Past Events
If you are curious about past events we have held, events from recent years are listed below. The Events page lists events for the current year.
Past events - 2022
The Social, Cultural, and Diverse Impact of the Work of W. Langdon KihnWednesday, July 13, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Dr. Clifford Bragdon will be presenting a guest lecture on his uncle, the internationally recognized artist, W. Langdon Kihn, whose impact was felt far beyond his art. In addition to his brilliant paintings of western tribes, he increased awareness of medical issues impacting indigenous peoples and brought improvements to their health.
This event is open to the public and free to EHHS members and children under 12. A $5 donation is requested from non-members. For information call 860-873-3944. 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. Author Claire Smith presents her book Georgiana, Like So Many, an account of life from the Civil War through the 1930s in East HaddamSaturday November 5, 2022, 5 p.m. Reception to follow.
East Haddam author Claire Smith will launch her book Georgiana, Like So Many, the true story of an East Haddam/Moodus woman, Ella Georgiana Smith Cook (1849-1930). Georgiana's lifetime spanned the first woman’s rights movement, but, like so many women of her era, she stayed in the domestic sphere. Claire’s husband, Peter Smith, is descended from Georgiana (Georgiana is Peter’s great grandaunt). Claire and Peter have lived in Georgiana’s summer cottage for more than 35 years.
Through Georgiana's eyes, Claire will share stories about her mother’s life in the Moodus mills, and will offer a firsthand account of the horrors of war from excerpts of her father’s Civil War letters. Georgiana and her husband were eyewitnesses to the construction of three iconic images of East Haddam - the Goodspeed Opera House, the Swing Bridge, and Gillette’s Castle. Following the presentation, Claire will have copies of her books available for purchase. |
Author Erik Hesselberg: Night Boat to New YorkSunday November 13, 2022, 3 p.m. Reception to follow.
Erik Hesselberg's book Night Boat to New York: Steamboats on the Connecticut, 1824-1931, is a portrait of the vanished steamboat days–when stately sidewheelers plied between Hartford and New York City. Thirty-five large steamboats were in service on the Connecticut River in those years.
Steamboating brought people and goods - Colt’s firearms and Essex’s pianos - down river to New York for export to world markets. Mr. Hesselberg will discuss steamboat travel and events in East Haddam. Author Erik Hesselberg has been writing about the Connecticut River for 20 years as an environmental reporter for the Middletown Press and executive editor of Shore Line Newspapers in Guilford. He was president of the Middlesex County Historical Society and developed the award-winning exhibit “A Vanished Port,” on the Connecticut River’s ties to the slave economy of the Caribbean islands. Click here to visit his blog, Voices On The River. Erik lives in Haddam, CT. Garrett Groesbeck, The Japanese Koto: A Traditional Instrument in the 21st CenturySunday November 20, 2022, 3 p.m.
Garrett Groesbeck is an ethnomusicologist, koto player, and PhD student at Wesleyan University. The koto, a 74-inch, 13-stringed instrument, has been popular from the earliest periods of Japanese musical history to the present day.
Garrett lived and studied in Japan. He will discuss the instrument and will engage the audience in this ancient form of music.
Dr. Karl Stofko with Mysteries of East HaddamWednesday December 7, 2022, 7 p.m.
Mark your calendar for this popular event! Dr. Stofko will share intriguing stories from East Haddam’s colorful past.
This year's topics include:
Holiday PotluckWednesday December 14, 2022, 6 p.m.
Join us for the Annual Holiday Potluck Supper Wednesday, December 14th. We ask that you bring a dish to share. We still need potato dishes, vegetable casseroles, and the like.
Music will be provided by The Sawtelles! |
Free Natural History Summer Series at the Museum!
Join us Tuesdays from 2 p.m - 3 p.m. for exciting free programs about Bats, Bears, Snakes, Fishers, and Owls!
The Ultimate Barred Owl Experience
July 19, 2022, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Frank DiNardi, long-time local resident is a raptor enthusiast, photographer, and videographer. He has filmed a family of owls that have grown up right in his own backyard!
Frank DiNardi, long-time local resident is a raptor enthusiast, photographer, and videographer. He has filmed a family of owls that have grown up right in his own backyard!
