https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b3f25b61-98ee-4ead-85e8-b9e7214a48b1/Derrin+House+prior+to+2016+fire.jpg Home Derrin House in Avon prior to 2016 fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/676ed7f5-49f3-4f13-8f48-f61fe3ed8c7f/PHELPS+FACE+ON+DSCN8684+7x5-300+rgb.jpg Home Phelps Tavern, Simsbury Historical Society. Photo by Jim Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b58c8d15-746f-4125-9101-5fa3727e60cd/train-pic5.jpg Home Train diorama of 1900 Collinsville, Canton Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a15cf442-a3a0-42a1-8aa2-0a43783afb4d/Cooley+School+to+TBarn+Pano.jpg Home Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/7af72b61-b583-4eae-a83c-4f7a8ae5ab9d/Squire%27s+Tavern.JPG Home Squire's Tavern, Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1660165526820-ZDKEYYOKDVD4GY5DKPHD/Old+New-Gate+Drone+6.26.20-128.jpg Home Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/ba1e2659-8ff4-4614-8b19-4b8d3057b14e/Aerial+Fall+2.jpg Home Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/03b89cb5-09ff-4bed-90d2-8501a6137a75/Drawing+Room.jpg Home Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/bde6834a-192b-46e8-84c5-8d16bab37ae8/Wilcox+Carriage+Barn.jpg Home Wilcox Carriage Barn, Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/4ccaf4bb-12b0-4a68-826f-b01fe6421d1e/_MG_0720.JPG Home Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/4057ce0b-befa-4d50-bda6-72f0ce4aeaba/Wilcox+House.jpg Home Wilcox House, Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/9fdedbc1-adcd-40f1-a7d2-a4c4aaeaf8dd/IMG_5165.JPEG Home Memento Mori Cemetery, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/c3eb2c1c-2910-4bbf-baf9-9793f426e9ff/IMG_7788.jpeg Home Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/138c5851-14ce-46a0-8f17-3c3259dea08f/school+house.jpg Home Little Red Schoolhouse, Simsbury Historical Society. Photo by Jim Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/37164dfc-0930-4c0f-8487-4bb6bf02c587/Capture+LLC._6.26.20-116.jpg Home Aerial view of Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/94d3d874-90b9-4795-b3e3-8eb995c142f2/photo+by+Paul+Kramarchyk.jpg Home Squire's Tavern, Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/63249b0d-4851-4313-84fa-6f192da271a8/House+View.jpg Home Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a507946f-0e2e-4732-9eac-77d50548a32f/IMG-2560.jpg Home Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/357d1bbf-9c3c-47f1-9a17-7a1d72808d40/Elton+Tavern+Memorial+Day+FB.jpg Home Elton Tavern, Burlington Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/468c5c02-6652-4bab-8e80-6f25cd3b292b/Sons+of+the+Civil+War+Drum+Corps.JPG Home - The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network’s mission is to enhance appreciation of the rich history of Connecticut’s Farmington Valley by promoting collaboration and communication among heritage groups and raising cultural awareness through programming and tours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/600f1c8b-9ec9-433a-be86-6b32b7b82865/ct-map-with-towns-for-homepage_2024.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/about daily 0.75 2024-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/9dc70629-4453-4bdf-b216-d9c6e57fb4cd/school_house.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645992008909-KE6KUX810K45LNXDW2BT/egranbyhist.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645992065873-8MP4MR7MNS9RPREVQD0Y/MM+Gate+Photo.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645992154515-PTLPLGLNE2MYKGVM89Y9/Elton+Tavern.JPG About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645992189787-EEPGWIXWX4SHV2WCV4IH/The+Collins+Company.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/d319f668-da27-4a27-9dca-791b0a71ae93/Quilt+Viewing.jpg About The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network’s mission is to enhance appreciation of the rich history of Connecticut’s Farmington Valley by promoting collaboration and communication among heritage groups and raising cultural awareness through programming and tours. The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network is an association of history related organizations located in eight towns in northwest Connecticut. We work to further the appreciation of the Farmington Valley’s rich history by offering unique tours and programs. We also communicate and share best practices between members of the network to help each organization be successful. The Farmington River Valley is the geographic thread that connects the Heritage Network. The eight towns in our group cover a wide area of the central watershed area of the Farmington River. We focus on the natural history and culture of this area, from the extensive Native American presence of centuries past to colonial settlement and more recent traditions of the people living here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/82da00ea-92ca-460b-bdf7-835080a0c71d/ct-map-with-towns-for-homepage_2024.png About - Visit our member sites - eleven historic sites all within the Farmington Valley. For individual addresses, directions and hours, see our member pages. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/52a84551-1a3c-4832-8c07-9baa363631dd/Clara+Barton+and+Abraham+Lincoln+2014.jpg Contact - Contact Us We want to hear from you! Feel free to email us with questions and suggestions. Pictured here: Clara Barton meets with President Abraham Lincoln at Renbrook School, March 2013. Photo courtesy of Avon Historical Society. Press Inquiries and General Information info@farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org Website Inquiries cynthia@farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org Individual Member Contacts Members https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/members daily 0.75 2024-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624990669627-N5KLE1WCJWZ7U1L5NBJ1/1865+Pine+Grove+Schoolhouse+in+Avon.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624990803932-RB3AEXWB06CWF5UNV5UI/Squire%27s+Tavern.JPG Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624991084651-0SA106A1QNLZNYZOH8KK/General-Store-3.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624992180475-84BK2592CY6JF4FNPHRN/Sunken+Garden-3-190930.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624992269203-TKMSTQOJQ0VP56SYP5D3/Cooley+School+to+TBarn+Pano.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1624993727893-PJZWZ2L45WCPNDXMN4EM/SWH+300.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e2885e4b-4ff7-4367-a86f-109bb160c0a8/phelps_barn.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644792272258-5L7I5YRGX63R1J9W975B/Unionville+Museum.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644788198715-SB2N4LFA5N4D2NEMAAT0/gridley-case-cottages-from-google-images.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1660165099182-AEDXU3SH21WRQ3RNCF3H/Capture+LLC._6.26.20-116.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/357d1bbf-9c3c-47f1-9a17-7a1d72808d40/Elton+Tavern+Memorial+Day+FB.jpg Members https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/06a59ba7-2600-40d6-98c7-d90db84a6111/ct-map-with-towns-for-homepage_2024-2.png Members https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/avon-historical-society daily 0.75 2022-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/52a84551-1a3c-4832-8c07-9baa363631dd/Clara+Barton+and+Abraham+Lincoln+2014.jpg Avon Historical Society Clara Barton and Abraham Lincoln (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/4748ff50-5880-46d9-adf9-c00dc1745e3a/Cow+Chip+Raffle+2010.jpg Avon Historical Society Cow Chip Raffle (2010) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b7d73afd-178a-49c7-b67c-03b007e0a985/Deeds+Not+Words+-+suffrage+exhibit+2019.jpg Avon Historical Society Deeds Not Words - Suffrage Exhibit (2019) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/8c27e468-72c5-4f0f-b382-b50f7c6d803f/Derrin+House+prior+to+2016+fire.jpg Avon Historical Society Derrin House prior to 2016 fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b932bb93-42c4-4a18-8bd1-fe9e3e848f88/Local+History+Room+at+Avon+Free+Public+Library+with+exhibit.jpg Avon Historical Society Local History Room at Avon Free Public Libary, with exhibit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a8fce5d1-4859-45f8-ba78-c13705a733a8/National+Register+sign+at+Avon+Congregational+Church.jpg Avon Historical Society National Register sign at Avon Congregational Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/cc978c64-e27d-4607-ad50-f8be95241d7b/Paleoindian+%2812%2C500+years+ago%29+artifacts+from+Brian+D+Jones+Site++along+Farmington+River+Avon.jpg Avon Historical Society Paleoindian (12,500 years ago) artifacts from Brian D Jones Site along Farmington River in Avon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/31e3d80e-5d6b-4433-8bb8-2ee78cd1f9ee/PGSH+year+books+-+1930s.jpg Avon Historical Society 1930s year books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/2100730d-4e19-4c28-b24e-59cc98afaab7/Pine+Grove1.JPG Avon Historical Society 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse in Avon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/5b9e7091-0fae-43fc-8c3d-68df545876ee/Towpath+School+cupola+c.+1949+on+Board+of+Ed+property%2C+Simsbury++Road.jpg Avon Historical Society Towpath School cupola c. 1949 on Board of Ed property https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a1899ee1-2b8e-497c-b14d-f3d9873430a4/1823+Schoolhouse+No.