Past Events
If you are curious about past events we have held, events from the last couple years are listed below. Current News & Events include all events for this year.
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
