Ellington Historical Society

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Ellington Historical Society The Ellington Historical Society makes connections with and preserves the past. present and future o Open at monthly events and by appointment.

🇬🇧 The British Are Coming—and your kids can be part of the adventure!Join us Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at...
10/23/2026

🇬🇧 The British Are Coming—and your kids can be part of the adventure!

Join us Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Nellie McKnight Museum for a day of Revolutionary War living history!

Sign up for these exciting activities:

⚔️ 10 a.m. — Military Drills for Children
🎖️ 11 a.m. — British Officer Overview & Fencing Tutorial
🇺🇸 11:30 a.m. — Children’s Mock Battle
🕵️ 12:30 p.m. — Children’s Spy Game
⚽ 1:30 p.m. — 18th-Century Soccer Match

📲 Spaces are limited! Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Choose your side—Rebel or Loyalist—and step into the story! Costumes are encouraged.

📍 Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main Street, Ellington

Whispers Beyond the Grave: Some Stories Were Never Meant to Stay BuriedWeathered names. Curious inscriptions. Forgotten ...
10/22/2026

Whispers Beyond the Grave:
Some Stories Were Never Meant to Stay Buried

Weathered names. Curious inscriptions. Forgotten lives.

Join us November 1 at 6:30 PM at Stafford Cidery for an evening of history, mystery, and discovery with and the Ellington Historical Society.

Piece by piece, clues connect the people and places of centuries ago to the communities we know today. Together, we’ll venture deeper into our colonial past, uncovering stories of the chaos of Saratoga, the horrors of British prison ships, a deadly case of poisoned cheese, and a terrible massacre followed by a breathtaking escape.

Who were these people? What did they experience? And what stories have been lost to time?

Tickets are $40, and seating is limited! This is a 21+ event. An incredible evening of history, mystery, and more awaits!

Reserve your spot:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/perceivedparanormaleastcoast/whispers-beyond-the-grave-some-stories-were-never-meant-to-stay-buried-with-perceived-paranormal-and-ellington-historical-society

We look forward to exploring these remarkable stories with you!

Whispers Beyond the Grave
Sunday, November 1 | 6:30PM
Stafford Cidery
68 Main Street
Stafford Springs, CT

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMES ALIVE!Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable day of liv...
10/21/2026

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMES ALIVE!

Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable day of living history!

It’s 1776. Battles are raging across Massachusetts, and Ellington’s militia stands ready to answer the Lexington Alarm. As our townsmen prepare to march, a company of British soldiers arrives in Ellington searching for deserters who may, or may not, be hiding among the good townspeople.

But the British have another mission: to find the legendary farmland of one of Boston’s most famous patriots, John Hancock. Yes, THAT John Hancock!

Tempers flare. Loyalties are tested. Secrets are uncovered. And Ellington’s future may depend on what happens next.

WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?
This year, children become part of the story! Choose your side: Rebel or Loyalist? Sneak into the camps. Follow the clues. Uncover hidden plans. Help save Ellington… or prove your loyalty to the Crown! With the help of our friends from the 54th Regiment of Foot and Ye Olde Lebanon Militia, we invite families, history lovers, and the simply curious to experience the American Revolution up close.

Expect a day filled with hands-on activities, dramatic encounters, living-history demonstrations, a children’s spy game, and even an 18th-century soccer match!

MAKE A DAY OF IT!

Spend the day immersed in the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Revolution. Stop by the Rusty Canteen Pub for fall treats and refreshments. Visit our arts and crafts table to create your own tri-cornered hat. And come dressed for the occasion, costumes are encouraged! Whether you choose the Rebel cause or remain loyal to the Crown, there’s a place for you in the story.

Ellington Historical Society
November 7, 2026 | 9 AM–3 PM
Nellie McKnight Museum
70 Main Street, Ellington

Give your holiday decorations a new home!The Ellington Historical Society is  collecting holiday items to stock our popu...
10/20/2026

Give your holiday decorations a new home!

