​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!
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 Castle Cats of William Gillette
presented by Susan Waide
​Sunday March 22nd, 2 PM
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William Gillette loved cats. Many lived at his home in East Haddam and on his 144-foot houseboat, Aunt Polly. Author Susan Waide will present a snapshot of Gillette’s life and explore his passion for cats. The presentation will celebrate the birthday of Sir Henry Irving, the famous Lyceum Theater cat that William Gillette brought from England to live with him in Connecticut. While this cat lived over a century ago, its legacy as part of the “Caturday” atmosphere at Gillette’s Castle lives on forever. 

Susan R. Waide has conducted extensive research about William Gillette’s cats for a series of children’s books she is currently writing. She has taught writing at the University of Hartford, area Connecticut colleges, at libraries, and to assisted living residents. Her STEAM children’s picture book, Dr. Ken’s Fab STEAM Lab, will be published in the spring of 2026, followed by Sir Henry Irving the Cat (historic fiction). Beyond His Narrative - Venture Smith, co-authored with Dr. Karl P. Stofko, is on track for completion by the winter of 2026.

Birthday cake and refreshments will follow the presentation.
The Living Legacy of Alice Hamilton ​with author Janet Lemond
Sunday April 12th, 2 PM
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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.
Upcoming 2026 Programs and Events 
Mark Your Calendar!
  • ​Sunday, March 22nd at 2 PM: The Castle Cats of William Gillette, presented by Susan Waide
  • Sunday, April 12th at 2 PM: The Living Legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton, presented by Janet Lemond​
  • 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.
  • Sunday, July 12th at 2 PM: Nathan Hale & His Family on the Cusp of the Revolutionary War
Additional events include a 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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