+3+in+Avon+CT.jpg Avon Historical Society 1823 Schoolhouse No 3 in Avon CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/4da3ffdb-6939-4d65-9563-c9cd124c26ee/12+banners+showcasing+Avon+history.jpg Avon Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645887718247-HJ6R1D2PLQTBFRX4OMQQ/Legacies+of+the+Civil+War+exhibit+April+2015.jpg Avon Historical Society - Avon Historical Society Founded in 1974, the Avon Historical Society is a volunteer, nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify, collect, preserve, utilize, publish, display, and promote the history and heritage of Avon. They work to deliver transparent, fair and inclusive processes and experiences, free from discrimination in any form. They seek to build a culture of inclusion within their members, volunteers, visitor experiences, organization events and their community. Current Avon Historical Society projects include: Adaptive reuse of the 1823 Schoolhouse No. 3, 8 East Main St. (Route 44) to reopen as a museum in 2024 Creating a digitized database of the artifact collection Continuing the partnership with the Avon Free Public Library and Avon Senior Center to provide educational programming on significantly important historical subjects including Avon’s Brian D. Jones Paleo-Indian site of 12,500 years ago Posting quarterly newsletters on Society activities on the website Fostering ongoing partnerships with other local organizations Pictured here: Rotating history-themed exhibits at the Avon Library Local History Room included the Legacies of the Civil War exhibit. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/barkhamsted-historical-society daily 0.75 2021-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1626989003879-NUZIEQGIFX1IKK39ZC5H/Squire%27s+Taven+2.jpg Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1626988971455-B1WT1IKZ9RUFSFPUDPQX/Center+School.jpg Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1f3fe1d0-49d5-4b5f-a088-a7a5f8c814a9/Interpretive+signs.JPG Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/94d3d874-90b9-4795-b3e3-8eb995c142f2/photo+by+Paul+Kramarchyk.jpg Barkhamsted Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1626988940732-BMJL34D7SWY7SZTPWPRX/Squire%27s+Tavern.JPG Barkhamsted Historical Society - Barkhamsted Historical Society The Barkhamsted Historical Society is working to preserve and share the history and culture of the Connecticut town of Barkhamsted. Our house museum and headquarters is Squire’s Tavern, located at 100 East River Road in Barkhamsted. This building was a 1795 farmhouse and tavern and in 1929 became part of Peoples State Forest. The Historical Society operates the building which is leased to the town of Barkhamsted by the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Squire’s Tavern is open Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to noon. If you are visiting Peoples Forest during a time when Squire’s Tavern is not open, feel free to walk the grounds around the building to see the herb garden and our interpretive signs showing photos and historical background of our town, the Farmington River and the Squire’s Tavern site. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/salmon-brook-historical-society daily 0.75 2022-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645888865573-AZ353N4BY3702OD65CPS/Car+Show.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Car Show https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645888778584-6PEMLXTKYF9155IID2SD/Wilcox+Carriage+Barn.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Wilcox Carriage Barn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1628112584737-C20OII4QK5R9848VK1HR/Pedler+Wagon+w+Thurs+Volunt.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Peddler Wagon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/34b70209-26a6-47c4-b4c6-b774986405c5/2019+2nd+grade+tour.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Second graders tour the 1870 Cooley School https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/cd679de6-a3ca-4b4d-985d-e1a133da0021/Flea+Mkt+Facing+Pres+Barn.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Salmon Brook Historical Society Annual Flea Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/d319f668-da27-4a27-9dca-791b0a71ae93/Quilt+Viewing.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society Quilt Viewing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1628107654069-TMIRIEQ8EKAUO7ZR4JJK/Wilcox+House.jpg Salmon Brook Historical Society - Salmon Brook Historical Society The Society’s main campus consists of two 18th-century homes, a 19th-century one-room school, a 20th-century tobacco barn, and a modern climate controlled preservation barn that houses its research library and textile/quilt collections. We have recently acquired an 18th-century house and carriage barn located at 143 Simsbury Road, known as the Wilcox property. This newly acquired property is being repaired and restored prior to opening it to the public for viewing. The community we know today as the town of Granby is the direct descendant of a British settlement by the name of "Salmon Brook" which had its beginning