Haddam Historical Society

2012-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Venture Smith Program: Hidden In Plain Sight

On Feb. 23, at 7 pm, the Haddam Historical Society will host a program on Venture Smith, the legendary 18th century freed black slave who lived and owned land on Haddam Neck and Stonington, CT, and represented an important historical figure in Colonial times with a relevant message for the present. The speakers will be Marta Daniels, a writer and independent historian from Chester, and Dr. Karl Stofko, East Haddam’s Town Historian.

Smith, who is buried in the First Church cemetery in East Haddam, and whose gravesite is on the CT Freedom Trail, left an important slave Narrative that provides a rare glimpse into slavery as it was practiced in the northern colonies before and after the Revolution. His struggles and final victory over oppression paralleled those of the Colonists over the British in the same time period, and his coeval success merits our recognition.

Smith’s road to freedom in the early Republic, and his ultimate triumph over slavery through land ownership, will be the primary focus of the evening.

Hidden in Plain Sight, a powerpoint presentation, will highlight the recent discovery of Smith’s first land purchase in CT, the precise location of which had been lost for two centuries. Marta Daniels, one of the co-discoverer’s, will discuss the historical significance of the land, how it was scientifically located, and why its preservation is important.

By focusing on Smith’s land acquisition, Daniels’ presentation explores how Venture’s economic, political, social and cultural successes, allowed him to live the American Dream even before there was an America. By his moral authority, social capital, enormous physical strength and hard work, Smith became American’s first black entrepreneur. Once a commodity himself, he successfully learned to achieve mastery over commodity trading in Haddam and Stonington, and, in the ultimate commodity paradigm, used land ownership to re-establish his identity—an identity that the slave trade had taken from him.

Through the story of Venture Smith, Daniels shows how Connecticut’s history unfolds as part of the founding of the early Republic, and continues to reverberate through time, offering a vital and compelling message for us today. Not only did Smith overcome the structural, economic and racial roadblocks that were in place, he succeeded in mastering the means to achieve economic wealth and cultural prominence when everything was set against him to fail. This was a unique achievement for his time, and can be a model for ours.

Preceding the main slide presentation, a brief overview of Smith’s life from birth in Africa in 1728, to his death on Haddam Neck in 1805, will be provided by noted Venture Smith authority, Karl Stofko, East Haddam’s Town Historian.

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012Location: Haddam Firehouse, 439 Saybrook Road, HigganumTime: 7 pmDonation: $5 suggestedLight refreshments
Information: 860-345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org

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Marta Daniels is a co-discoverer of Venture Smith’s first 26-acre parcel of land in Stonington, CT. She is a writer and researcher, and the author of several biographies of notable Americans. Her interest in Venture Smith spans two decades and includes her short biography of him, The Life and Times of Venture Smith, written for the Stanton-Davis Homestead Museum in Stonington. Her professional career prior to this spans 30 years as executive director of several state and national non-profit organizations in which she led public policy projects for the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Connecticut Humanities Council and the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation. She is the owner of Spiritus Mundi Antiques and lives in Chester, CT.

2012-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

February 12-Quilling Valentine Craft for ages 8 and above, 1 pm to 3 pm, Thankful Arnold House.

Quilling or paper filigree is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs. Join us to make a handmade Valentines Day Card using this historic technique. Ages 8 and above. There is a $5 materials fee.

Janteenth

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

2011-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

2012 Calendar Now Available
Town Office Building
Brainerd Memorial Library
Town and Country Nurseries
Haddam Historical Society/Thankful Arnold HOuse

also http://www.haddamhistory.org/

Just $10

Lobster Bake September 2011

2011-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

2011-09-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Lobster Bake Fundraiser
5 pm

Historic Benjamin Burr House, 114 Brault Hill Road, Higganum

$75 per person

Silent Auction!

Call 860-345-2400 for reservations

Good Food, Good Friends, Great Cause!

Vacation Time!

2011-08-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Office and Museum
Closed August 22-25
Closed Augst 26
Closed August 29-September 5

Open Sunday, August 21 and August 28
Open Thursday, August 25

Visit us at the Haddam Neck Fair on Labor Day Weekend-100th Anniversary

Summer Program

2011-07-13T13:08:00.001-07:00

A Week in the Life of an Early American Child held from June 27 to 30, 2011.

Historic Gardens Day

2011-06-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens
Open House Day
Sunday, June 26, 2011
12 noon to 4 pm
Thankful Arnold House Museum
14 Hayden Hill, Haddam, 06438

Visit the Arnold Museum historic herb garden or one of the other twelve historic sites around the site from 12 noon to 4 pm. Admission is free.

Arnold House visitors can make a “tussie mussie”- a small circular nosegay using herbs and flowers from the garden.

Also on Sunday our first annual “Real Mud Pie Contest” for children ages 5 to 10. Create a mud pie at home using all natural products from your yard and decorate. Prizes will be awarded. Using the cookbook “Mud Pies and Other Recipes” by Marjorie Window as our guide, a suggested recipe follows:

• 2 cups of fine yard or garden dirt
• ½ cup of rain water
• ¼ cup of driveway sand
• Pinch of grass, pine needles, crushed leaves
• Mix well and place in small “parent approved” baking dish. Bake in sun for 1-6 hours to desired hardness.
• Decorate using only natural items from your yard.