Bears!
July 26, 2022, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Bears are our wild neighbors. How can we be good neighbors? What is bears’ habitat, diet, and behavior? Current research shows there are approximately 900 bears in Connecticut.
Bears are our wild neighbors. How can we be good neighbors? What is bears’ habitat, diet, and behavior? Current research shows there are approximately 900 bears in Connecticut.
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Ginny Apple is a Certified Master of Wildlife Conservationist (State of CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection).
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Fishers in Connecticut
August 2, 2022, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Paul Colburn, MWC, will focus on the history of the fisher in Connecticut, an overview of fisher habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Fisher artifacts are shared with the audience.
Paul Colburn, MWC, will focus on the history of the fisher in Connecticut, an overview of fisher habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Fisher artifacts are shared with the audience.
Bats!
August 9, 2022, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Local librarian Maureen Heidtmann moonlights as a bat expert and rehabilitator! She will cover bat populations in Connecticut, the threats they face, and how we can help protect them. She'll bring some of her furry flying friends with her! Maureen has been working with bats for more than 25 years. She is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and a Certified Wildlife Conservationist with the State of Connecticut’s DEEP.
Local librarian Maureen Heidtmann moonlights as a bat expert and rehabilitator! She will cover bat populations in Connecticut, the threats they face, and how we can help protect them. She'll bring some of her furry flying friends with her! Maureen has been working with bats for more than 25 years. She is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and a Certified Wildlife Conservationist with the State of Connecticut’s DEEP.
For Goodness Snakes!
August 16, 2022, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Meet the snakes of East Haddam! Learn what is special about each of our 14 species of snakes, including habitats and natural history. Live snakes, of course! Presented by a Ranger from Meigs Point Nature Center.
Meet the snakes of East Haddam! Learn what is special about each of our 14 species of snakes, including habitats and natural history. Live snakes, of course! Presented by a Ranger from Meigs Point Nature Center.
CT Summer at the Museum is funded with the support of Connecticut Humanities and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA.
2022 Special Events
Junk in the Trunk Sale!!!
Saturday May 14, 2022 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society.
Vendor Spots are $25 each. To reserve a spot, please call the museum at 860-873-3944 or 860-759-3049 or email the museum at museum@easthaddamhistory.org.
The East Haddam Garden Club will also be holding their Annual Plant and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Vendor Spots are $25 each. To reserve a spot, please call the museum at 860-873-3944 or 860-759-3049 or email the museum at museum@easthaddamhistory.org.
The East Haddam Garden Club will also be holding their Annual Plant and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pysanky Eggs Workshop
April 3, 2022. Two sessions, 10 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn how to make beautifully decorated Ukrainian eggs. Pysanky is an art form celebrated all over Eastern Europe at this time of year.
Pysanky artist Sharon Leonard will guide you through the process of planning a design, dyeing and waxing multiple times, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg.
Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has hosted this workshop several times. Because of the popularity of the workshop over the years, we will have two sessions, one from 10 a.m.-12 noon and the other from 1-3 p.m.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Please pre-register early. Call 860-852-5722. Workshop spaces are limited.
Place: The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
264 Town Street (Route 82)
East Haddam, CT 06423
Cost: $30.00 per person
Ages 8-Adult
Pysanky artist Sharon Leonard will guide you through the process of planning a design, dyeing and waxing multiple times, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg.
Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has hosted this workshop several times. Because of the popularity of the workshop over the years, we will have two sessions, one from 10 a.m.-12 noon and the other from 1-3 p.m.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Please pre-register early. Call 860-852-5722. Workshop spaces are limited.
Place: The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
264 Town Street (Route 82)
East Haddam, CT 06423
Cost: $30.00 per person
Ages 8-Adult
Past events - 2021
Ken Simon film screened - November 17, 2021 at 7 p.m.
A mini-documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Simon on local history in the 1960s and the formation of the East Haddam Historical Society will be screened at the EHHS Museum on Wednesday November 17 at 7 p.m.
This well-researched documentary features vintage footage of East Haddam and contemporary interviews with townspeople who remember those early days and local pioneers. Following the documentary, EHHS president Bruce Sievers will outline new and exciting plans for the museum's future.
