Governor Announces 'State Support' for Repairs at Nathan Hale Homestead After Burglary, Vandalism

COVENTRY, CT — Governor Ned Lamont Friday announced that he is directing Connecticut state agencies to help "identify funding" to support repairs to the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry following damage that occurred at the historic site last weekend in an apparent burglary and act of vandalism.

"The Nathan Hale Homestead is one of Connecticut's most prized historic sites, and its preservation and continued operation as a museum is vital to the telling of American history," Lamont said. "I am disappointed to see the damage that occurred this past week, and I'm directing our state agencies to see what we can do to get aid to Connecticut Landmarks so this museum can be restored as quickly as possible, especially as it is preparing celebrations for the historic site's 250th anniversary this fall."

No cost estimate was disclosed.

Built in 1776, Nathan Hale Homestead is the family home of American Revolutionary War "hero" Nathan Hale, who is also Connecticut’s official state hero. It is operated as a museum by the nonprofit historic preservation organization Connecticut Landmarks.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is being urged to contact the Coventry Police Department's anonymous tips line at 860-742-2400.

Coventry police have released a surveillance image of a possible suspect.

Hale Homestead officials said that, on Monday, Connecticut Landmarks staff members discovered that the Nathan Hale Homestead had been broken into, burglarized, and vandalized.

Further investigation showed the acts extended to the Hale family barns and the barn used by the Coventry Farmers Market, which takes place weekly on the grounds, officials said.

"In addition to cash and objects stolen from the property, some materials were stripped from appliances and infrastructure with the apparent intention of being sold," officials said.

In reviewing security footage, the man in the photo is seen disabling cameras between 9:30 and 10:30 pm on Sunday, August 2, officials said.

Connecticut Landmarks is raising money for repairs and security upgrades. Anyone wishing to donate can click here.

State Sen. Jeff Gordon, who represents Coventry, issued the following statement regarding the Nathan Hale Homestead:

“What happened at the Nathan Hale Homestead is deeply upsetting.

"This is a historic place that belongs to Coventry and to all of Connecticut.

"It is living history.

"The damage and vandalism there is simply wrong and hurtful. Nathan Hale is an official state hero and the Homestead does wonderful work. I have visited there many times, including the Coventry Farmers Market.

"I’ve reached out to the team at the Homestead to offer my support and to the Coventry, CT Police Department. I am grateful for their work investigating what happened and holding those responsible fully accountable."