Prizes will be awarded.

Haddam Historical Society, 860-345-2400, www.haddamhistory.org, contact@haddamhistory.org

2011-06-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made the Haddam Garden Club Historic House and Garden Tour a success on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The Thankful Arnold House and Gardens would like to thank Deb Rutter, Amy Roper, Sarah Neal, Barbara Glista, Emmalyn Lecky, Alyssa Lecky, Ron Chambers for their wonderful tours and insight.

Volunteer Thank You Party

2011-05-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

HHS Annual Meeting 2011

2011-05-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Photo: Brooklyn Dodgers Fans: Phil Miller (center), Tony Rigono (right)
Annual Meeting, Haddam Historical Society
Program with State Representative, Phil Miller speaking on the Life and Times of Jackie Robinson. Wonderful program.

2011-05-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Gail and Dan Reynolds for hosting our "Old House Enthusiasts Group" on Thursday, May 12, 2011. They kindly opened their beautifully restored 1744 Colonial period saltbox for us tour. The group saw everything from the attic to the cellar including the most beautiful panelling in the front parlor and stunning reproduction wall paper. Thank you again Gail and Dan!

Hoe Valley Tour, April 17, 2011

2011-05-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

This and That, April 25-29

2011-04-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Spent Monday and Tuesday at an intensive workshop on Disaster Recovery for Cultural Heritage Materials. Covered everything from Incident Assessment to hands-on wet recovery exercises. Wednesday- Worked on grants from "Get Lost" brochure for the Lower CT River Valley Heritage and restoration grant for the Middlesex County Jail. Antiques Show had their wrap-up meeting and started planning for next year.Thursday-Plaster and paint work is now completed and looks wonderful.Upcoming events include

May 12- Old House Enthusiasts Group

May 19-Annual Meeting with Phil Miller on Jackie Robinson

May 22-Volunteer Thank You Party

Hoe Valley Tour

2011-03-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hoe ValleyTour Candlewood Hill Road Industrial Bus Tour Sponsored by Higganum Pharmacy April 17, 2011 Sunday 1 pm Leaving from the Haddam Elementary School Parking Lot Tickets are $10 or $5 for HHS supporters Reservations can be made by calling 860-345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org Join the Haddam Historical Society for a bus tour of “ Hoe Valley” along Candlewood Hill Road on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 1 pm. Led by Charles Farrow and John Edmondson the tour will focus on the D. & H. Scovil hoe manufacturing company which was one of Higganum’s leading industries in the 19 th century. Started in 1844 the firm built several mill buildings along Candlewood Hill Brook and became one of the country’s leading manufacturers of planters’ hoes. We will visit several of the sites and learn about Higganum’s role in establishing America as an industrial leader.

Antiques Show

2011-03-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Connecticut Spring Antiques Show
Sunday Booth Chats

Sunday, March 13, 2011, 12:30 pm
“How Women Express Themselves Through Quilts”
Booth #50
Lorraine German
Mad River Antiques

At 12:30 pm, Lorraine German of Mad River Antiques will have a discussion about how women in early America crafted quilts not only for function but also as a way to express who they were. Lorraine began quilting 25 years ago; making quilts for her own use and for sale. Her personal love of quilting has added to her appreciation of the art and the women who made them.
Mad River Antiques is a member of the Antiques Dealers’ Association of America and the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association. In addition, Lorraine is currently a member of the Sandisfield, MA History Book project. Their website is www.madriverantiques.com.

Sunday, March 13, 2011, 1:30 pm
“The Sampler: A Little Masterpiece”
Booth # 32
Henry T. Callan
Henry T. Callan Fine Antiques

At 1:30 pm, Henry T. Callan, one of New England’s premier sampler dealers, will discuss the history behind the early American Sampler, explain the different types of samplers ranging from the 16th to the 19th centuries and describe the important elements of the sampler. Mr. Callan will also educate the public about building a personal sampler collection.
Mr. Callan is a member of the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association and the New England Appraisers Association. He specializes in American Samplers and Chinese export porcelain and takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with individuals. He is located in East Sandwich, Ma.

Sunday, March 13, 2011, 2:30 pm
“Pewter in New England, its Many Uses”
Booth #33
Wayne A. Hilt
of Wayne and Phyllis Hilt

At 2:30 pm, Wayne Hilt will present “Pewter in New England, its Many Uses.” Mr. Hilt began his career with antiques in 1973 and specializes in the field of American and British Export Pewter and quality pewter restoration. He has participated in many important exhibits on antique pewter in Connecticut and New England and is one of the primary authors of the book, Collecting Antique Pewter, What to Look For and What to Avoid. Hilt is a past president of the New England Region of the Pewter Collectors Club of America, a past governor-at-large of the national Pewter Collectors Club of America and the former chairman of the committee on authenticity of the national organization. For more information visit their website is www.hiltpewter.com.

2011-02-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Connecticut Spring Antiques Show
March 12 and 13, 2011

The 38th Connecticut Spring Antiques Show will take place in Hartford on March 12 and 13, 2011 at the Connecticut Expo Center. Portrayed as ‘an Americana treasure trove’ the show features over 65 of the country’s finest and most respected antiques dealers, some of whom have been with the show for over three decades. Saturday hours are 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday hours are 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $10 and parking is free. The Connecticut Expo Center is located at 265 Rev. A. Moody Overpass, (I-91, Exit 33) in Hartford, CT.