This well-researched documentary features vintage footage of East Haddam and contemporary interviews with townspeople who remember those early days and local pioneers. Following the documentary, EHHS president Bruce Sievers will outline new and exciting plans for the museum's future.
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. 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. 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.
7/13 Moths and Butterflies in East Haddam (Jeff Fast, Into the Woods) Come and meet the moths and butterflies up close and learn their names, where they live, what they do, and how they help us. Jeff’s knowledge and enthusiasm are legendary!
7/20 Snakes of East Haddam - “For Goodness Snakes!" (Ranger Russ, Meigs Pt. Nature Center) Meet the snakes of CT. Learn what is special about each of CT’s 14 species of snakes, including habitats and natural history. Live snakes of course!
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
7/27 Planting a Native Pollinator Garden in East Haddam (Gary Wilson, East Haddam resident UCONN Master Gardener, Master Wildlife Conservationist)
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
8/3 Bobcats: Our Secretive Wild Cat (Ginny Apple, Master Wildlife Conservationist) Natural history of bobcats in East Haddam and Connecticut. Habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, current research, and popular misconceptions.
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
8/10 Wildlife and Connecticut’s Changing Landscape (Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist) The changing state of wildlife in the state, including a discussion of major species, factors affecting their habitats, challenges and suggestions for what people can do to make a difference.
8/10 3:30pm Special Event: Nature Journaling (Marianne Halpin, Educator; Maureen Tarbox, Artist) Sketch from nature. Write your thoughts in a haiku or song. Sketchbooks and materials provided. Limited to 6 participants. Please call 860-873-3944
Share flyer with friends & neighbors
8/17 Turtles, Our Treasures (Maureen Heidtmann, Master Wildlife Conservationist, Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator) Can a turtle leave its shell? What do turtles eat? How far can a sea turtle travel? Are snapping turtles dangerous? There are 12 kinds of turtles that call Connecticut home. Can you name them? Maureen will talk about turtles of the world with a focus on our East Haddam species, what they do for us, and what we can do for them. Meet box turtles Juan and Brownstone, tortoises Stella and Donny, and perhaps one or two other non-releasable turtles who needed the help of an experienced wildlife rehabber in order to survive. Co-sponsored by EHFPL.
8/24 Eastern Coyotes (Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist). The history of coyotes in East Haddam and Connecticut, habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Practical recommendations for living with our coyote population. Coyote artifacts will be shared with the audience.
Share flyer with friends & neighbors
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.
7/13 Moths and Butterflies in East Haddam (Jeff Fast, Into the Woods) Come and meet the moths and butterflies up close and learn their names, where they live, what they do, and how they help us. Jeff’s knowledge and enthusiasm are legendary!
7/20 Snakes of East Haddam - “For Goodness Snakes!" (Ranger Russ, Meigs Pt. Nature Center) Meet the snakes of CT. Learn what is special about each of CT’s 14 species of snakes, including habitats and natural history. Live snakes of course!
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
7/27 Planting a Native Pollinator Garden in East Haddam (Gary Wilson, East Haddam resident UCONN Master Gardener, Master Wildlife Conservationist)
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
8/3 Bobcats: Our Secretive Wild Cat (Ginny Apple, Master Wildlife Conservationist) Natural history of bobcats in East Haddam and Connecticut. Habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, current research, and popular misconceptions.
Share flyer with friends & neighbors!
8/10 Wildlife and Connecticut’s Changing Landscape (Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist) The changing state of wildlife in the state, including a discussion of major species, factors affecting their habitats, challenges and suggestions for what people can do to make a difference.
8/10 3:30pm Special Event: Nature Journaling (Marianne Halpin, Educator; Maureen Tarbox, Artist) Sketch from nature. Write your thoughts in a haiku or song. Sketchbooks and materials provided. Limited to 6 participants. Please call 860-873-3944
Share flyer with friends & neighbors
8/17 Turtles, Our Treasures (Maureen Heidtmann, Master Wildlife Conservationist, Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator) Can a turtle leave its shell? What do turtles eat? How far can a sea turtle travel? Are snapping turtles dangerous? There are 12 kinds of turtles that call Connecticut home. Can you name them? Maureen will talk about turtles of the world with a focus on our East Haddam species, what they do for us, and what we can do for them. Meet box turtles Juan and Brownstone, tortoises Stella and Donny, and perhaps one or two other non-releasable turtles who needed the help of an experienced wildlife rehabber in order to survive. Co-sponsored by EHFPL.
