Museum

Architectural Rendering of a 19th Century US Militaryr Barracks
Prepared by WMA Associates, LLC, Site Planning, Design, & Construction Management services.

The Fort Nathan Hale Restoration Projects, Inc's (FNHRP) master plan includes the building of an authentic "War of 1812" era barracks to serve as a museum and education center to be located on Fort Nathan Hale grounds. The vision of early planners was to develop a resource to support the facility's general operations, education, living history and other activities highlighting the military and maritime history of the region encompassing New Haven Harbor.

There was substantial planning and work accomplished towards this goal in and around 1989. However, little subsequent work has been accomplished. Beginning in 2007, interest in this effort has grown and has been discussed by the board and thus in June 2007, a committee was formed to investigate the feasibility of building, staffing and maintaining such a resource.

This WEB page will serve to provide on going information on progress as pertains to developing public awareness about museum initiatives and efforts. Since at this time, June 2007, efforts are just beginning, please return periodically for information and updates. At present we are not accepting offers of help, but will be addressing the structure of support in-kind, fund raising and volunteer assistance as an important priority. Once a plan to go forward is developed and management structures are in place, we will call for assistance. Thank you for you consideration.

Museum Update - Spring 2008

The Fort Nathan Hale Museum building will be the signature facility of the Fort Nathan Hale complex. Located on Woodward Avenue and adjacent to the two forts that guard the harbor of New Haven, it will be a fitting edifice on that historic ground.

Designed to replicate an historic US Army barracks and administrative building of the 1820's era, it will be a masonry brick structure consisting of three floors. The first two floors containing exhibit spaces, museum office and museum store, men's and women's facilities, lecture rooms and film viewing area. The building will be fully accessible for patrons with disabilities, and have a large military drill hall located on the first floor, available for community and private functions.

The second level is designed for a proposed permanent exhibit space of historical artifacts. A third level is set aside for curatorial uses. It is accessed with a freight-sized elevator to allow for restoration of large artifacts and exhibit design and fabrication. It is envisioned that local colleges and universities as well as students from regional schools will utilize the curatorial resources for history studies and museology courses and projects.

The site will also include a parade ground, tenting space for reenactment groups, and a paved parking area for buses and automobiles. In conjunction with the restoration of the Earthen Fort, the Black Rock Fort, and the development of outdoor enhancements, the Fort Nathan Hale Museum will become a destination location for educational professionals, veteran's groups, and historians from all over New England and beyond.

This three and a half million dollar structure is designed as a "green" building, and will be a state-of-the-art institution in the Museum system of New Haven, Connecticut. For more information, call 203-946-6970 or visit us on the web: www.fort-nathan-hale.org. Ground breaking activities to be announced soon, stay tuned!