On Sunday, March 13 the show will offer free educational booth chats by three of our conversant and notable exhibitors. At 12:30 pm Lorraine German of Mad River Antiques will speak on "How Women Express Themselves Through Quilts." Henry T. Callan of Henry T. Callan Fine Antiques will present "The Sampler: A Little Masterpiece" at 1:30 pm, and the final chat at 2:30 pm features Wayne Hilt of Wayne and Phyllis Hilt discussing "Pewter in New England, its Many Uses."

Potluck Social Postponed

2011-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately due to very icy conditions and the lack of safe parking, HHS has decided to postpone the February Thaw Potluck Social scheduled for this Saturday, February 12 at Jan Sweet’s home. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reschedule soon.

2011-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

CANCELLED!

Winter Woolies Knitting Bee scheduled for Sunday, February 6, 2011 is cancelled due to the excessive ice build up, snow and general lack of parking.

2011-02-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Please note that when Regional School District is cancelled, dismissed early or has a delayed opening that the Haddam Historical Society and Thankful ARnold House will follow suit.

Snow

2011-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Due to snow the office and museum will be closed at 11 am.

Winter Woolies 2011

2011-01-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

Winter Woolies

January 23, 2011

Thankful Arnold House Museum

Winter Woolies

2011-01-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

The Haddam Historical Society invites you to
Winter Woolies
Knitting Bee

Sunday, January 23, 2011 and
Sunday, February 6, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thankful Arnold House Museum
14 Hayden Hill Road, Haddam, CT

Enjoy a “historic” Sunday afternoon in the early 19th century kitchen of the Arnold House Museum to work on your unfinished knitting or needlework project. Join knitting master, Beth Hartke and enjoy the company of others with NO modern day intrusions. Share knitting knowledge, patterns and stories. Registration is required, since space is limited. Admission is free.

2011-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
The space heater is going at full blast and winter is in full swing here at the Arnold House. We have a number of exciting programs and events planned for 2011 and I hope you are able to attend some if not all. A number of big anniversaries are coming up including the 100th Anniversary of the Haddam Neck Fair (2011), Haddam’s 350th Birthday (2012), and the 100th Anniversary of the East Haddam/Haddam Bridge (2013). The history community is also commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War this year. We are always looking for volunteers to help out on various projects including event planning, collections or education. If the spirit moves you and you have some available time please consider giving some time to the Haddam Historical Society.

A Glance Back-Haddam 350- Grant Awarded

The Haddam Historical Society is thrilled to announce we have received a $1500 grant from the Middlesex County Community Foundation to prepare “A Glance Back-Haddam 350” a traveling exhibit celebrating Haddam’s 350th Anniversary.

The Heritage Enhancement focus grant is funded by the Middlesex County Community Foundation and Connecticut Humanities Council. The project will cover 350 years of Haddam history from a riverfront agricultural plantation to suburban bedroom community and highlight the town’s rich heritage using photographs and material from the society’s extensive collection. The exhibit will open in January of 2012 and will travel to various community locations throughout the year. The society is excited to honor Haddam, Higganum and Haddam Neck and their accomplishments of the last 350 years.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of the County, now and in the future, by developing endowments, making grants that have impact and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has provided over $1.5 million in grants to more than 200 organizations for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements and for health and human services.

The Society’s Education Coordinator Sarah Neal and Executive Director Elizabeth Malloy are heading up the project. Both serve on the Haddam 350th Steering Committee which meets monthly on the first Thursday in the community room of Brainerd Memorial Library at 6:00 pm. For information please call Ed Schwing at 860-345-2730.

Winter Woolies 2011

Sunday, January 23, 2011 and
Sunday, February 6, 2011
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thankful Arnold House Museum
14 Hayden Hill Road, Haddam, CT

Enjoy a “historic” Sunday afternoon in the early 19th century kitchen of the Arnold House Museum to work on your unfinished knitting or needlework project. Join knitting master, Beth Hartke and enjoy the company of others with NO modern day intrusions. Share knitting knowledge, patterns and stories. Registration is required, since space is limited. Admission is free. Light refreshments

For further information call Lisa at Haddam Historical Society 345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org.

February THAW Winter Social
Saturday, February 12, 2011
6:30 pm
946 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT

Join us for our annual post-holiday pot-luck dinner social at the beautiful home of Town Historian Jan Sweet. Warm your toes by the fire & enjoy the company of good friends and neighbors.
Your $10 contribution will automatically place your name in the gift basket drawing and help support the organization and its programs.
Please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert and we will provide the main course. Soft drinks will also be provided but feel free to bring your choice of spirits to enjoy.
r.s.v.p. 345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org
Theme- "hats and hearts"
Connecticut Flower and Garden Show
As a proud member of Connecticut’s Historic Gardens the Thankful Arnold House will participate in the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show to be held on February 24 to February 27, 2011 at the Connecticut Convention in Hartford. The CHG consortium will have an information booth to promote our sites. This year we will be at booth #513. If you are interested in volunteering at the booth give Lisa a call at 860-345-2400.