8/24 Eastern Coyotes (Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist). The history of coyotes in East Haddam and Connecticut, habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Practical recommendations for living with our coyote population. Coyote artifacts will be shared with the audience.
Share flyer with friends & neighbors
2021 Special Events
Pysanky Eggs Workshop March 21, 2021. Two sessions, 10am to noon and 1pm-3pm.
Learn how to make beautifully decorated Ukrainian eggs. Pysanky is an art form celebrated all over Eastern Europe at this time of year.
Artist Sharon Leonard will guide you through the process of planning a design, dyeing and waxing multiple times, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg.
Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has hosted this workshop several times. Because of the popularity of the workshop over the years, we will have two sessions, one from 10-12 and the other from 1-3 pm.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Artist Sharon Leonard will guide you through the process of planning a design, dyeing and waxing multiple times, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg.
Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has hosted this workshop several times. Because of the popularity of the workshop over the years, we will have two sessions, one from 10-12 and the other from 1-3 pm.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Past events - 2019
April 11, 2019 7:30pm Osaki-san: William Gillette's Gentleman Valet
Saturday May 18, 9am-1pm
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Wednesday July 10, 7:30pm
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April 7, 2019 Pysanky Egg Workshop. Two sessions: 10am-noon, and 1-3pm
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Learn how to make beautifully decorated Ukrainian eggs. Pysanky is an art form celebrated all over Eastern Europe at this time of year.
Artist Sharon Leonard will guide you through the process of planning a design, dyeing and waxing multiple times, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg. Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you. |
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum has hosted this workshop twice before. Because of the popularity of the workshop over the years, we will have two sessions on April 7, one from 10-12 and the other from 1-3 pm.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
For those of you who have attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Saturday July 13, 12:30 - 2:30pm Images of America: East Haddam book signing
Russell Shaddox will be signing copies of his new book, Images of America: East Haddam, at the East Haddam Historical Society on Saturday, July 13, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
A journalist and designer for more than 30 years, Russell is also a trustee of the historical society.
His new book presents an overview of East Haddam’s history in nearly 200 images from public and private archives and collections. Copies of the book will be available for purchase ($21.99).
A journalist and designer for more than 30 years, Russell is also a trustee of the historical society.
His new book presents an overview of East Haddam’s history in nearly 200 images from public and private archives and collections. Copies of the book will be available for purchase ($21.99).
Saturday September 7, 2019, 12pm - 2:30pm
Essence of Architecture in East Haddam: Expressions of a Connecticut River Town book signing
“There is a cornucopia of architectural expressions throughout East Haddam, a quintessential Con- necticut River town, presenting a multiplicity of historical architectural styles. Ultimately, the intent is to offer the reader an opportunity to experience the essence of East Haddam’s architecture as well as to gain an understanding and insights regarding place, history, and humanity.”....George Fellner, author
Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $35. + tax.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $35. + tax.
Past events - 2018
March 25, Sunday, 2-4pm Pysanky Workshop
Learn how to make beautifully decorated Ukrainian eggs. Pysanky is an art form celebrated all over Eastern Europe at this time of year.
Artist Sharon Leonard will guide us through the process of planning a design, dyeing, waxing, dyeing, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg. Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum hosted this workshop 2 years ago. For those of you who attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
Artist Sharon Leonard will guide us through the process of planning a design, dyeing, waxing, dyeing, and polishing the wax-resist jewel-like egg. Stylus, wax candles, colored dyes, and eggs will all be provided for you.
East Haddam Historical Society & Museum hosted this workshop 2 years ago. For those of you who attended, we'd love to see you make another amazing creation. For those who have never been, please join us for a workshop that will give you the ability to make these every year. Your creations will, of course, go home with you.
