Est. 1963 · East Hampton, Connecticut
Welcome to The Chatham Historical Society
Preserving East Hampton's history since 1963 — from its colonial roots to its bell‑making heyday — inside the Museum and School House on Bevin Blvd.
Historical Museum and Schoolhouse
Celebrating The Historical Town of East Hampton Connecticut
Established in 1963, The Chatham Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit Museum and School House with the purpose of preserving East Hampton’s History. We believe that preserving historic places and events provides an essential link to our past, furthermore reminding us of who we are and where we came from.
We hope you enjoy this website experience and we look forward to keeping you informed about great ways to connect to the history of East Hampton, Cobalt and Middle Haddam, CT.
The Chatham Historical Society Museum and School House both located at 6 Bevin Blvd in the Town of East Hampton, Connecticut and are open to the public the first Sunday of each month from 2-4pm.
Please note that our facilities are open seasonally from April through November. Plan your visit today!
Admission is always free. Donations are appreciated.
Annual Town Events
Join us for East Hampton’s historic annual events, parades, and community traditions
Cabin Fever Series
Seasonal lecture series.
Antique Appraisal Day
Discover the hidden treasures.
Town Wide Tag Sale
Our annual Town Wide Tag Sale.
Explore East Hampton History
Come explore the rich heritage of East Hampton, CT, from the shores of Lake Pocotopaug to the historic Comstock Covered Bridge. Join the Chatham Historical Society in preserving our community’s stories and photos!
The Carrier and O’Connell Blocks; Main Street, East Hampton, looking north. The photograph was taken from the Airline Railroad trestle, which once crossed over Main Street.
Spanning 36 square miles of scenic New England countryside, East Hampton is steeped in deep-rooted stories. As you explore our town, you’re surrounded by protected state forests and a community that has cherished its rural character for generations.
Today, East Hampton is a vibrant, family-oriented town, home to excellent schools and two dedicated history museums. We invite you to help us keep our heritage alive and ensure these local stories are preserved for future generations.
Help Us Tell the Story: Do you have old photos or stories of East Hampton? Send them to us! We want to showcase your memories on our website.
Learn More about The History of East Hampton
A Historical Legacy of National Significance
East Hampton is proud to host landmarks recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. From the industrial heritage of the Belltown Historic District to the iconic Comstock Covered Bridge, these sites are part of a national program to coordinate and protect America’s most treasured resources.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Historical Town Landmarks
Explore the sites that define East Hampton’s unique heritage
Preserving Our Local Heritage
The Chatham Historical Society is more than a museum; it is the guardian of our community’s shared memory. We are committed to ensuring that the vibrant history of East Hampton, Middle Haddam, Cobalt, and the Wangunk Indians is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
Our complex serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Inside our museum you will discover the artifacts and memorabilia that tell the unique stories of the town’s industrial heritage, rural life, and the people who built it.
History lives through your support. We invite you to visit our museum, become a member, or share your own piece of East Hampton’s legacy with us.
Why Local History Matters To Our Community
From community identity to cultural continuity, your engagement makes preservation possible!
Community Identity: They help shape and define the identity of a community. Understanding local history fosters a sense of belonging and pride among residents, as it connects them to the unique stories and achievements of their area.
Cultural Continuity: Local history preserves cultural traditions, practices, and values. It ensures that the heritage of a place is not lost and helps pass down customs and knowledge to future generations.
Educational Value: Learning about local historical events provides insights into broader historical trends and contexts. It allows people to understand how national and global events impacted their specific region.
Decision-Making: Local history can inform current decisions and planning. Understanding past successes and challenges can guide future development, policy-making, and community projects.
Community Engagement: Local historical events often foster community engagement and participation. Events, museums, and historical sites can be focal points for community activities and gatherings.
Preservation of Stories: Local histories capture the experiences of individuals and groups who might otherwise be overlooked in broader historical narratives. They give voice to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Economic Impact: Historical sites and events can attract tourism and stimulate local economies. They provide opportunities for local businesses and can enhance the cultural attractiveness of a region.
Conflict Resolution: Understanding local history can help resolve contemporary issues by addressing past grievances and fostering dialogue. It can contribute to healing and reconciliation within communities.
By valuing and studying local historical events, we help enrich our understanding of ourselves and build a stronger, more informed, and connected community.
Connect With The Chatham Historical Society
This website intends to provide information to the public about the Chatham Historical Society’s events with the purpose of bringing together people interested in the History of East Hampton, Connecticut
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Museum Exhibits
Historic Sites
Location
Chatham Historical Society
6 Bevin Blvd
East Hampton, CT 06424