The 38th Connecticut Spring Antiques Show
Hosted by the Haddam Historical Society
Saturday, March 12, 2011 -10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, March 13, 2011- 11 am to 4 pm
Connecticut Expo Center
265 Rev. A. Moody Overpass, (I-91, Exit 33) in Hartford, CT.
Described as ‘one of the most important antiques shows in the nation’ by Antiques and the Arts Weekly, the show will feature pre-1840 American furniture and appropriate accessories with over 65 of the country’s finest and most respected antiques dealers. Admission is $10 and parking is free.
MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.CTSPRINGANTIQUESSHOW.COM

Haddam Neck Fair 100th Anniversary Book

HHS Director Lisa Malloy is working with the Haddam Neck Fair President Dianne McHutchison on a 100th Anniversary pictorial history of the Haddam Neck Fair to be published in the summer of 2011. If you have any photographs or other memorabilia that you would like to share PLEASE contact us at director@haddamhistory.org.

Spring Garden Club House Tour

The Haddam Historical Society and Thankful Arnold House Museum will be one of the houses and gardens featured this spring on the Haddam Garden Clubs House Garden Tour on June 11, 2011. Save the Date! More information to come.

Other Upcoming Events

April 17, 2011- Hoe Valley Tour-Candlewood Hill Road Industrial Bus Tour

May 19, 2011-Annual Meeting

June 26, 2011-Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day!

September 2-4, 2011-100th Haddam Neck Fair

September 24, 2011-Fall Progressive Dinner

October 2, 2011-Walking Tour of Haddam Center

Old House Enthusiasts Group looking for 2011 hosts!
Have you restored your antique home or are in the process of restoration and want to share your war stories? For the past several years members of our Old House Group have toured many wonderful homes in town in various stages of restoration. We have discussed the challenges and benefits of working on and owning an older home. We have shared ideas, techniques and names. The group is not interested in how your house is decorated but how you striped you paint or where you found reproduction nails.

If you would like to open your home and share your experience please call Lisa at the Arnold House. 860-345-2400

East Haddam/Haddam Patch

Executive Director Elizabeth Malloy is now contributing a monthly column to the news web site http://easthaddam.patch.com. Check it out.

Business Members
Higganum Pharmacy- 3A Candlewood Hill Road, Higganum, 860-345-3607

Higganum Dental Associates, 415 Killingworth Road, Higganum 860-345-4538

Higganum Veterinary Clinic 860-345-3366
Johnson Millworks of Haddam Neck 860-267-4693

Café 81 860-345-0081
CT River Candles 860-554-5015
Cooking Company 860-345-8008
Stan Bates Masonry Services LLC 860-345-3554
Tom Sanders Band 860-345-2432
Steve Rocco Architects 860-345-3533

We encourage our friends, neighbors and supporters to patronize these businesses!

December 23, 2010

2010-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Office and Museum will be closed from December 24, 2010 to January 3, 2011.

The staff of the Haddam Historical Society wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Jail Roof Update

2010-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Work is progressing on the Jail roof! In removing the asphalt shingles the original metal roof was discovered below. The original specifications for the building called for a metal roof painted red. We are trying to determine if the metal uncovered was painted red. Stay tuned.

2010-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping for the history buff.

Stop by the Arnold House on Saturday, December 13, 2010 and visit our gift shop. We have local history books, toys, pie plates, posters and notecards. Open from 2 pm to 4 pm. We accept cash, check and credit card.

more Founders' Day

2010-11-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Founders' Day Dinner, Nov. 5, 2010

2010-11-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

2010-10-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Founders Day Dinner
The Haddam Historical Society invites you to the
Frugal Founders’ Day Feast

November 5, 2010
7:00 pm
Haddam Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive
Main Course,
soft drinks and coffee
provided by the Haddam Historical Society
Please bring an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert to share.

BYOB
$20 per person
r.s.v.p. to 345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org

Founders’ Day Award to outstanding volunte

John Brown Talk

2010-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 noted Connecticut historian Bill Hosley presented "John Brown: The Connecticut Roots of an American Legend"

Martyr, terrorist, evangelist, and anti-slavery crusader, America never forgets nor fully reconciles its perspectives on John Brown (1800-1859) the Connecticut native whose fiery rhetoric and controversial activism blazed the trail that led to our Civil War. Although he was raised mostly in Ohio and achieved fame in Kansas, Brown's combustible combination of evangelical fervor, yankee ingenuity and marketing savvy, made him a convincing exponent of Connecticut values and identity. This armchair tour of art, objects and historic sites associated with John Brown will recall the drama and issues of his life by reviewing how his legacy has been interpreted, preserved and expressed in art, sculpture, poetry, material culture, music and in mythologized historic sites. We also grapple with Brown's story as a prism through which a deeply divided Connecticut processed the most dramatic time in the nation's history - the decade leading up to the Civil War.

Felted Pumpkin Workshop

2010-10-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Make a Felted Pumpkin
Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 7 Pm

Thankful Arnold HOuse Museum

Join local fiber artist Vivienne McGarry of Cold Goats Farm in Haddam Neck to create a felted pumpkin. Only 15 slots available. Cost is $10. Please call Lisa Malloy at 860-345-2400 or email her at director@haddamhistory.org

Workshop will be held in the historic kitchen of the Thankful Arnold House at 14 Hayden Hill Road, Haddam, CT.

