Ellington Historical Society

08/30/2026

The Ellington Historical Society and the Ellington Community Theatre invite you to audition for our interactive cemetery tour on Sunday Sept. 13th, 2pm, at the Nellie McKnight Museum 70 Main St. Rehearsals as follows:
Friday Sept. 18th 6pm
Sat. Sept 26th 11am -2pm
Friday Oct. 2nd 6pm
Sat Oct. 10th 11am-2pm
Friday Oct. 16th 6-9 pm
The performance will take place Saturday, October 17.

If auditioning please be sure you can make the rehersals

08/27/2026

Come visit the Ellington Historical Society at the Ellington Farmers Market this Saturday from 9 am to noon in Market Park

Stop by to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we help preserve Ellington’s history. You can pick up one of our unique Ellington mugs—a perfect way to celebrate our town while supporting the Ellington Historical Society ☕️

We’ll see you at the market!

08/23/2026

We are already planning ahead for next summer's presentation at the Nellie McKnight Museum with the New England Civil War Museum & Research Center. Stay tuned.....

08/19/2026

Check out the video of a new local history course at Ellington High School. The Ellington Historical Society is sharing loads of information to enhance the course. Thanks to Rachael Hundley for your insight in creating a local history course!

A new high school course in Ellington will send students across the street to the senior center to interview residents about their lives and record local history firsthand.

08/17/2026

Thank you Homestead Comfort for insulating the attic of the Nellie McKnight Museum Pro Bono! We are so fortunate to have such a giving business in Ellington. Your generosity makes a HUGE difference in continuing the mission of the Ellington Historical Society. Check out the video.

08/16/2026

Thank you Casey's Cafe for supporting the Ellington Historical Society with your sponsorship of our upcoming Welcome Fall Festival and more! We are so fortunate to have such giving businesses in Ellington.

08/05/2026

Something fun is coming to the Mercantile at the Nellie McKnight Museum this fall! 🍂🐄

We're adding new locally inspired merchandise, and these playful "Ellington CT – Smell Our Dairy Air!" mugs are just one example of what's on the shelves!

If you've ever smiled as you drove past Ellington's beautiful dairy farms, you'll appreciate the humor. With a curious Holstein on one side and a cheeky surprise on the other, these mugs celebrate the farming heritage that makes Ellington unique.

Whether you're looking for a gift, a conversation piece, or a fun way to show your hometown pride, be sure to stop by the Mercantile this fall. We'll be introducing more new items in the weeks ahead!

☕ Which side of the mug is your favorite? 😄🐄

08/05/2026

The Ellington Historical Society invites local business and organization to be part of the annual Fall Festival at the historic Nellie McKnight Museum! If your organization or business would like to participate by providing an activity please send an email to [email protected].
Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Rain Date: Saturday, September 26
Each year, families from throughout the community visit the museum to celebrate the arrival of fall with hands-on activities, local history, and seasonal fun. Whether it's a simple craft, game, educational activity, or interactive demonstration, participation helps make this a memorable event for local families while showcasing organization to the community.
The Ellington Historical Society will once again provide everything children need to make their own scarecrow, one of our most popular Fall Festival traditions. Additional activities will include a chance to visit a monster truck, explore the museum, and enjoy a morning filled with family-friendly fun.
There is no fee to participate—the goal is simply to bring together community organizations and businesses to create a fun and engaging experience for children and families.

08/02/2026

History came alive Friday evening at the Nellie McKnight Museum as friends and neighbors gathered for CT Boys at the Battle of Gettysburg.
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, evenings like this remind us that America's story is also Ellington's story. The Civil War shaped our nation, and young men from Connecticut—including Elbert Hyde of Ellington—answered the call to preserve the Union. Their courage, sacrifices, and dedication continue to inspire us more than 160 years later.
A heartfelt thank you to Christopher Biggs, New England Civil War Museaum and Marching Still Band for their outstanding presentation.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended. Your interest, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm demonstrate that our community values preserving the stories of those who came before us. By remembering their lives and sacrifices, we ensure that their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The Ellington Historical Society looks forward to welcoming you back to the Nellie McKnight Museum for more programs that connect our town's history to the people who shaped our nation.

07/30/2026

Walk ins are welcome at CT Boys at the Battle of Gettysburg Friday July 31st. Grounds and museum open at 5:30. Refreshments available. Please bring your own chair. It's going to be a great presentation!