,” said Senate President Donald Williams (Brooklyn). “It is my hope that school children, tourists, and ordinary citizens will enjoy this facility for generations to come.”
“The Old State House is a cultural treasure that stands as an important historical symbol in the heart of our Capital city,” said Speaker of the House Jim Amann (D-Milford). "I am so proud that the Legislature is able to preserve its future so the public can continue to enjoy the grandeur of the building and learn about the rich history of their state government.”
"I am pleased we were able to reach a solution whereby the Connecticut General Assembly is able to rescue and preserve its former home," said Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield). "It is my hope that the legislature and the contractors we have chosen will bring fresh ideas and a renewed energy to the programming and educational opportunities offered at the Old State House."
House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr. (R-Norwalk), said, “It is exciting to be part of a historic lease that assures one of the oldest state houses in the nation will remain open, operational and accessible to the public.”
Under the new management model, the state’s Office of Legislative Management (OLM) will assume overall responsibility for the operation of the facility. OLM will enter into an agreement with outside providers to administer various services, including:
- Manage Mortensen Gallery
- Coordination of artifacts
- Gallery tours
- Maintain displays
- On-site curator
- Marketing
- Manage Welcome Center
- On site education
- Tours
- Rentals
- Old State House Café
- Old State House store
- Fundraising
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Senator Williams’ Derek Slap |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