Successful Progressive Dinner

2010-09-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT PROGRESSIVE DINNER!

Thank you to everyone who made our Progressive Dinner a success. A special shout out to home owners Sue and Dave Costa, Amy and Doug Roper and Gerry Matthews. The entire committee did a great job. Below are a few photos of the event.

2010-09-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Visit the Haddam Historical Society at the Higganum Village Market on Friday, September 17, 2010. We will have "historic" cookbooks on display/sale. Celebrate the Harvest!

3 pm to 6 pm!

End of Summer

2010-09-08T09:41:00.001-07:00

Labor Day Weekend is behind us. We had a great time at the Haddam Neck Fair and met many wonderful people. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out including Sue Costa, Gloria Gorton, Bob and Marcia Reynolds, Sue Oehl, Joanne Nesti, Sue DeCarli, Sarah Neal, Mel Ellis, Cindy and Brian O'Neill. Most of all thank you to Amy Roper who spent three days at the Fair and was a TREMENDOUS help! Also thanks to the HK sophomores....Dave, Rich, Eric and Jake who booth sat and Dave Malloy for pitching in.

Tickets are going fast for the Progressive Dinner so send in you check today!

Progressive Dinner

2010-08-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

A Fundraiser for the Haddam Historical Society

Join Us for a special evening and enjoy three distinctive historic properties and delicious fare (including wine, spirits and sumptous desserts) with fun and stimulating company.

Starters- 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the Tree House, 90 Walkley Hill Road

Mains-7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Barn, 75 Parmelee Road

Afters-9:00 pm to 11:00 at the Parsonage, 19 Russell Road

Tickets $50 person, Space is limited

Send check to HHS, P.O. Box 97, Haddam, CT 06438

Visit Us at the Haddam Neck Fair

2010-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Visit our Booth at the Haddam Neck Fair over Labor Day Weekend. September 3 to September 6, 2010. We will have examples of this years third grade scavenger hunt projects and will be collecting your memories and photographs of past Haddam Neck Fairs.

2010-07-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Special Camp Bethel Tour
Sunday
August 1, 2010
2:00 PM

Join the Haddam Historical Society on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 2 pm at Camp Bethel for a special tour of and presentation about this charming historic summer interdenominational Christian "campground" located on the banks of the Connecticut River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Bethel features a splendid assortment of late 19th seasonal cottages associated with the camp meeting tradition. A presentation by resident Stephen Gephard will highlight the afternoon. Please r.s.v.p. to Lisa Malloy at 860-345-2400 or director@haddamhistory.org if you would like to attend.

2010-07-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Program 2010

June 28 to July 1

A wonderful week in the Life of an Early American Child. We did chores including sweeping, laundry, cleaning candlesticks and emptying chamber pots. Made small painted floor clothes and felted a pin cushion. Aunt Fanny visited with her baby twin goats and taught us how to clean wool and use a drop spindle. We also made butter and baked gingerbread over the open fire. In our handmade copy books we wrote about our activities and used a quill pen. Great week

2010-06-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

We had a successful Open House Day on Saturday, June 12, 2010. Many thanks to our volunteers Amy Roper, Sue Costa and Sarah Neal who greeted guests. Executive Director, Elizabeth Malloy recovering from "the gravel" met with visitors on her sick bed and discussed early 19th century illnesses and cures including sticking a toasted pork rind in your ear to help an earache.

2010-06-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Join Us on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 12 noon to 4 pm.

Free tours, crafts and light refreshments.

For directions visit www.hadddamhistory.org

2010-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Haddam Historical Society Volunteer Thank You Party
Sunday, May 16, 2010

Thank you to all who attended and helped out at the Haddam Historical Society Volunteer Thank You Party on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Great weather, great food and the greatest volunteers. We thank Gerry Matthews for opening his beautiful home and hosting the party. Special thanks to Amy Roper and Carol Smith for help in the kitchen and Terry Smith for serving as bartender. Dave Malloy and Richard Stephens were our waiters in training.

2010-05-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Connection to WWI and Haddam's WWI Veterans.

Thursday, May 20, 2010
7 pm
Higganum Firehouse, 429 Saybrook Road (RT 154), Higganum CT

$3 suggested donation, Free for HHS supporters

The Haddam Historical Society will host a presentation on Connecticut's Connection to WWI and Haddam's WWI Veterans by local history enthusiast, antiquarian book dealer and retired educator Phil Devlin. The basis for his talk is the 1919 Military Service Record Questionnaires sent out by the State Adjutant General's office. The questionnaires include personal date, statement of war service and most interesting, the individuals opinion regarding their war service. The documents and lecture will provide an invaluable insight into a significant period of our country's history.

For more information please call 860-345-2400 or email contact@haddamhistory.org

2010-04-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Turkey Hill Cemetery Clean-Up
April 24, 2010

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped clean up the historic Turkey Hill Cemetery on Turkey Hill Road on April 24, 2010. Thank you to Susette Negrelli and Carol Matregrano from the Higganum Congregational Church for coordinating the event. We had a turn out of about a dozen hard workers ranging in age from 12 to late 80's. We hope to go back and do a fall clean up. If you are interested in sprucing up other local historic cemeteries give Lisa Malloy a call at 860-345-2400 at the Haddam Historical Society.

