Founded in 1636, Hartford is a metropolitan city that serves as Connecticut's state capital. Famous American authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe once made Hartford their home. Today, Mark Twain's House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both open to the public and provide a fascinating look into the two authors' lives. Visitors enjoy touring the Old State House, which was completed in 1796 and is considered the oldest statehouse in the United States. Bushnell Park is another historic site, as it is the nation's oldest public park. A variety of festivals and entertainment are found throughout the year at this park, including the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz—a three-day event in July. Art lovers appreciate the impressive collection at Wadsworth Atheneum, while history enthusiasts whet their appetites at the Museum of Connecticut History. Outdoor adventurers enjoy nearby Penwood State Park, where hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes.