Old Bethlem Historical Society - Bethlehem, CT

Call Directions Contact the museum

Old Bethlem Historical Society - Bethlehem, CT Old Bethlem Historical Society was established in 1968 to promote and preserve Bethlehem's history.

OBHS attended the BCS/BES 100 year celebration yesterday. It was a fun, creative program for all.
10/21/2026

OBHS attended the BCS/BES 100 year celebration yesterday. It was a fun, creative program for all.

Upon a recent review of the Woodbury Tercentenary booklet dated 1959, marking the 300th anniversary of the original land...
10/16/2026

Upon a recent review of the Woodbury Tercentenary booklet dated 1959, marking the 300th anniversary of the original land acquisition of ancient Woodbury, the souvenir published the businesses, etc. of their daughter towns. We thought that the farms were of importance to our little town of Bethlehem. Note the phone numbers starting with COngress aka 26.

"Puritan Shade"A Congreational church casting its shadow on the face of an Episcopal church can symbolize the long histo...
10/16/2026

"Puritan Shade"

A Congreational church casting its shadow on the face of an Episcopal church can symbolize the long history between the Puritans and the Church of England. Congregational churches grew out of the Puritan movement, which sought to separate from many traditions of the Church of England, from which the Episcopal Church later emerged in America. The shadow suggests that the Puritan legacy has left a lasting mark on New England's religious and cultural identity. Yet both churches stand side by side today, reflecting how traditions that were once divided by conflict now share the same community and landscape.

Photo credit - Vin Bove

Why does the museum have a purple light shining outside? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are parti...
10/01/2026

Why does the museum have a purple light shining outside? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are particating in Light Up Litchfield County.

The light is a visible symbol of support for survivors, remembrance of victims and hope for a future free from domestic violence. Together we can end the silence.

Bethlehem Post Master Earl Johnson'sretirement party September 17th, 1974. Thank you, Jim Larsson, for sharing this.
09/17/2026

Bethlehem Post Master Earl Johnson's
retirement party September 17th, 1974. Thank you, Jim Larsson, for sharing this.

This photo is from 1927. It is of the oxen pull on the Town Green in the early days of the Fair originally held by the ...
09/11/2026

This photo is from 1927. It is of the oxen pull on the Town Green in the early days of the Fair originally held by the Grange.

Hope to see you at the Fair this weekend. Stop by the museum booth in the Main Barn. We have some books, cards and pewter ornaments for sale. Our display is of the town's America 250 celebration and the Bethlehem School 100 year anniversary. Maybe there is a photo of you when you were a student there!

The 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in New Haven, from July 1-9. More than 7000 athletes from 143 co...
08/27/2026

The 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in New Haven, from July 1-9. More than 7000 athletes from 143 countries gathered for competition in 21 sports. The opening and closing ceremonies were held in the Yale Bowl and various events were held around the New Haven area.

As part of the Host Town Program, international delegations were welcomed and hosted in various CT towns prior to competition for acclimation, cultural exchanges and community events. Bethlehem hosted Montserrat.

Did your family host an athlete? Do you know anyone that did? Recognize anyone in the photos?

The Montserrat flag, stamp and photos were a recent gift to the museum from Bonnie Grzelak.

A fun memory from June 1966.
08/24/2026

A fun memory from June 1966.

News clipping from August 23, 1968. Once a thriving business, now an eyesore as one enters our town.
08/21/2026

News clipping from August 23, 1968. Once a thriving business, now an eyesore as one enters our town.

ATTENTION - This is NOT endorsed by OBHS. Do NOT open. Report SPAM.
08/21/2026

ATTENTION - This is NOT endorsed by OBHS. Do NOT open. Report SPAM.

Address

4 Main Street North
Bethlehem, CT
06751

Telephone

+2032667852

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Old Bethlem Historical Society - Bethlehem, CT posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Old Bethlem Historical Society - Bethlehem, CT:

Shortcuts

Share

Category