Welcome to the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, illuminating local history since 1962!
The East Haddam Historical Society illuminates and preserves the stories of the people and places that shape our community.
Mission Statement adopted November 2020
Museum is open noon-4pm Saturdays & Sundays through the end of October 2022
Join us at Upcoming Events!
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50 years of Local HistoryThe East Haddam Historical Society aspires to become the prominent heritage, cultural, and social center of East Haddam.
Vision Statement adopted June 2021
 Entrance on side of building
The East Haddam Historical Society, founded over 50 years ago, has been at this Town Street location for 11 years; it's just around the corner from Gillette Castle, right on the Route 82 corridor. The museum has a fine collection of local and Lower Connecticut River Valley historical objects, and prides itself on its kid-friendliness.
Among the highlights of the museum are a photographic display of the rise and fall of the Industrial Age in Moodus Village, Native American artifacts dating to 1300 B.C., a photographic exhibit of the building of the East Haddam swing bridge, and a collection of changing fashions with period costumes on display. Museum is open noon-4pm on Saturdays & Sundays through the end of October. Please contact us via email or phone 860-873-3944 with any questions. Membership DriveAs a membership-driven organization, the East Haddam Historical Society relies upon your membership for income. The Society both wants and needs your continued support so we can continue to archive, research, and tell the stories of East Haddam’s past and present.
For your convenience, you can submit your membership online, or you may complete the downloadable membership form and mail it along with your check. *** Please renew your membership ***
The Board of Trustees deeply appreciates the continued support of all our members!
2021-2023 Strategic PlanApril 2021
Members of the board, the museum manager, and volunteers/members of the East Haddam Historical Society worked together to create a three-year strategic plan.
This strategic plan provides year-by-year action steps over the next three years to accomplish the goals set out by the Board of Trustees. Read more to learn about our plans. East Haddam Historical Society wins award from the Connecticut League of History OrganizationsApril 5, 2021
The Connecticut League of History Organizations has awarded the East Haddam Historical Society a 2021 Award of Merit for Saving Land, Saving History. The committee was impressed with this collaboration between two non-profit organizations, an excellent example of how resources can be maximized by organizations who can find a common vision and purpose. The committee also noted how the walks in the woods promoted by the films provided a safe activity for the East Haddam community during the pandemic.
Saving Land, Saving HistoryIf you love to hike the open space preserves or just want to know more about the history and nature of your town then you won’t want to miss the beautiful and informative films in our documentary series Saving Land, Saving History. These videos, a collaboration between the East Haddam Historical Society and the East Haddam Land Trust, highlight the fascinating ties between the preservation of land and local history.
The East Haddam Historical Society will be presenting a multi-media exhibit on Saving Land, Saving History at the Museum. |
June 2022 newsletter: Monthly lecture series launches with talk on W. Langdon Kihn, early history of the museum, Venture Smith's journey to freedom, and the summer series on the natural history of East Haddam starts up in July! Our 2022 Membership Drive is underway.
Please contact us if you would like to be considered for an interview, or if you want to recommend someone to be interviewed, for "The Elder Project." East Haddam Historical Society Profile releasedA mini-documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Simon on local history in the 1960s and the formation of the East Haddam Historical Society, this well-researched documentary features vintage footage of East Haddam and contemporary interviews with townspeople who remember those early days and local pioneers.
2022 Upcoming EventsAll events take place at the Museum unless otherwise stated. Events are open to the public and free to members and children under twelve, except as noted. Donations from non-members is $5 for regular events.
Tapping Into the Past: Tavern Life in Early ConnecticutSaturday October 1, 2022, 5 p.m. at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
Presented by the East Haddam Historical Society and The Friends of Rathbun Library
Taverns were an essential part of every Connecticut town.
Taverns in early Connecticut were more than just a place to drink. Travelers and locals alike saw taverns as a place to be entertained, spread news and gossip, have a good meal, and get a night’s lodging.
All are welcome. This event is open to the public and free to EHHS members and children under 12. A $5 donation is requested from non-members. |
