The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show, which has been called the “grand dame” of New England antiques shows and is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, will return to its longtime home at the Hartford Armory for the 2013 show March 16‱7.

The venerable Connecticut antiques show, which serves as a showcase for pre-1840 American furniture and decorative objects, garnered national attention late last year when it was unable to find a suitable location within the state and was held, in the spring of 2012, on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass.

“We are thrilled to be back at the Armory and celebrating our 40th anniversary at home,” said Elizabeth Malloy, executive director of the Haddam Historical Society, the parent organization of the show. Founded in 1973 by scholar Frances Phipps and antiquarian Betty Forbes, the Haddam society’s yearly endeavor was held at the landmark Hartford Armory for nearly 20 years, before moving to the Hartford Expo Center in 2002, where it stayed until 2011.

A major annual project of the Haddam Historical Society, the show has been described as “one of the most important antiques shows in the nation” by Antiques and The Arts Weekly , and features early American furniture and appropriate accessories from some of the country’s most respected dealers of antiques.

Karen DiSaia, who is managing the Haddam show for the eighth year, said the Connecticut Spring Antiques show “has survived and flourished through many moves that were considered risky.”

“We are delighted to be moving back to the center of Hartford, where we started. The long tradition of this show, which has stayed true to its original ideals, will continue on as an event that is highly anticipated by dealers and collectors,” DiSaia said.

Among the items on display will be outstanding and unique examples of early American furniture, porcelain and pottery, silver and pewter, fine art, brass and ironware, textiles, prints and more. The show attracts serious collectors, supports new collectors and brings both together with knowledgeable dealers and experts who share a passion for period American antiques and decorative arts. The show has earned a reputation not only as a destination show with quality merchandise, but also as an educational experience for visitors.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the use of the armory had been reserved for other purposes and was unavailable to the Haddam society as a venue for the antiques show, but Terry Smith of Haddam, the society president and treasurer for the antiques show, said there was a change this year. “We want to thank the governor’s office, several private individuals, the Search Committee [for the antiques show] and the Connecticut Military Department,” Smith said, adding, “There is a lot of enthusiasm building for this show, and we are working very hard to make it a big success.”

As in previous years, the 2013 show will feature presentations by experts in American decorative arts and a special exhibition by the Haddam Historical Society. There will be a catered tea room, and free parking in the parking garage directly adjacent to the armory.

The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show benefits the Haddam Historical Society’s educational programming, exhibitions and collections care as well as the preservation of the Thankful Arnold House Museum, which is on the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail and has one of the state’s designated Historic Gardens. The Haddam Historical Society provides a variety of annual programs, events and educational opportunities for both adults and children including house tours, history walks, exhibits and workshops.

For additional information, www.haddamhistory.org or call the Haddam Historical Society at 860-345-2400.