The Ellington Historical Society is collecting holiday items to stock our popular Holiday Boutique at the Nellie McKnight Museum. If you’re sorting through decorations and have treasures you no longer use, we’d love to have them. Especially seeking vintage items and swags made with greens. Simply drop off your donations on Nellie’s back porch at 70 Main Street, Ellington. Holiday items only, please!

Thank you for helping fill our boutique with holiday cheer while supporting the Ellington Historical Society!

Thank You for Making “Tombstones Tell a Story” So Special!More than 60 people joined us at Ellington Center Cemetery for...
10/20/2026

Thank You for Making “Tombstones Tell a Story” So Special!

More than 60 people joined us at Ellington Center Cemetery for an afternoon of history, discovery, and conversation. We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who came, our partners and the volunteers who helped make it possible!

As we uncovered these stories, we felt the heartbreak of lives cut short and families who endured unimaginable loss, alongside pride in the courage, service, and contributions of those who came before us.

These were more than names and dates carved in stone. They were parents, children, neighbors, and leaders whose lives helped shape the Ellington we know today. Discovering their stories brought us closer to the people who came before us and deepened our appreciation for the beautiful town we call home.

The stories continue November 1 at Stafford Cidery!

Join and the Ellington Historical Society for Whispers Beyond the Grave.

Weathered names. Curious inscriptions. Forgotten lives.

From the chaos of Saratoga and the horrors of British prison ships to deadly poisoned cheese and a harrowing escape, discover the remarkable stories that connect our past to the present.

Tickets are $40, and seating is limited.

Get your tickets here:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/perceivedparanormaleastcoast/whispers-beyond-the-grave-some-stories-were-never-meant-to-stay-buried-with-perceived-paranormal-and-ellington-historical-society

Thank you for helping us bring Ellington’s history to life. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Enjoy these photos from yesterday’s Tombstones Tell a Story at the Nellie McKnight Museum.The research that went into th...
10/18/2026

Enjoy these photos from yesterday’s Tombstones Tell a Story at the Nellie McKnight Museum.

The research that went into these stories was amazing, bringing Ellington’s past to life through the people, symbols, and history preserved in our cemetery. Thank you to Perceived Paranormal and everyone who joined us for an afternoon of discovery!

🇬🇧 Up next: The British Are Coming!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 7, as Revolutionary War reenactors return to the Nellie McKnight Museum. Come experience history in action!

There are a few tickets remaining!  Guaranteed to be an intriguing  experience.   Link to tickets in comments.
10/16/2026

There are a few tickets remaining! Guaranteed to be an intriguing experience. Link to tickets in comments.

👀 What can this face tell us about the past?Carved in memory of Chloe, wife of Ichabod Wadsworth, this remarkable tombst...
10/15/2026

👀 What can this face tell us about the past?

Carved in memory of Chloe, wife of Ichabod Wadsworth, this remarkable tombstone has a story to tell. What did its striking face and intricate designs mean to the people who created it?

Discover the clues at Tombstones Tell a Story this Saturday, October 17! Join the Ellington Historical Society and Perceived Paranormal for an engaging talk and cemetery walk exploring historic stones and the lives of the people they honor.

📍 Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main Street, Ellington
🕒 Sessions at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

A few tickets remain! Come discover the history etched in stone.

Join us for Tombstones Tell a Story and discover an unusual piece of burial history — a zinc vault! What was it used for...
10/14/2026

Join us for Tombstones Tell a Story and discover an unusual piece of burial history — a zinc vault! What was it used for? Why zinc? And what can it tell us about burial customs of the past?
Come uncover this and other fascinating details hidden in Ellington's historic cemetery! Saturday, October 17
🕒 3:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main Street, Ellington
Just a few tickets remain!

What’s the story behind this tombstone? Discover the persons behind the inscriptions at Tombstones Tell a Story this Sat...
10/13/2026

What’s the story behind this tombstone? Discover the persons behind the inscriptions at Tombstones Tell a Story this Saturday, October 17, at the Nellie McKnight Museum!

Join us at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. for a fascinating talk and cemetery walk exploring Ellington’s historic stones and the lives they commemorate.

A few tickets are still available—come discover the stories etched in stone!

Address

70 Main Street, PO Box 73
Ellington, CT
06029

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