May 19, Saturday 8am East Haddam Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale
The East Haddam Garden Club is holding their Plant & Bake Sale at the Historical Society starting at 8am on Saturday May 19th.
June 9, 10am - 4pm East Haddam Historical Society & Museum To Celebrate Statewide Connecticut Open House Day
Festivities Designed to Build Awareness of State’s Cultural and Tourism Assets Among Residents
The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum today announced plans to participate in the 14th Annual Connecticut Open House Day, a unified celebration of the state’s fascinating world of art, history, and tourism on June 9, 2018. During this one-day event, East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, along with more than 200 other organizations and attractions throughout the state, will open its doors and offer free admission to the museum. Visitors can enjoy docent led tours of the museum which includes artifacts and exhibits tracing East Haddam’s rich history.
This exciting statewide event, sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Tourism (COT), is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut’s exceptional cultural and tourism assets and encourage them to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting families and friends.
The museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. -–4:00 p.m. with free admission. The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum is located at 264 Town Street.
The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum today announced plans to participate in the 14th Annual Connecticut Open House Day, a unified celebration of the state’s fascinating world of art, history, and tourism on June 9, 2018. During this one-day event, East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, along with more than 200 other organizations and attractions throughout the state, will open its doors and offer free admission to the museum. Visitors can enjoy docent led tours of the museum which includes artifacts and exhibits tracing East Haddam’s rich history.
This exciting statewide event, sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Tourism (COT), is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut’s exceptional cultural and tourism assets and encourage them to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting families and friends.
The museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. -–4:00 p.m. with free admission. The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum is located at 264 Town Street.
October 7, 13, 14 & 21: East Haddam Historical Society & Museum is featuring a Mobile Ice Cream Parlor for the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/East Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special
The East Haddam Historical Society Museum has partnered with Ice Cream Emergency! and their team of professional “scoopologists” to welcome all visitors to the Museum at 264 Town Street to enjoy a specialty ice cream cone and a docent-led tour of the museum’s historical displays and artifacts as part of the East Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special co-sponsored by the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
Ice Cream Emergency - a mobile, full-service ice cream parlor disguised as a whimsical rescue vehicle - will be at the Museum from 12:30 - 3:00 pm on October 7, 13, 14, and 21. Ice Cream Emergency! is a family owned business that uses super premium, gourmet ice cream that is to die for (please don’t take this literally, they are not a real emergency vehicle!). Ice Cream Emergency! also offers a selection of delicious frozen yogurt and low-fat and fat-free options. Weather is not a concern as guests board the Ice Cream Emergency Bus and are served INSIDE.
The East Haddam Historical Society Museum features 5 rooms of displays and artifacts which tell the story of East Haddam’s fascinating history, including such famous residents as actor William Gillette (Gillette’s Castle), writer Edith Hamilton (think Mythology), sculptor Heinz Warnike (think Lincoln Memorial), and governor/senator Morgan Bulkeley (first president baseball’s National League). Other exhibits include the famous Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, the Moodus River cotton twine mills (Mills Along the River), Boardman Silver Plating Company, and the Moodus Summer Resorts.
Free admittance to the Museum is included with every $5 ice cream purchase.
Ice Cream Emergency - a mobile, full-service ice cream parlor disguised as a whimsical rescue vehicle - will be at the Museum from 12:30 - 3:00 pm on October 7, 13, 14, and 21. Ice Cream Emergency! is a family owned business that uses super premium, gourmet ice cream that is to die for (please don’t take this literally, they are not a real emergency vehicle!). Ice Cream Emergency! also offers a selection of delicious frozen yogurt and low-fat and fat-free options. Weather is not a concern as guests board the Ice Cream Emergency Bus and are served INSIDE.
The East Haddam Historical Society Museum features 5 rooms of displays and artifacts which tell the story of East Haddam’s fascinating history, including such famous residents as actor William Gillette (Gillette’s Castle), writer Edith Hamilton (think Mythology), sculptor Heinz Warnike (think Lincoln Memorial), and governor/senator Morgan Bulkeley (first president baseball’s National League). Other exhibits include the famous Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, the Moodus River cotton twine mills (Mills Along the River), Boardman Silver Plating Company, and the Moodus Summer Resorts.