in 1680. Originally a descriptive name for one part of the vast 100 square mile domain west of Talcott Ridge called colonial Simsbury, Salmon Brook soon became associated with a group of people who would chart an independent course for themselves. The prime responsibility of a Historical Society is the preservation of history (documents and artifacts) for future generations. The Salmon Brook Historical Society was established in 1945, and was fortunate in having many older Granby residents who had a strong sense of history. Their roots were deep in Granby's past, and they saved things that were historically important. Pictured: Wilcox House https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/simsbury-historical-society daily 0.75 2022-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/9dc70629-4453-4bdf-b216-d9c6e57fb4cd/school_house.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/2a575a24-b907-407b-aa26-1384e801075a/ensign_bickford_exhibition_building.jpg Simsbury Historical Society School House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/ded76d04-64f8-40fd-9288-186519f56d03/carriage_house.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b7c410f8-6033-439f-be25-8357ddae85b1/hendrick_cottage.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/95c02c74-4df6-4043-89cd-fef8c16d4d3c/ice_house.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/ad77fbdc-6f31-4868-879f-795465ce4d3e/meeting_house.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/45d4632b-9d1c-4812-9ea7-593ecb738e33/phelps_tavern.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b4069eda-35a4-43a6-8e63-f8fc4fe8cb8b/probate_building.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/595af656-f385-41c4-ab90-1ee25fab503f/visitor_center.jpg Simsbury Historical Society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644790862399-QCM6SMTO8VFIUV6A4VL2/carriage+house.jpg Simsbury Historical Society - Simsbury Historical Society The Simsbury Historical Society collections now include more than one dozen structures, significant regional artifacts and important period and thematic collections. The archives include an impressive collection of primary source materials that relate to early settlements in Connecticut, the founding of Simsbury, and the development of the surrounding region. Secondary sources are particularly strong in Connecticut, family and regional history, but also include published works on historic interiors, political processes, and social and military history. Today the Simsbury Historical Society continues its stewardship of period and modern buildings, artifact and manuscript collections, and special events and workshops, which afford the general and professional public the opportunity to research and enjoy Simsbury’s past and present. Pictured: Carriage House https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/canton-historical-museum daily 0.75 2022-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/ca94f01b-1cc9-49ba-b1b7-863047ba7efa/Bridal-Gown-Exhibitpic4.jpg Canton Historical Museum Bridal Gown exhibit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/016c0914-09b4-41c2-a66f-57ee8f8583c4/Main-Street-Carriagespic2.jpg Canton Historical Museum Depiction of Main Street Carriages, Collinsville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e633be4a-2ce7-4e16-9675-9b4a4bca3109/train-pic5.jpg Canton Historical Museum Train diorama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644787053267-AWPNSH8G63QZGC3BNIHC/General-Store-3.jpg Canton Historical Museum General Store https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645888245002-Y96YT42I2EJQSCER07QG/Collins-Company-Tools-pic3.jpg Canton Historical Museum - Canton Historical Museum Step back in time to a reconstructed 19th-century general store, post office, barbershop, and blacksmith shop. The Canton Historical Society was formed in 1970 in an 1865 Collins Company building first used for finish work for horse-drawn metal plows. In 1923, it was converted for use as a community center which continued to the Company closing in 1966. The museum has three floors of exhibits including Collins tools, a blacksmith shop, general store, barbershop, farm tools, and many others. The museum is also home to the Farmington Valley Model Railroad Society which features an HO train diorama of 1900 Collinsville. Examples of everyday life include clothing, furniture, household, kitchen, and decorative items and a Victorian parlor. There is also a display of children’s toys and games, plus numerous examples of recreation in the days before cars, television, and computers. Trades represented are carpentry, printing, blacksmithing, shoemaking, farming, ice harvesting, and tool-making. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/farmington-historical-society daily 0.75 2022-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644788198715-SB2N4LFA5N4D2NEMAAT0/gridley-case-cottages-from-google-images.jpg Farmington Historical Society - Farmington Historical Society Founded in 1954, the Farmington Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the town’s history and educating the public about its significance. They sponsor exhibits, lectures, and other events, and provide tours of the Freedom Trail’s Underground Railroad and Amistad sites. The society celebrates the diversity of all those who have contributed to the town’s history—the Tunxis Indians who established the first settlement by the Farmington River; the English settlers who traded with the Indians; the fugitive slaves who sought freedom on the Underground Railroad; the abolitionists who gave them shelter; the 38 Africans who lived here in 1841 after gaining their freedom in the Amistad case; the entrepreneurs who constructed the Farmington Canal in the early 1880s; and the merchants and traders who built the stately homes lining Main Street in the historic village. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/hillstead-museum daily 0.75 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/459fe621-fdec-4956-bcc7-e3c4b98f608a/Dining+Room.jpg Hill-Stead Museum Dining Room, Hill-Stead Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/41bb12f5-0c76-4677-8a4c-2599b4933953/Drawing+Room.jpg Hill-Stead Museum Drawing Room, Hill-Stead Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e75e333b-4d48-4e60-85cf-8b02672718fc/House+View.jpg Hill-Stead Museum Hill-Stead Museum, House View https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e38cfd5e-b17e-4970-8c66-7ec4eb2ed176/New+Space+View.jpg Hill-Stead Museum View of new space, Hill-Stead Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1645550766442-7X5ZXG2N2TN4A4UEI8WT/Aerial+Fall+2.jpg Hill-Stead Museum - Hill-Stead Museum Hill-Stead Museum, the 1901 Colonial Revival-style house, was designed by pioneering female architect, Theodate Pope Riddle. Theodate Pope Riddle was one of the first licensed female architects in the country and an early proponent of historic preservation. Designed as a country home for her parents, the Colonial Revival mansion is one of the nation’s few remaining representations of early-20th-century country estates with 152 acres of gardens and grounds. Hill-Stead gives its visitors a close-up view of renowned masterpieces, textiles, and decorative arts in situ. The artworks live in an intimate domestic setting, as intended by the Impressionist artists, who created works to be lived with. The three miles of walking trails at Hill-Stead embody the rich history of its landscape, winding among historic farmland, fruit orchards, pastures, and forest...exquisite in any season. With a pond habitat, meadows, lowland, lowbush, and forest, Hill-Stead’s trails are a paradise for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you love fine art and design, the beauty of gardens and woodland trails, celebrating the seasons, experiencing live poetry performances, or immersing yourself in history, Hill-Stead is always ready to welcome you. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/stanley-whitman-house daily 0.75 2022-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/18d250a1-336d-4193-9863-60ac73c86a61/_MG_0694.JPG Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/155d855f-fe7e-4e28-a1ca-c33b9a4e4fca/_MG_0703.JPG Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/9055118b-3c32-428b-b95a-8ceeb0a79641/IMG_4239.JPG Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/16b53631-f883-4711-87c4-5b45c6e1bfdc/IMG_5019.jpeg Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/db931176-65de-46a3-9efd-e0b6637d0e25/IMG_5163_v1_current.jpeg Stanley-Whitman House Memento Mori Cemetery, Farmingotn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a5d30f7e-46e6-4ad1-8120-cf03f7befc68/IMG_7698.jpeg Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House Dooryard Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644791197103-RRGUUPUZTX75D78UPIUP/IMG_2850.jpeg Stanley-Whitman House - Stanley-Whitman House Stanley-Whitman House is a living history center and museum that teaches through the collection, preservation, research, and dynamic interpretation of the history and culture of early Farmington, Connecticut. Programs, events, classes, and exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning, and engaging in colonial life and the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture. Located in the historic village of Farmington, the museum facility is centered on a ca. 1720 National Historical Landmark house furnished with period antiques to reflect the everyday activities of Colonial life in Connecticut. Surrounding the house are period raised bed gardens, an apple orchard, and heritage stone walls. The public service areas of the museum, constructed in 2004, include a modern classroom, a