As first-year students began their journey at Trinity College this year, the “Hartford is Home” Orientation Next Program was designed to introduce them to Hartford’s vibrant and diverse city. Part of the “Insights into Hartford” series, this two-day program that included different students each day, aimed to immerse students in the Hartford community. For the next four years, Hartford would be their home, and this program ensured that students started their time with a sense of belonging and a deeper appreciation for what the city had to offer.
The “Hartford is Home” orientation exceeded a typical city tour. It offered students an immersive experience, diving deep into the city’s rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and tight-knit communities. The program allowed students to explore beyond surface-level sights, allowing students to engage with the stories and landmarks that define Hartford’s unique character.
The first walking tour began in Hartford’s historic Frog Hollow neighborhood, led by Logan Singerman, the Director of Community Partnerships at SINA (Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance). On Thursday, August 28th, the first group of students witnessed an exciting day in Frog Hollow—four historic homes were being moved within the neighborhood. As the group passed the Hartford Public Library, they even stumbled upon a press conference about the house relocations and were lucky enough to spot one of the homes in transit.
The walking tour continued through Frog Hollow, ending with a stop at Capitol Ice Cream, where students not only indulged in a sweet treat but were also greeted by Michael Acosta, a Trinity alumnus and owner of Story and Soil. The tour continued with visits to the Connecticut State Capitol and Bushnell Park, rounding off the morning’s exploration.
The students enjoyed lunch at Salute, a popular downtown restaurant that serves up some of Hartford’s best cuisine. With full stomachs and renewed energy, the group split into two smaller teams for a deeper dive into downtown Hartford.
One team ventured to the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., where they explored its renowned collection of artwork. The other group took a tour of Pratt Street, one of Hartford’s most charming and historic streets, stopping at Bloom Bake Shop for dessert. Their walk continued down to the Old State House, with a brief visit to iQuilt, and ended with a stroll through Front Street, a vibrant part of Hartford’s entertainment district.
The day’s exploration wrapped up at the Liberal Arts Action Lab at Constitution Plaza, where both groups reconvened to reflect on their experiences before heading back to campus. By the end of the day, students had not only walked through the city’s physical spaces but had also started forming personal connections with the people and culture that make Hartford special.
The “Hartford is Home” Orientation Program went beyond sightseeing—it fostered a real connection between students and the community. By immersing them in the life of Hartford, the program encouraged students to view the city not just as a place to study but as a home to explore, engage with, and contribute to. For incoming students, this orientation was an invaluable first step in making Hartford their own.
Welcome to Hartford, welcome to Trinity, and welcome home.