Free admittance to the Museum is included with every $5 ice cream purchase.
Past events - 2017
December 13, Wednesday, 6 pm
Annual Holiday Party
Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
Celebrate!
November 8, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Dr. Karl Stofko presents another amazing and witty "Mysteries of East Haddam."
October 11, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center "Demystifying Thanksgiving: A look at the Holiday from a Native American perspective.", presented by Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy), Head of Education at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.
Pilgrims, Indians, Turkey, Pumpkin Pie: These are the trappings of the Thanksgiving we think of today, but how accurate are these representations? For more information about the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, please visit www.pequotmuseum.org.
Annual Holiday Party
Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
Celebrate!
November 8, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Dr. Karl Stofko presents another amazing and witty "Mysteries of East Haddam."
October 11, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center "Demystifying Thanksgiving: A look at the Holiday from a Native American perspective.", presented by Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy), Head of Education at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.
Pilgrims, Indians, Turkey, Pumpkin Pie: These are the trappings of the Thanksgiving we think of today, but how accurate are these representations? For more information about the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, please visit www.pequotmuseum.org.
Artwork is courtesy of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
October 7, Saturday, 1pm - 3:45pm
The Second Annual Riverview Cemetery Historic Tour!
Riverview Cemetery is located on Main Street (Rte. 149) next to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and across from the Rathbun Free Memorial Library in East Haddam.
The 2017 graveyard tour will include meeting costumed ghostly East Haddam citizens, who will recount exciting stories about their lives during our town’s yesteryears.
Tour Admission & Other Details:
Graveyard Tour Admission is $5 per person. Tours are limited to 30 people on a first come and first served basis. Tours will start every 15 minutes. Tour is approximately 30 minutes. The last tour will begin at 3:45 pm. “Ghost Guides” will escort tour participants to each performance grave site.
Sorry, no pets, please. Comfortable footwear recommended due to the uneven grass grounds of the cemetery.
Refreshments courtesy of the East Haddam Historical Society. In the event of rain, Graveyard tour will be postponed to Sat., Oct. 21st.
The Graveyard Tour at Riverview Cemetery is produced the Hadlyme North School Society & the East Haddam Historical Society. Costumes are courtesy of the Goodspeed Musicals Costume Collection & Rental.
September 13, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Mystic Seaport Curator and Oral Historian Fred Calabretta
"East Haddam's Whaling Captain George Comer, extraordinary explorer, scientist, and anthropologist with the Inuit people of the Arctic."
August 9, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
CT Humanities Award Recipient Ken Simon. "The Demise of Old Moodus Center"
How a 1967 Federal Urban Renewal project transformed a rural Connecticut town.
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Simon will present a talk based on his newspaper series, “Legacy of Progress Gone Sour,” which recounts the ill-fated history of the Moodus business district.
In the talk, Simon will recount how a misguided 1967 urban renewal project brought the historic district and surrounding residences to the ground and decimated the heart and unique character of the old mill village. Simon’s presentation will be illustrated by dozens of rare photographs.
“Towns dream, just like people dream,” Simon wrote in the 1982 articles, which he updated for publication earlier this year in the East Haddam News. “They dream of a spacious shopping plaza; they dream of a rebirth, old business districts made new; they dream of progress and modernization.”
Town residents, who had been promised a shiny new village center, approved the project after years of planning, PR campaigns and public meetings. When the multiyear project finally stumbled to a sad conclusion, its former supporters were appalled at the outcome and its consequences for the future of the village. Today, older residents realize that they were persuaded to destroy a unique small-town center in the name of progress.
July 11, Tuesday, 7:30 pm
Author Bruce Sievers. "Exploring the History of Johnsonville"
Special focus on Moodus residents and mill workers.
June 14, Wednesday, 6-8 pm
ANNUAL POTLUCK PICNIC!
Family event. Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
May 27, Saturday
OPENING DAY!!! Karl Stofko will host a question and answer session from 1pm - 4pm. The original copy of "A narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, but resided about sixty years in America- related by himself" will be on display, and copies will be available for sale.
May 20, Saturday, 8am - 2pm
ANNUAL SPRING PLANT & TAG SALE!
with the East Haddam Garden Club
The Second Annual Riverview Cemetery Historic Tour!