period tavern room, post-and-beam Welcome Center, research library, exhibit gallery, and collection storage area. The museum manages Memento Mori, Farmington’s ancient cemetery on Main Street, and the Village Green, located at the intersection of Rtes. 4 and 10. Stanley-Whitman House is supported in part by the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/unionville-museum daily 0.75 2022-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/4d1f8e8a-dcdf-41e5-8894-8fb3c44c0a02/1940s+play.JPG Unionville Museum 1940s Play, Unionville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/db7274f9-f9b3-4e54-ab5c-17fcedec4336/Flood+of+55.JPG Unionville Museum Flood of 1955, Unionville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/acc2c88a-0b7d-4469-b174-d068891ef01f/Redevelopment.JPG Unionville Museum Redevelopment, Unionville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/468c5c02-6652-4bab-8e80-6f25cd3b292b/Sons+of+the+Civil+War+Drum+Corps.JPG Unionville Museum Sons of the Civil War Drum Corps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/2f691a8f-b29c-4348-84df-3d98ea8276a5/Town+Hall.jpg Unionville Museum Town Hall, Unionville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b835d58c-07f6-4b22-8b05-1f30fa1c6780/Unionville+Centerr+1888.jpg Unionville Museum Unionville Center, 1888 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1644792272258-5L7I5YRGX63R1J9W975B/Unionville+Museum.jpg Unionville Museum - Unionville Museum The Unionville Museum, founded in 1984, is housed in a historic Carnegie Library building at 15 School Street in downtown Unionville. The Museum’s mission is to foster an appreciation of the history, culture and traditions of our community, by collecting and preserving artifacts from history and using them to interpret and present Unionville’ s story. The Museum: Maintains and preserves a collection of over 10,000 photographs and historical items related to the history of Unionville. Collects photographs and artifacts that will help tell the story of current events. Assists students and residents researching family ancestry. Partners with local schools to share Unionville’s history with students and to display student projects at the Museum. Provides enjoyable annual events and exhibits for the whole family. Honors and records the achievements of local veterans, leaders, and individuals. Supports and promotes economic development and new business. Presents Unionville-themed exhibits featuring the Museum’s collection. Over 90 of these exhibits have been presented since the Museum opened in 1984. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/events daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/277e9829-5811-4802-b4d1-d19a9b1810f9/A+Granby+Haunting+copy.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e12f662c-c537-483b-873f-32f214e55190/mastadon_photo_1.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/53b0b266-895f-4865-bb33-d72d621e77e3/Unionville+Depo+and+train.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/89bd88bd-54a5-418a-b588-b573b4bfa458/TPR.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/7c87f9b5-5e10-4bd6-b469-48e8844e93c3/Collinsville.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/3985e5eb-9440-4e14-bdf1-6a81ce3ee75f/Lebanon+Towne+Militia.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/3f7b2361-e48e-489b-95cc-5fc475131e23/WilcoxHouseandBarn.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/fd2e53a7-ae95-4b20-9b20-bd225a6393bb/New-Gate+Prison+and+Copper+Mine.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/78eda580-4761-4632-8765-2f5df15d3077/John+Trumbull+Declaration+of+Indepence+Painting.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/a4bb61e4-040f-44c7-a06a-759725dd6509/Walt+Woodward.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/ee95af9c-a1cb-4810-9579-5c090d13da17/myrtle+mills.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/e521d0a1-274a-4007-b5fc-635713f8f500/ConnecticutHumanities_Logo_RGB.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/9c3ebbe9-f5b7-426b-b9f9-c116fe64930e/Traitor+Homecoming+Book+Cover.jpg Events - Pre-Tour Lecture: “The Traitor’s Homecoming” Thursday, April 23, 2026 / 7:00 PM / Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon. Questions: Contact Terri Wilson at president@avonhistoricalsociety.org or (860) 678-7621. Matthew Reardon, historian and author of The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4-13, 1781, will present his reexamination, using dozens of newly discovered British and American primary sources, of Arnold’s engagement in New London during the Revolutionary War’s 7th year. The talk sets the stage for the April 25 bus tour, “Way Back When: Witnesses to the Revolution.” The lecture is open to the public; admission is $5 per person for those not joining the April 25 bus tour, payable at the door. More information about the bus tour is included above. READ MORE here. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/past-events daily 0.75 2022-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1647891752658-0MJN26B69YUBKA29H8WM/Newgate+from+Morgan.jpg Past Events - The Saga of New-Gate Prison Thursday, April 28, 2022 / 7:00 PM / Ellsworth Center, Simsbury Historical Society Join us for a lecture with Morgan Bengel, Site Manager for Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine, on The Saga of New-Gate Prison. Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is recognized as National Historic Landmark for being the first chartered copper mine and first state prison. As the first state prison, Newgate was a trial-and-error experiment, one that included many prison escapes. Through the tourism years, the escape stories of Newgate Prison have taken on a life of their own and been romanticized through many legendary retellings. Diving deeper into the escape stories offers a new understanding of the infrastructure and ideological changes that took place at this early center of “reform.” Morgan Bengel will explore how these exhilarating escapes shaped New-Gate's history and contributed to the ever-evolving prison system. The lecture will set the stage for the Bus Tour that follows on April 30 (see below), Lively Lore and Legends: Fact or Fiction? The lecture is free to those also attending the bus tour; $5 for those not also attending the bus tour. The lecture is limited to 50 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1646431236079-EBOYYW2FDVXRHL0T3JS0/Barkhamsted+Lighthouse+drawing.jpg Past Events - Lively Lore & Legends: Fact or Fiction? Saturday, April 30, 2022 / 9:30 am - 3:30 pm / Meet at Iron Horse Boulevard Commuter Parking Lot behind Drake Hill Mall, Simsbury. The bus will depart promptly at 9:30 AM for its first stop. Join us for our first bus tour in three years! On this tour of Barkhamsted, Granby, and Simsbury, you will hear riveting lore and legends… but are they true? Hear the Barkhamsted Lighthouse story, which includes love, strife and race relations; hear about the building of the Saville Dam and the impact on the Barkhamsted Reservoir on the residents of the flooded area. In Granby, presentations will include a local ghost story, a first-hand account of the 1955 flood, and stories of crime in Granby, including a chicken thief compared to Jean Valjean from Les Miserables. In Simsbury, after lunch together, we’ll tour the reconstructed wigwam on the Historical Society property, learn about the First Nations people in Simsbury, and hear about a witch in the Meeting House! Tickets are $45, and include the 6-hour tour, a goody bag for the bus, and lunch. TO SIGN UP, contact Nancy Anstey at nancyanstey@comcast.net or 860-680-5298. We will be following current State of CT and CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Masks are required on the bus. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/old-newgate-prison-copper-mine daily 0.75 2022-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/37164dfc-0930-4c0f-8487-4bb6bf02c587/Capture+LLC._6.26.20-116.jpg Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/79b96b5c-59dd-41fa-8629-e79dffbd7c90/cj7WriNVw6D+-+Photo+3.jpg Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/38a4ab7e-0982-48da-92e2-65c73cf2a04a/Copy+of+cj7WriNVw6D+-+08.30.2018_13.27.22.jpg Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1660165526820-ZDKEYYOKDVD4GY5DKPHD/Old+New-Gate.jpg Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine - Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is nationally recognized as the first chartered copper mine and first state prison in early America. As a museum, they strive to engage with historic and contemporary issues through the exploration and discovery of the site as a copper mine, prison, and tourist attraction. Old New-Gate houses the first ever Re-entry Hall of Change – a place to honor formerly incarcerated men and women who have made a great positive impact in their communities; as well as works of art from the Connecticut Partners in Action, Prison Arts Program. Whether you are looking to discover a piece of Connecticut’s rich history, or to think deeply about the nature of crime and punishment; to explore 75 feet below the surface through the dark and winding paths of the old copper mine, or simply to make memories with loved ones, your authentic experience at Old New-Gate awaits.War exhibit. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/burlington-historical-society daily 0.75 2024-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/b5b1bcd5-a4c2-4ba6-8e56-893c3e14e83f/tavernold-300x188.jpg Burlington Historical Society Historic image of Elton Tavern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/1b9fcec5-df68-47f7-847f-1678a4c47e32/Elton+Tavern+from+FB.jpg Burlington Historical Society Elton Tavern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/fa2dff0d-58a7-49e3-80c3-4b3656c5fe0d/Elton+Tavern+interior+FB.jpg Burlington Historical Society Elton Tavern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/46ea6b07-18c5-43f0-a4e8-f03f2f4df153/Elton+Tavern+sign+FB.jpg Burlington Historical Society Elton Tavern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/76d0c92c-f731-4050-b8f0-f0c408247c21/Tavern+cooking+fb.jpg Burlington Historical Society Elton Tavern Hearth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/3c94f4dd-e9b2-4c7b-a0d3-b019c0117927/Elton+Tavern+xmas+FB.jpg Burlington Historical Society Elton Tavern Christmas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/357d1bbf-9c3c-47f1-9a17-7a1d72808d40/Elton+Tavern+Memorial+Day+FB.jpg Burlington Historical Society - Burlington Historical Society The Burlington Historical Society preserves local history by keeping alive its culture, traditions, and heritage through education, programs, exhibits, and living history experiences, creating a legacy for current and future generations. The first inhabitants of present-day Burlington were members of the Tunxis Tribe, who belonged to a confederation of Algonquin Indians. Legend holds that they used the area as a hunting ground. The first English settlers of Connecticut arrived in 1636, settling the plantations of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield. In 1640, John Haynes, governor of Connecticut, negotiated on behalf of the Hartford settlers a purchase from the Tunxis of a large tract of land west of Hartford. In 1645 the land was incorporated as the town of Farmington, which included the present-day towns of Avon, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, New Britain, Plainville, Southington, and parts of other towns. To read more about the history of Burlington and its growth to a current population of over 8,000 residents, see “A Brief History of Burlington, Connecticut” by Clifford Thomas Alderman (from which excerpts appear above). The Elton Tavern, shown here, was built in 1810 by Burlington merchant Giles Griswold (1780-1838), and served as a private home, public house, and inn during the next 164 years until the town of Burlington purchased it in 1974. The beautiful, Federal-style house is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To read more, visit History of the Elton Tavern. https://www.farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org/volunteer daily 0.75 2024-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/46183a56-52bc-4935-ab68-772e78a9add5/20220430_105025.jpg Volunteer Opportunities - Looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Love history and the Farmington Valley? The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network is looking for a motivated, dedicated, and energetic volunteer to take on the responsibilities detailed below. The long-standing volunteer head of the Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network is retiring and relocating out west. The member sites of the group will be sharing some of the responsibilities formerly under her purview, and seek a new volunteer to take on other responsibilities. The new volunteer will coordinate closely with all group members, who are there to support him or her. The retiring volunteer is available to answer questions and help with the transition as much as possible. The following are the qualities we seek in our new volunteer: An organized, detail-oriented person Someone comfortable in a leadership position, who is trustworthy and responsible, and doesn’t need a lot of supervision A collaborative, easy-going personality Comfortable with basic technology (can use the group’s PC laptop, can Zoom, email, use Google docs, Word and similar programs) Preferably someone passionate about history and who enjoys like-minded people The following are some of the tasks the new volunteer will fulfill: Be the central contact for the group: check designated email, respond or forward to the appropriate member, respond to tour and lecture inquiries, etc. Organize and distribute yearly meeting schedule (meetings are once a month except August; each member site signs up to host one meeting) Keep and organize copies of all meeting documents, committee contact information, and other FVHN information (as a central “hub”) Take the lead and participate in tasks for lectures and bus tours (a detailed outline of tasks will be provided) Other tasks as needed by the group Interested in learning more? Email Paul Hart at paulhart411@charter.net https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60db464ab6e5c34bf80bc0db/82da00ea-92ca-460b-bdf7-835080a0c71d/ct-map-with-towns-for-homepage_2024.png Volunteer Opportunities - Visit our member sites - eleven historic sites all within the Farmington Valley. For individual addresses, directions and hours, see our member pages.