March at the Arnold House

2010-03-26T13:10:00.001-07:00

Thank You

2010-03-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who made the 37th Annual Connecticut Spring Antiques Show a success. This includes all our wonderful volunteers, dealers and staff. The gate was up and the antiques exquisite. Thank you to the dealers who did booth chats on Sunday and to Jeff Noordsy for appearing on Better CT with Bill Cosby.

Next year the show will be held on March 12 and 13, 2011. See you there!

2010-03-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Obie hopes you will join him at the Connecticut Spring Antiques Show this weekend at the CT Expo Center in Hartford.

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm

Booth Chats on Sunday.

Visit our Web site at www.ctspringantiquesshow.com

See you there!

2010-03-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

The 37th Annual Connecticut Spring Antiques Show will be held on March 13 and March 14, 2010 at the CT Expo Center in Hartford, CT. Described as one of the most important antiques shows in the nation, it will feature over 70 of the country's finest and most respected dealers featuring pre-1840 furniture and appropriate accessories.

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm

Admission is $10.

CT Expo Center, 265 Rev. A. Moody Overpass (I-91, Exit 33), Hartford, CT.

Booth Chats on Sunday.

Haddam Collects Quilt Exhibit both days.

Tea Room catered by Thyme in A Bottle of West Hartford, CT

2010-02-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Connecticut Garden and Flower Show in Hartford, Feb 18-21 at Convention Center.

Visit Connecticut's Historic Gardens Booth! Thankful Arnold is a proud member of this distinguished group of historic landscapes and gardens found throughout the Nutmeg state.

Thank you to HHS volunteers Pat Hartman and Marta Moret for volunteering at the CHG Booth.

37th Annual Connecticut Spring Antiques Show

2010-02-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

The 37th Connecticut Spring Antiques Show, described as 'one of the most important antiques shows in the nation' by the Antiques and the Arts Weekly, will take place in Hartford, Ct on March 13 and 14, 2010 at the CT Expo Center. Portrayed as "an Americana treasure trove' the show features pre 1840 American furniture and appropriate accessories with 70 of the country's finest and most respected antiques dealers, some of whom have been with the show for over three decades.

Saturday hours are 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday are 11 am to 4 pm.

Admission is $10

Parking is free.

The CT Expo Center is located at 265 Rev. A. Moody Overpass, (I-91, Exit 33) in Hartford, CT

For more informatin visit http://www.ctspringantiquesshow.com/

Ugliest Sweater?

2010-01-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

You decide!

Our Janteenth Night Social was well attended and there was plenty of good food, friends and sweaters. Many thanks to Jan Sweet for hosting the party and to all our dedicated volunteers who helped out and cleaned up. We had many different types of sweaters and prizes were awared in the following catagories: Best use of wool, oldest sweater, sweater with the best story, ugliest, tackiest, farthest traveled, best hand made sweater and more!

Janteenth Night Social!

2010-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Haddam Historical Society
Annual Janteenth Night Social
Saturday, January 16, 2010
6:30 pm.

Wear Your Favorite Sweater!!

Join us for our annual post-holiday pot-luck dinner social at the beautiful home of Town Historian, Jan Sweet. Warm your toes by the fire and enjoy the company of good friends and neighbors.

Your $10 contribution will automatically place your name in the gift basket drawing and help support the organization and its programs.

Please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert and we will provide the main course. Soft drinks will also be provided but feel free to bring your choice of spirits to enjoy.

946 Saybrook Road
Haddam, CT
Parking available at Jail Property

r.s.v.p. 345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org

2009-12-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010...may it be "historic"

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Haddam Historical Society wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

(photo from the HHS Church Family Photo Collection, Country Road, circa 1915)

Happy Holidays

2009-12-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Wishing all a very safe and joyful Holiday!

I couldn't resist posting my family's holiday cards from 1995 and 2009. My how they grow!

Please try to join us on December 27 to tour the Arnold House from 1 pm to 4 pm.

The office will be open next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and we will resume regular museum hours on January 6, 2010.

December 15, 2009

2009-12-15T12:06:00.001-08:00

Only 10 more shopping days until Christmas. Still looking for that special gift. Be sure to visit our online store at ht tp://www.haddamhistory.org/ where you will find books, toys and our unique and special 2010 Calendar. The calendar would be the perfect gift for neighbors, postman, teacher or anyone who appreciates and supports local history.

The calendars are also available around town at various locations including the Town Office Building, Library, Hi-Way Package, Higganum Feed, Higganum Physical Therapy, Town and Country Nurseries and Coffee Connection.

2009-12-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

December 8, 2009

Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who helped out at our Walkley Winter Windows on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Although the weather did not cooperate we had a decent turn out and all our visitors enjoyed the tour and activities.

Janet Verney did a fabulous job at the Town Hall with the dessert bar, activities and craft sale. The committee of Jan Sweet, Sue Costa, Cindy O'Neill, Kathy Sullivan, Kathy Stanton, Emmalyn and Sylvia Lecky, Elaine Stephens, Deb Rutter, Amy Roper, Carol and Terry Smith and Pat Hartman are to be applauded for all their hard work and creativity.

