East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
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​Welcome to the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
Illuminating local history since 1962

The Museum is open June through October,
Thursdays & Sundays, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Throughout the year, the Museum is also open for events and by appointment.
​Call 860-873-3944 or email
 us to schedule a time to visit, tour, or conduct research!
Become a Member
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Renew your membership today!

2026 Upcoming Events

All 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. Suggested donation from non-members is $5 for regular events.
The Living Legacy of Alice Hamilton ​with author Janet Lemond
Sunday January 25th, 2 PM
PLEASE NOTE: If there is inclement weather Sunday January 25th, this presentation will be rescheduled. Please call the Museum on Sunday morning at 860-873-3944 for information about the presentation.
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Join author Janet Lemond on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM for a fascinating presentation about Hadlyme resident Dr. Alice Hamilton. Dr. Hamilton’s scientific breakthroughs improved safety for factory workers in the early 20th century, leading to the development of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Her fascinating life and legacy live on in the stories of the men and women who worked in toxic and hazardous factories and faced a myriad of serious health conditions as a result of their environment. Janet Lemond, formerly of OSHA and the EPA, will share the positive impact of Dr. Hamilton’s work that continues to this day.

The workers in this Danbury factory photo used mercury in the hatmaking process, a highly toxic substance that cause "mad hatters" disease. 

Copies of Doctor Alice Hamilton, M.D., Neighbor of William Gillette, written by Janet Lemond, will be available for purchase and signature by the author.

The Story Inside Whimsical Quilts
presented by Diane Hamm & Dena Leidke
​Sunday February 22nd, 2 PM
Besides making beautiful bed coverings to keep their families warm, quilt makers use their craft to express themselves. "Whimsical Quilts" explores the use of quilts to convey their makers' sense of humor, from the early 1800s to the present day. Diane Hamm has created copies of historical quilts and samples of current designs, which she uses to tell the stories of these quilt-makers.

A mini-quilt show will be on display at the Museum to illustrate the beauty and humor found in quilts.
Sneak Peek at 2026 Programs and Events 
Mark Your Calendar!

  • Sunday, January 25th at 2 PM: The Living Legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton, presented by Janet Lemond
  • Sunday, February 22nd at 2 PM: The Stories Inside Whimsical Quilts, presented by Diane Hamm and Dena Leidke
  • Sunday, March 22nd at 2 PM: Finding the Castle Cats of William Gillette, presented by Susan Waide
  • Saturday, April 25th 9 AM - 1 PM: Museum Tag Sale
  • Friday, May 15th at 6 PM: Opening Reception
  • Sunday, May 17th at 2 PM: The Turtle and the American Revolution, presented by Roy Manstan and Fred Frese'
  • Sunday, June 28th at 2 PM: East Haddam's Revolutionary War Hero - General Spencer, presented by Alison Guiness.
Additional events include a July program about Nathan Hale, children's summer programming, our Annual Celebration Fundraiser on October 3rd, the annual Mysteries of East Haddam on November 18th, and our Holiday Gathering in December. We look forward to sharing a wealth of East Haddam history with you!

​See our Events page for more events and information!

​Over 60 Years of Local History

The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, founded over 60 years ago, is located at 264 Town Street; it's just around the corner from Gillette Castle. The museum has a fine collection of local and Lower Connecticut River Valley art and historical objects.

Among the highlights of the museum are a display of the Moodus Mills, Wangunk artifacts dating to 1300 B.C., a photographic exhibit of the building of the East Haddam Swing Bridge, and an extraordinary collection of world-renowned local artist W. Langdon Kihn's work.

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