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Tuesday 10am - 3pm Thursday 10am - 3pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

East Haddam Historical Society & Museum

Name: East Haddam Historical Society & Museum
Address: 264 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, US
Telephone: (860) 873-3944
Price range: $

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East Haddam Historical Society & Museum

Open Thursdays and Sundays, noon - 4 p.m., June through October. For other times, call for an appointment.

Open Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend Saturday & Sunday, 1-4PM, or year round by advance appointment anytime. Please direct all historical and genealogical research requests to our Historical Society and Municipal Historian, Dr. Karl Stofko directly at 860-873-9375. Such inquiries cannot be properly addressed on this page.

09/03/2026

Don't miss the Early Bird discount! Purchase your tickets this weekend at www.easthaddamhistory.org!

08/25/2026

Registration is Open for our Hale n' Hearty Party on Saturday, October 10th from 6-9 PM. Dance to the swinging sounds of the Cherry Pie Band, enjoy pizzas served hot from the oven, bid on fabulous baskets in our Silent Auction and one-of-a-kind items in our Live Auction.

Early Bird ticket prices until September 10th! Purchase your tickets now at www.easthaddamhistory.org. For info call 860-873-3944.

08/04/2026

BUBBLEMANIA!!!
Back by popular demand! Join us Thursday, August 13th at 2 PM. Experience Casey Carle and Bubblemania! as he delights the audience with his amazing bubble tricks and his humor! An East Haddam resident, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and attended the Ringling Bros. Clown College. He has performed in over 10 countries, including Mexico, China, Switzerland, Russia and India. He will amaze you with the most incredible bubbles you’ve ever seen and will teach you science too!
The program is $5.00 per family and is appropriate for all ages. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Pre-registration required to reserve a spot: www.easthaddamhistory.org

264 Town St, East Haddam, CT / 860-873-3944

07/01/2026

“Nathan Hale and His Family on the Cusp of a Revolution”

Nathan Hale is known far and wide for his sacrifice during the Revolutionary War. Join Anne Marie Charland, Museum Administrator of the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, Connecticut, in an exploration of Nathan Hale and the family who shaped him from small-town boy to a Revolutionary War Hero. Ms. Charland will discuss Nathan Hale's life growing up on a farm, attending Yale University, advocating for women's education, and his fateful decision to become an intelligence officer for General Washington. Be sure to visit our Nathan Hale exhibit in the Tavern Room at the Museum!

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: East Haddam Historical Society Museum, 264 Town St.

The presentation is free for members and children

06/26/2026

Join us this Sunday, 6/28 at 2 pm for “The Life and Times of Major General Joseph Spencer,” presented by Alison Guinness. Joseph Spencer lived in East Haddam during the Revolutionary War and the creation of a new nation.

He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a major general in the Continental Army. He fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was later dispatched to New York to block the enemy. He was appointed First Major-General of the Connecticut Militia and served his country from a young age until the end of his life. Learn about his role and contribution during these exciting and troubled days at the beginning of the United States 250 years ago.

The presentation is free for members and children

06/10/2026

Join us for "The Life and Times of Major General Joseph Spencer," presented by Alison Guinness, Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Joseph Spencer lived in the Millington section of East Haddam. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a Major General in the Continental Army, and First Major General of the Connecticut Militia. He engaged in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was later dispatched to New York to block the enemy. He served his country from a young age until the end of his life. Learn about his role and contribution during these exciting and troubled days at the beginning of the United States 250 years ago.

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: East Haddam Historical Society Museum, 264 Town St.

The presentation is free for members and children

05/15/2026

Join us tonight, May 15th, from 6 - 9 pm for our 2026 season Opening Reception. The event is Free; donations are appreciated.

Sunday, May 17th at 2 pm: "The American Turtle in the Revolutionary War" will feature the 1st submarine designed to destroy British ships. Presented by Fred Frese' and Roy Manstan, the event is free for members with a minimum suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers. For info call 860-873-3944.

04/07/2026

Join us on Sunday, April 12, 2026 for "The Lasting Legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton," presented by author Janet Lemond.

Dr. Alice Hamilton, M.D., a local legend, was a neighbor and friend of William Gillette, but she was much more:
* She helped cure the "Mad Hatters" in Danbury, CT, driven mad by toxins at their job
* She was the first female professor at Harvard University
* She met with the Pope and tried to stop World War I!

Janet will present a case study with guidance on how to discover what your ancestors did for a living. She will note some "dangerous trades" in the Haddams during the mid- to late-1800s, at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Ms. Lemond worked for both OSHA and the EPA. While at OSHA, she was responsible for sampling at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. Following the presentation, books will be available for purchase. If you like, the author will be available to personally autograph your book.

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street.

Events are free for members and children under 12, with a suggested donation of $5.00 for non-members. For information, call 860-873-3944 or email [email protected].

03/18/2026

William Gillette's Castle Cats, presented by author Susan Waide
Sunday, March 22nd at 2:00 PM

Join us this Sunday, March 22nd, to learn about Gillette's life and his passion for cats. Author Susan Waide will present a snapshot of Gillette’s life and explore his passion for cats. The presentation will celebrate the birthday of Sir Henry Irving, the famous Lyceum Theater cat brought from England to live with Gillette. While this cat lived over a century ago, its legacy as part of the “Caturday” atmosphere at Gillette’s Castle lives on.

Event is free for members and children

03/12/2026

William Gillette loved cats. Many lived at his home in East Haddam and on his 144-foot houseboat, Aunt Polly. Author Susan Waide will present a snapshot of Gillette’s life and explore his passion for cats. The presentation will celebrate the birthday of Sir Henry Irving, the famous Lyceum Theater cat that William Gillette brought from England to live with him in Connecticut. While this cat lived over a century ago, its legacy as part of the “Caturday” atmosphere at Gillette’s Castle lives on forever.

Susan R. Waide has conducted extensive research about William Gillette’s cats for a series of children’s books she is currently writing. She has taught writing at the University of Hartford, area Connecticut colleges, at libraries, and to assisted living residents. Her STEAM children’s picture book, Dr. Ken’s Fab STEAM Lab, will be published in the spring of 2026, followed by Sir Henry Irving the Cat (historic fiction). Beyond His Narrative – Venture Smith, co-authored with Dr. Karl P. Stofko, is on track for completion by the winter of 2026.

Birthday cake and refreshments will follow the presentation.

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: East Haddam Historical Society Museum, 264 Town St.
For information: 860-873-3944 / [email protected]
The event is free for members and children

Address

264 Town Street
East Haddam, CT
06423

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 3pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(860) 873-3944

Website

https://www.easthaddamhistory.org/

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