Riverview Cemetery is located on Main Street (Rte. 149) next to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and across from the Rathbun Free Memorial Library in East Haddam.
The 2017 graveyard tour will include meeting costumed ghostly East Haddam citizens, who will recount exciting stories about their lives during our town’s yesteryears.
Tour Admission & Other Details:
Graveyard Tour Admission is $5 per person. Tours are limited to 30 people on a first come and first served basis. Tours will start every 15 minutes. Tour is approximately 30 minutes. The last tour will begin at 3:45 pm. “Ghost Guides” will escort tour participants to each performance grave site.
Sorry, no pets, please. Comfortable footwear recommended due to the uneven grass grounds of the cemetery.
Refreshments courtesy of the East Haddam Historical Society. In the event of rain, Graveyard tour will be postponed to Sat., Oct. 21st.
The Graveyard Tour at Riverview Cemetery is produced the Hadlyme North School Society & the East Haddam Historical Society. Costumes are courtesy of the Goodspeed Musicals Costume Collection & Rental.
September 13, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Mystic Seaport Curator and Oral Historian Fred Calabretta
"East Haddam's Whaling Captain George Comer, extraordinary explorer, scientist, and anthropologist with the Inuit people of the Arctic."
August 9, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
CT Humanities Award Recipient Ken Simon. "The Demise of Old Moodus Center"
How a 1967 Federal Urban Renewal project transformed a rural Connecticut town.
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Simon will present a talk based on his newspaper series, “Legacy of Progress Gone Sour,” which recounts the ill-fated history of the Moodus business district.
In the talk, Simon will recount how a misguided 1967 urban renewal project brought the historic district and surrounding residences to the ground and decimated the heart and unique character of the old mill village. Simon’s presentation will be illustrated by dozens of rare photographs.
“Towns dream, just like people dream,” Simon wrote in the 1982 articles, which he updated for publication earlier this year in the East Haddam News. “They dream of a spacious shopping plaza; they dream of a rebirth, old business districts made new; they dream of progress and modernization.”
Town residents, who had been promised a shiny new village center, approved the project after years of planning, PR campaigns and public meetings. When the multiyear project finally stumbled to a sad conclusion, its former supporters were appalled at the outcome and its consequences for the future of the village. Today, older residents realize that they were persuaded to destroy a unique small-town center in the name of progress.
July 11, Tuesday, 7:30 pm
Author Bruce Sievers. "Exploring the History of Johnsonville"
Special focus on Moodus residents and mill workers.
June 14, Wednesday, 6-8 pm
ANNUAL POTLUCK PICNIC!
Family event. Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
May 27, Saturday
OPENING DAY!!! Karl Stofko will host a question and answer session from 1pm - 4pm. The original copy of "A narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, but resided about sixty years in America- related by himself" will be on display, and copies will be available for sale.
May 20, Saturday, 8am - 2pm
ANNUAL SPRING PLANT & TAG SALE!
with the East Haddam Garden Club
Past Events - 2016
December 14, Wednesday, 6 pm
Annual Holiday Party
Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
Celebrate!
November 9, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Dr. Karl Stofko presents his amazing and witty "Mysteries of East Haddam." Karl will be signing his book, "The History of East Haddam", after the talk; copies are available for $7.00.
October 15, Saturday, 2 pm
Riverview Cemetery Historic Tour
Stories of notable cemetery inhabitants bring them back to life! Join costumed interpreters for a fascinating afternoon!
Co-hosted by Hadlyme North School.
Cookies and cider will follow.
September 14, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Jerry Roberts, former Director of the Connecticut River Museum, presents "The Voyage of the Mayflower to Plymouth"
Jerry Roberts will be talking about the Mayflower's famous voyage to Plymouth, focusing on the hinge of fate surrounding the Mayflower pilgrims. There were 102 passengers aboard the ship. About half of them were "separatists", and half were "strangers". Of this total, 51 died within the first three months. They landed in the wrong place at the wrong time of year, and it is amazing that any of them survived. Jerry will talk about the difference between the two groups, and the profound effect that the 51 survivors have had on our history. If any of those 51 who lived had been among those who died, we may have had some very different pages in our history books. In these past 396 years, sixteen generations after the Mayflower landing, seven presidents and countless other noted people have been Mayflower descendants. Jerry will tell the stories of four groups of passengers and their descendants, and how they effected the world as we know it today. You may be surprised to know how the fates of just 51 people have shaped the world we live in. This is not just the story of the first Thanksgiving, it is the story of us.
