Last updated: January 28, 2021
Thing to Do
The Story of the Colts: Symbolism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House
Photo Credit: Nick Caito
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.
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.
Details
Duration
1 Hour
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.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Colt Memorial Parish House were commissioned by Elizabeth Hart Colt as memorials to her loved ones. Within the design of these two buildings, Elizabeth incorporated many elements to recall the passions of Samuel and Caldwell. Starting at the Armory, talk a walk to these two memorial buildings and examine the exterior stonework. What does this stonework tell you about Samuel, Caldwell and Elizabeth?
Age(s)
5 and Older
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.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
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.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
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.
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.