1 Hour
The Story of the Colts: Symbolism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House
Coltsville National Historical Park
The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House were commissioned by Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt in remembrance of her husband, infant children and their son. Within the design of the two buildings, Elizabeth incorporated many elements that tell of the passions of Samuel and Caldwell. By examining the stonework of these two buildings, what can we learn about these two men who were dearly loved by Elizabeth? What can we learn about Elizabeth?
After the death of Samuel Colt in 1862, Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt commissioned the building of the Church of the Good Shepherd as a memorial to him and their three children who passed in infancy. The church was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter and included many elements on the exterior and interior that gave remembrance to Samuel, their children and Elizabeth's family. The exterior of the church, especially the Armorers Porch, incorporates different parts of the Colt Revolver which would be easily recognized by the factory workers. The many stained glass windows are dedicated to family members, with a focal point being on the two large windows at the back of the church bringing remembrance to Samuel and their three infants. The Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House was built by Edward Tuckerman Potter and commissioned by Elizabeth after the passing of her and Samuel's only son who lived to adulthood, Caldwell Hart Colt. The Parish House, much like the Church of the Good Shepherd, was designed to keep the memory of Caldwell alive while serving the community of Hartford. The exterior and interior of the Parish House tells of Caldwell's passion for exploration and worldly travel. The love Elizabeth had for her son can also be seen carved into stone as a lasting tribute. Become a historian and do some investigating! Part of the job of a historian is to examine an object and draw conclusions. Using what you know about the Colt Story, examine the buildings, stonework and glass windows. What can you learn about Samuel, Caldwell and Elizabeth from them? What story do these buildings tell of the Colts? If someone designed a building to remember you, what would be included? What would the design of the building look like? What symbols would it include? Please note, that while the grounds are open to the public, the buildings are not. Tours can be requested by contacting the Church of the Good Shepherd. You can explore the interiors of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House by checking out 3D Tours of both locations.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - WalkingArchitecture and BuildingIndustryMonuments and MemorialsReligion and SpiritualityChurchesUrban AmericaSamuel ColtElizabeth Hart ColtConnecticut historyEdward Tuckerman Potterchurcharchitecture
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Details
Duration
1 Hour
Duration Details
Expect to spend around one hour for this activity, between examining the stonework and walking to the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House from the Colt Armory Complex.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
The walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House, if following Huyshope Avenue and Charter Oak Avenue, is on well maintained sidewalks that are comprised of brick and concrete. Around the two buildings there are paved pathways, a vast majority of them being comprised of asphalt and are level. A few pathways are comprised of stone, which is cracked and uneven in places. Both buildings have paths that lead up to them, allowing easy access to see the masonry. The entire walk and area around the buildings has little difference in elevation.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Reservations
No — Reservations are not required to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Colt Memorial Parish House. If you would like to see the inside of the buildings, tours can be requested by contacting the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Age Info
This activity is suited for individuals of all ages, but the walk between the Armory Parking and the Church of the Good Shepherd is about half a mile in length.