The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center advances the vision of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). It welcomes all to learn about this holy priest’s life & legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy & outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession. The Center also serves as an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council & maintains a permanent gallery showcasing the organization's history. The Center is located at 1 State Street in New Haven, CT, conveniently off the downtown exit from either I-91 or I-95. It is three blocks from Union Station (Amtrak, Hartford Line, Metro-North Railroad, Shoreline East Railroad and Greyhound). Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission & parking.See more..
4.5New Haven Museum(52 reviews) - A gem hidden in plain sight Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
I've driven past this museum for years and finally went in for a visit. Free parking in the rear of the museum and free admission thanks to a library pass started the trip out on a high note, and our experience exceeded expectations. The history of New Haven exhibit takes you from colonial days up to the mid 1900s with artifacts (Eli Whitney's cotton gin!), paintings, maps that were fascinating to examine in detail, interesting explanations, and even audio guides with interesting details read by enthusiastic narrators playing historical figures. There is also an Amistad exhibit on the first floor, and a decorative arts display with a period room. I was especially taken with the handmade dollhouse from the 1800s that's jam packed with details and has illumination available. Upstairs, the circular gallery was home to an interesting exhibit on New Haven's own "Monuments Man" and his experiences in WWII. The "Made in New Haven" exhibit was interesting and child friendly, with interactive postcards and a make your own pizza game available. We were encouraged to unlace the corset on display and try it on ourselves, but I couldn't convince my travel companion to pose for a photo! By the time I reached the maritime exhibit, my attention was wandering a bit but it included some lovely paintings and information about the local oystering industry. And the exhibit about the openings at the local Shubert Theater was entertaining as well. There are restrooms and an elevator, as well as a small gift shop. Serious researchers are invited into the library, and there is an auditorium on the upper level. No food or drink is permitted in the museum and indeed none is available (although a short walk brings you to many choices downtown).See more..
