Current News
Historical Society to open on July 3 with new exhibits
June 2021
New local exhibits are on display at the East Haddam Historical Society Museum beginning July 3. Hours are 12-4 Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October. After being closed for the 2020 season, the Museum is once again welcoming visitors to come and celebrate the community of East Haddam by interacting with exhibits, documents, and programs.
Lexie Desiata, museum assistant, said, “Visitors are often amazed at the size and scope of the Museum’s interior as the building looks small when viewed from Town Street. Our collection and enthusiasm are exceptionally large and inspiring!” EHHS’ most recent award-winning collaborative project with the East Haddam Land Trust, Saving Land, Saving History, produced by Ken Simon, can be seen on YouTube and at the Museum. There’s a corresponding photo exhibit of the preserves by Ralph Chappell, a local map of the preserves by Marilyn Gleeson, and a retrospective of EHLT calendars from 2006 to 2021.
A new “East Haddam Natural History” exhibit of local trees and other plants, insects, mammals, birds, minerals and rock formations is interactive and invites visitors to touch and identify features in the exhibits, share photos, and add to community knowledge. William Tyner’s paintings have been added to this collection.
Evening presentations are planned and the schedule will be posted soon on our website. Afternoon talks and workshops are scheduled for families and will be posted separately. The first event, on July 13, is about East Haddam’s moths and butterflies.
The East Haddam Historical Society welcomes visitors, volunteers, new and current members, and everyone looking for an interesting afternoon to enjoy East Haddam’s history and celebrate our community.
Lexie Desiata, museum assistant, said, “Visitors are often amazed at the size and scope of the Museum’s interior as the building looks small when viewed from Town Street. Our collection and enthusiasm are exceptionally large and inspiring!” EHHS’ most recent award-winning collaborative project with the East Haddam Land Trust, Saving Land, Saving History, produced by Ken Simon, can be seen on YouTube and at the Museum. There’s a corresponding photo exhibit of the preserves by Ralph Chappell, a local map of the preserves by Marilyn Gleeson, and a retrospective of EHLT calendars from 2006 to 2021.
A new “East Haddam Natural History” exhibit of local trees and other plants, insects, mammals, birds, minerals and rock formations is interactive and invites visitors to touch and identify features in the exhibits, share photos, and add to community knowledge. William Tyner’s paintings have been added to this collection.
Evening presentations are planned and the schedule will be posted soon on our website. Afternoon talks and workshops are scheduled for families and will be posted separately. The first event, on July 13, is about East Haddam’s moths and butterflies.
The East Haddam Historical Society welcomes visitors, volunteers, new and current members, and everyone looking for an interesting afternoon to enjoy East Haddam’s history and celebrate our community.
East Haddam Historical Society wins award from the Connecticut League of History Organizations
April 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.
2021-2023 Strategic Plan published
April 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.
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.
Applications for the third annual EHHS Scholarship Award announced
February 2021
The East Haddam Historical Society is happy to announce it will be funding the 3rd annual EHHS Scholarship Award. This is a $500.00 award given to a Hale Ray senior who will be attending an institution of higher learning in the next year. The applicant should show an interest in and understanding of the importance of history and/or service to the community of East Haddam. The East Haddam Historical Society illuminates and preserves the stories of the people and places that shape our community. The history of East Haddam, and the lower Connecticut Valley, has had a significant impact on our state and the region as well as the world. Supporting students who show an understanding of the importance of learning from history and how to apply those lessons makes our community stronger.
The application is available to students on the high school Naviance web page.
Kaitlin Apgar was the 2020 recipient of this award, and Alexander Gerrish received this award in 2019.
The application is available to students on the high school Naviance web page.
Kaitlin Apgar was the 2020 recipient of this award, and Alexander Gerrish received this award in 2019.
Wildlife and Natural History Events at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
Tuesdays, 2pm mid-July through August - these events are free, fun and intended for adults and children
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has a full summer schedule of Natural History for kids and families. Programs complement the new “East Haddam, Naturally!” exhibit.
Some speakers will bring wildlife or plants that live together with us in East Haddam. Since EHHS’s Mission is to illuminate and preserve the stories of the people and places that shape our community, we’re presenting our wild neighbors and the places they live here in our town.
These family events will be held on Tuesdays at 2pm.
Events are free, fun, and intended for adults and children. All families and all nature lovers alike are welcome. R.S.V.P.s are helpful to the Museum to help us prepare but not required.
The Museum is air-conditioned and events will be held both inside and outside. Our staff is vaccinated and will be wearing masks.
See details on each week's program on our Events page.
Some speakers will bring wildlife or plants that live together with us in East Haddam. Since EHHS’s Mission is to illuminate and preserve the stories of the people and places that shape our community, we’re presenting our wild neighbors and the places they live here in our town.
These family events will be held on Tuesdays at 2pm.
Events are free, fun, and intended for adults and children. All families and all nature lovers alike are welcome. R.S.V.P.s are helpful to the Museum to help us prepare but not required.
The Museum is air-conditioned and events will be held both inside and outside. Our staff is vaccinated and will be wearing masks.
See details on each week's program on our Events page.
