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Town of Hamden

2750 Dixwell Avenue
203-287-2500

Hamden, affectionately known as the Land of the Sleeping Giant, is a thriving town midway between New York and Boston which is considered one of Connecticut's finest mid-sized communities.

Hamden was originally settled in 1638 as part of the New Haven Colony. Over a century later, two different settlements -- the inhabitants of the parish of Mount Carmel and members of the 17th Militia Company -- sought independence. In 1786 they incorporated as a separate town, naming it after the English statesman John Hampden (who pronounced his name with a silent "p"). The population at the time was recorded as roughly 1400 "souls."

As Hamden grew, it was composed of small independent-minded villages, including Mt. Carmel, Whitneyville, Highwood and the State Street section, some of which still retain a suggestion of their original identity.

Hamden played a historic role in the Industrial Revolution, thanks to Eli Whitney, who invented mass production at his arms factory, and to A.C. Gilbert and Charles Goodyear.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town attracted Italian, German and Irish immigrants searching for work, first in stone quarries and sawmills, and later in factories. Eventually small businesses, shops and banks sprouted up.

Today, Hamden is recognized as an attractive residential and business community. It boasts a rich and varied landscape with mountains, parks and hiking trails, and offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational attractions, educational resources, community services, shopping areas and an ever-expanding selection of restaurants.

Recent News

Town of Hamden News : MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour Coming to Hamden

Hamden – RiseUP for Arts is partnering with Hamden’s Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Wellness, Hamden’s Arts Commission, Hamden Public Library, local businesses, organizations, and community members in Hamden to create…

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Town of Hamden News Real Estate Tax Bill Credits For Qualified Residents

Hamden – The Hamden Assessor's Office will be accepting applications for credits on real estate tax bills for qualified elderly and/or disabled residents from February 1, 2023 through May 15, 2023. Applications for additional veteran's…

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Town Of Hamden : Christmas Tree Disposal

Public Works Director Joseph Colello would like to inform Town residents that Hamden Public Works will begin curbside pick-up of Christmas trees on Monday, January 9th, 2023. Trees should be free of all wrappings, lights and decorations. Pick-up…

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Town of Hamden’s 2022 Holiday Ornament: Church Street Elementary School

Hamden – The Hamden Department of Recreation has selected Church Street School to be featured as its 2022 holiday ornament, the 30th in a series of annual ornaments featuring Hamden landmarks. Church Street School was the first of nine brick…

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Fall Leaf And Brush Collection Begins November 7th, 2022

Acting Public Works Director Joseph Colello announces the scheduling of Fall leaf and brush collection and would like to remind residents of the guidelines. Leaf and brush collection will begin Monday, November 7th, 2022. Hamden Public Works will…

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Town of Hamden - October 12: Hybrid ARPA Community Input Session

Click here to View the Information About Town of Hamden - October 12: Hybrid ARPA Community Input Session

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Town of Hamden News - Mayor Garrett Appoints Joseph Colello as Public Works Director

Mayor Garrett Appoints Joseph Colello as Public Works Director Hamden – Mayor Lauren Garrett has appointed Joseph Colello as Public Works Director, pending Legislative Council approval. Mr. Colello has served the Hamden Public Works…

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Town of Hamden News - Town Clerk’s Office Implements New Online Portal

Town Clerk’s Office Implements New Online Portal Hamden – Effective immediately, the Town Clerk’s office has implemented new technology to request vital records online. Every year, the Town Clerk’s office handles…

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Town of Hamden - Bulk Trash Pick-Up Begins October 1st

Bulk Trash Pick-Up Begins October 1st Hamden – The bulk trash pick-up program for Hamden will be in effect October 1st. Hamden residents may put bulk trash curbside in front of their homes anytime between October 1st and October 31st.…

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Town of Hamden News - Garden of Hope and Reflection Dedication

Garden of Hope and Reflection Dedication Hamden – On Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 5 PM, the Paint Hamden Pink Committee will dedicate the Garden of Hope and Reflection at Hamden Town Center Park (near the red barn). Parking is available…

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Town of Hamden Hosts 2022 USA Underwater Rugby National Championship

The Hamden High School Swimming Pool (2040 Dixwell Ave) is hosting the 2022 USA Underwater Rugby National Championship September 9th – 11th, 2022. Click here for the link to the schedule. Please see the below information provided by Laura…

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Town of Hamden : Proclaims Parking Ban For Street Sweeping

Hamden – Effective Wednesday August 24th, Thursday August 25th, and Friday August 26th, Mayor Garrett has proclaimed a parking ban for Morse St., Goodrich St., Dixwell Ave. (Arch St. to New Haven), Homelands Terrace, Prospect Ln., N Sheffield…

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Town of Hamden News - Fees at the Transfer Station

Hamden – Several years ago, the Town installed a scale at the Transfer Station with the intent of charging a fee. The cost of disposal for municipal solid waste has increased dramatically over the years and will continue to rise in the future…

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Town of Hamden : Fire Chief Retires After Distinguished 28-Year Career

Hamden – Fire Chief Gary Merwede is retiring today, effective 12:00pm, having served the Hamden Fire Department for over 28 years, beginning as a volunteer and working his way up to lead the Hamden Fire Department to where they stand today.…

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Town of Hamden : Mayor Garrett Appoints Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Naples asActing Fire Chief

Hamden – Mayor Lauren Garrett is pleased to announce the appointment of Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Naples to the position of Acting Fire Chief, effective today, July 29th at 12:01pm. Mr. Naples was appointed to the position of Acting Fire…

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Town of Hamden News - Moody’s Removes Hamden’s Negative Outlook

Hamden – Mayor Lauren Garrett is pleased to announce that a second rating agency, Moody’s, has also changed Hamden’s outlook from negative to stable. The report from Moody’s notes, “[Hamden] has enacted measures to…

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Town of Hamden News - Fitch Removes Hamden's Negative Outlook

Hamden, CT – Mayor Lauren Garrett is pleased to announce that credit rating agency Fitch has removed Hamden’s negative outlook. Fitch’s press release notes: “The revision of the Rating Outlook to Stable reflects improvement…

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Town Of Hamden Special Voter Registration Session; Redistricting Information

The Town of Hamden has announcements regarding the upcoming primary and redistricting. The Hamden Registrars of Voters announce that a special voter registration session will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to enroll…

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Town of Hamden : Cooling Stations

Hamden – Mayor Garrett wishes to remind residents that during periods of extreme weather and heat, public buildings are air-conditioned and open to the public during regular business hours. Cooling Stations are also available at select…

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Buxton Beach Nourishment Project Update : July 15, 2022

Click Here To View Buxton Beach Nourishment Project Update : July 15,…

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Town Of Hamden - Free Summer Concert Series Line Up - July 1, 8, 15, 22 atTown Center Park

Hamden Free Summer Concert Series Fridays, July 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd at 7:30pm Town Center Park - 2761 Dixwell Ave., Hamden 06518 Enter through Hamden Middle School at 2623 Dixwell Ave. The Hamden Arts Commission is excited to invite…

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