Annual Holiday Party
Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
Celebrate!
November 9, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Dr. Karl Stofko presents his amazing and witty "Mysteries of East Haddam." Karl will be signing his book, "The History of East Haddam", after the talk; copies are available for $7.00.
October 15, Saturday, 2 pm
Riverview Cemetery Historic Tour
Stories of notable cemetery inhabitants bring them back to life! Join costumed interpreters for a fascinating afternoon!
Co-hosted by Hadlyme North School.
Cookies and cider will follow.
September 14, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Jerry Roberts, former Director of the Connecticut River Museum, presents "The Voyage of the Mayflower to Plymouth"
Jerry Roberts will be talking about the Mayflower's famous voyage to Plymouth, focusing on the hinge of fate surrounding the Mayflower pilgrims. There were 102 passengers aboard the ship. About half of them were "separatists", and half were "strangers". Of this total, 51 died within the first three months. They landed in the wrong place at the wrong time of year, and it is amazing that any of them survived. Jerry will talk about the difference between the two groups, and the profound effect that the 51 survivors have had on our history. If any of those 51 who lived had been among those who died, we may have had some very different pages in our history books. In these past 396 years, sixteen generations after the Mayflower landing, seven presidents and countless other noted people have been Mayflower descendants. Jerry will tell the stories of four groups of passengers and their descendants, and how they effected the world as we know it today. You may be surprised to know how the fates of just 51 people have shaped the world we live in. This is not just the story of the first Thanksgiving, it is the story of us.
August 17, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Bruce Sievers, author of "Mills Along the River: The History of the Cotton Industry in Moodus, Connecticut"
Mills Along the River: The History of the Cotton Industry in Moodus, Connecticut
The East Haddam Historical Society & Museum presents Bruce Sievers, author of Mills Along the River: The History of the Cotton Industry in Moodus, Connecticut at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street.
Books are available ($12, cash or check only) at the Museum in advance and at the event. Book signing will follow presentation.
This event is open to the public and free to members and children under twelve. Donations from non-members is $5.
Bruce Sievers was raised in the Leesville section of Moodus, CT. A 1971 graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bucknell University in 1975, his Master of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in 1984, and a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Southern CT State University in 1993. Following an interest in local history, Bruce wrote Mills Along The River: The History of the Cotton Twine Industry in Moodus, CT as his Wesleyan University Masters dissertation in 1983. The dissertation was published originally by the East Haddam Historical Society in 1985 to commemorate the tercentenary of the town, and was reprinted by the East Haddam Historical Society in 2015. Bruce has presented on the history of the Moodus twine mills at professional conferences as well as at the CT River Museum and East Haddam Historical Society. Bruce is featured in the Ken Simon produced documentary (Simonpure.com) “Connecticut and the Sea” in which he connects the Moodus twine industry to CT’s maritime trade history. Bruce has spent 40 years in public education as a high school teacher and administrator. He is currently an adjunct professor in Education at Central CT State University, and an Associate Director of the Commission on Public Schools for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Bruce is actively involved in international education, and has led accreditation teams to seven countries in Europe and Asia. He has two adult children Jeremiah and Samantha. Bruce lives in Lebanon CT with his wife Dr. Nikitoula Menounos, principal of Norwich Technical High School.
August 13, Saturday, 6 pm - 8 pm
Annual Potluck Picnic
Family event. Bring a dish to share. Beer and wine donation bar.
July 14, Thursday, 7 pm - 9 pm
Connecticut RiverQuest, "Seldon Island Cruise"
River history presented by Rob Smith and Captain Mark. $30 includes beverages, hor d'oeuvres.
June 8, Wednesday, 7:30 pm
Ken Simon, CT Humanities Award Recipient, presented History of Moodus & East Haddam Resorts