A big thank you to Cynthia Goetz and Liz Yorke, Sarah and David Neal and Sean and Kristin Donlan for their hospitality and stunning rooms. Thanks to Oliver Neal and Paul Morasutti for standing out in the cold and to Dave Malloy, Rich Stephens and Cody Harlow for their contributions.

Be sure to join us on Sunday, December 13 between 1 and 4 to tour the Arnold House or stop by on the 27th between 1 and 4.

A special thanks to Cheryl Czuba for opening her lovely home and supporting the historical society.

2009-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Please join us on Saturday, December 5, 2009 for
Haddam for Holidays!

Christmas Cape 3 pm to 5 pm, Park Road, Haddam.
Donation $10

Walkley Winter Windows and An Arnold Family Holdiay 5 pm to 7 pm and Town Hall Festivities 5 pm to 8 pm. Donation $15. Check in at Town Hall for map, 21 Field Park Drive Haddam.

More information at http://www.haddamhistory.org/

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all our members, supporters, neighbors and friends. Thanksgiving was once the most important holiday in New England and as I sit here listening to Christmas Carols and viewing pop-up ads for holiday gifts---I wonder what happened. Although we may not be thankful for the same things earlier residents were thankful for...good harvest, healthy cow and an abundant supply of candles...let us be thankful for what we do have.

Pictured is the Rhodes Family pudding bowl. Every Thanksgiving since the early 1800s my family has prepared the "Family Pudding" in the same pudding bowl. Passed down generation to generation I am now the proud owner. The pudding is made of common crackers soaked in milk, eggs, raisins, cinnamon, butter, nutmeg and molasses. It is cooked for 10 hours in an oven at 250 degrees. (Originally it was baked in the beehive oven-probably overnight). This morning I made the pudding and will take it out of the oven at 6 pm. Tomorrow it will be proudly displayed on the table after the turkey and I pray it will not fall apart (like it did in the 1984 fiasco). Funy thing is......no one except my sister and I will touch it. The recipe makes enough to feed a family of 14 but since only two us eat it...we snack on it until Christmas. Next week at our Holiday Event at the Arnold House we will offer samples.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Elizabeth Malloy

Visit from Team Bowditch

2009-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 18, 2009 I had the pleasure of hosting the three members of Team Bowditch who are biking across country to raise money for breast cancer research. Although the museum is currently "under-construction" for the December 5 Holiday event, the group enjoyed a quick tour of house and garden. Before they parted we took pictures with their mascot -a pink flamingo and our mascot- Obie the garden knome.

Team Bowditch started in Maine and are biking to California hoping to cover over 4000 miles and raise $100,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The group has a great Web site at http://www.teambowditch.com/ where you can learn more about the group and make a donation. We wish them the best of luck.

2009-11-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 17

Last week we concluded our 2nd grade school programs. Thank you to Education Coordinator Sarah Neal and all her wonderful volunteers who made the program a tremendous success.

Monday- Volunteers have started cleaning and getting ready to decorate for Walkley Winter Windows to be held on December 5. The Arnold House will have four rooms decorated representing 1830, 1860, 1910 and 1950. We hope you can join us.

Tuesday- Tonight the Connecticut Spring Antiques Show Committee will meet at the museum at 7 pm to discuss the 37th Annual Hartford Show to be held on March 13 and 14, 2010.

On Thursday- The Walkley Winter Windows committee will meet at the Museum to firm up prepartions for the tour and make pomander balls. Meeting to start at 6:30.

Next week is Thanksgiving and the office and museum will be closed from Wed, November 25 through Sun, November 29. Back on the 30th.

2009-11-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

Historic Building and House Plaque Program
To foster an appreciation and raise awareness of our community’s historic architecture and history!

The Haddam Historical Society is pleased to announce the Historic Building Plaque Program to identify historic structures and landmarks in Haddam, Higganum and Haddam Neck. The program will pay tribute to the historic character of the community and give recognition both to its historic structures and early residents. The program will also enrich our understanding of Haddam’s past and its architectural heritage.

Haddam has a long and distinguished history, from Native American possession to a 21st century bedroom community. Our buildings and architecture represent many different chapters in our town’s heritage, including the early colonial period, its heyday as a 19th century county seat, and the industrial revolution in the late 1800s. Haddam also features 20th century suburban architecture as well as agricultural, industrial and institutional buildings, all of which contribute to our sense of place and the character of our community.

Historic plaques are available through the Haddam Historical Society for buildings 50 years or older. Each plaque will list the date of the building’s construction and the original owner or occupant. The plaques are 23.5 x 13.75 inches and are fabricated of Excel® board painted off-white with painted black lettering. The cost of each plaque will be $200.

To qualify for a plaque the building must be at least 50 years old, visually recognized as a historic building, and its history must be documented in keeping with the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office. The Connecticut Historic Resource Inventory Survey (completed in 1986) will serve as the basis for dating and naming a building for those buildings surveyed. However, additional research by a professional historian will be considered if the date is disputed or if primary documentation is submitted establishing an authentic date. The Society can also provide research for undocumented buildings for an additional charge of $50.

Included with the plaque will be a copy of the Historic Resource Inventory Survey (if surveyed) or a report with house description, research and other relevant historic documentation if surveyed by HHS. All plaque participants will receive a complimentary copy of the 1874 Beers Map of Haddam.

For an application VISIT http://www.haddamhistory.org/ or email us contact@haddamhistory.org

2009-11-10T08:29:00.001-08:00

CLOSED NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Please note that the Museum and Office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 to observe Veterans Day.

Photograph is from the Church Family Glass Plate Negatives. Unidentified soliders from WWI.

2009-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ron Chambers is the 2009 recipient of the Haddam Historical Society’s Founders’ Day Award. Ron has been a member of the society for many years and has volunteered in a multitude of ways including serving on the Board of Directors, Antiques Show Committee and Collections Committee. He has volunteered as a guide at our successful house and barn tours, contributed to our newsletter and serves as our resident “antiques” expert or go-to guy. Ron has been an ardent supporter of the Society since coming to town and is always available in a pinch to help out. He has shared his knowledge, talent and hospitality with us.

Ron and his lovely wife, Jan reside in the John Brainerd House in Higganum where they have recently restored a very early 18th century barn and ornate outhouse. Ron who retired from Pratt and Whitney after 32 years is currently a dealer specializing in pewter and early American antiques. This background in early Americana has helped the Society in numerous ways from cataloging and inventorying our collections to museum interpretation. He has assisted in storing items for us and helped identify objects. The Society is pleased and honored to acknowledge Ron for his dedication to the organization.

30th Founders' Day Dinner

2009-11-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night the Haddam Historical Society hosts the 30th Founders' Day Dinner at the Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive at 7 pm. The first Founders' Day event was held in 1978 (no dinner in 1982)at the Red House in Johnsonville at $8.75 per person (drinks were extra). That year the Society honored seven local individuals for their contributions to the town and society. The list included Lillian Brooks, Helen Carni, Gertrude Carpenter, Ruth Hayden, Hans Harald Lund, Esther Neff and Bill Wiley. Over the years the dinner has been held in a variety of venues including the Gelston House, Middletown Yacht Club and the Wadsworth Mansion. This year we return to one of favorite locations the Haddam Town Hall which was erected as Brainerd Academy. We will read the names of the Native Americans and Early Settlers and honor a HHS volunteer who has contributed to making the Society the success it is today. Pictures to follow!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

2009-11-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Sue Costa and Amy Roper for volunteering their time at the Haddam Historical Society's booth at the Higganum Farmers Market on Friday, October 30, 2009.

Please note that the HHS office will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

2010 Calendar Available

2009-11-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Haddam Historical Society’s “Vintage Haddam” calendars for 2010 are now available for purchase.

Featuring many never before seen photographs from our collection, the calendar highlights a number of different subjects including historic houses, shad fishing and fashions of the times. Thank you to board member Bill Schneider for his excellent design capabilities and Deb Rutter and Lisa Malloy for working on the content. Also thank you to Randall Reynolds a senior at H-K High School for helping to scan and doing research.

Photographs include newly developed Church Family plate glass negatives and items from the Grenman Family Collection. Thank you to Norma Burr for sharing her family photographs and to Pat and Charlie Carlson for their contributions.

The calendars are available at the Thankful Arnold House Museum, Town Office Building, Brainerd Memorial Library, Town and Country Nurseries, Higganum Feed and Hardware, Higganum Physical Therapy, Hi-Way Package Store and online at http://www.haddamhistory.org/. The calendar makes a great gift and is only $10.

If you have historic photographs you would like to share with us for the 2011 calendar drop us an email at contact@haddamhistory.org

THANK YOU SUE COSTA AND AMY ROPER FOR HELPING OUT AT THE FARMERS MARKET ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009

2009-10-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Haddam Historical Society
Frugal Founders' Day Feast

Please Join Us!

November 6, 2009
7 pm Haddam Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive

We hope you can join us for the annual Founders' Day Celebration which acknowledges our founding fathers and mothers as well as the area Native Americans who sold "The Plantation at Thirty Mile Island" for 30 coats. The Society will provide main dishes of roast beef and crab cakes as well as soft drinks and coffee. We ask that you bring an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert to share. Bring your own libations.

$15 per person. Please r.s.v.p. to 345-2400 or contact@haddamhistory.org We will award the 2009 Founders' Day Award to a volunteer(s) who has performed an outstanding service to the Haddam Historical Society and contributed substantially to furthering the mission of the Society.

2009-10-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

First Post

2009-10-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2009

Today Board members Pat Hartman and Deb Rutter and Executive Director, Elizabeth Malloy attended a workshop titled "Getting Goverance Right - Board Roles and Responsibilities -Effective Structure and Operations" and presented by Chuck V. Loring, CFRE. The program was sponsored by Middlesex County Community Foundation in partnership with Liberty Bank Foundation. A very eye-opening morning- discussing issues which face nonprofits from the current economic conditions to income disparity. It was a very worthwhile program and we hope to institute some of the suggetions discussed.

Tomorrow we welcome Second graders from Haddam Elementary School to learn about Thankful's neighborhood.

Higganum Farmer's Market on Friday.