The Chatham Historical Society
Preserving East Hampton's story since 1963. From East Hampton's colonial roots to its bell‑making heyday. Explore the Museum and School House on Bevin Blvd.
6 Bevin Blvd
East Hampton, CT
2–4 PM
November
Donations Appreciated
Annual Community Events in East Hampton, CT
Each year, the Chatham Historical Society brings East Hampton's history to life. Explore our annual events below to celebrate our local heritage.
East Hampton History: Museums, Events & Heritage
Dig deeper into the people, places, and industry that shaped East Hampton, CT.
Historic Landmarks in East Hampton, CT
Explore the sites that define East Hampton's unique heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about visiting East Hampton and the sites above — each one is a real question people search for online.
When is the museum open, and is there an admission fee?
The Chatham Historical Society Museum & School House is open the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 PM, seasonally from April through November. Admission is free, though donations are always welcome.
Where is East Hampton, CT?
East Hampton is in Middlesex County, in central Connecticut's lower Connecticut River valley, about halfway between Hartford and the shoreline.
Is Lake Pocotopaug man-made? Can you swim there?
Lake Pocotopaug is a natural lake, one of Connecticut's largest inland bodies of water at 512 acres. Swimming is allowed, but the shoreline is almost entirely private residences, so the main public access point is Sears Park, open to East Hampton residents.
Is Sears Park open to the public?
Sears Park, including its beach, swimming area, and boat launch, is open exclusively to East Hampton residents, who need an official town access sticker for vehicles and watercraft. Non-residents can find public outdoor access nearby at Hurd State Park.
How long is the Air Line Trail?
The Air Line Trail starts in East Hampton and runs about 20 miles to Willimantic, part of a larger 60-mile former railroad corridor that continues north toward the Massachusetts border.
What is Old Home Days, and when does it happen?
Old Home Days is East Hampton's annual summer parade and town celebration, held each year in the summer.
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 are 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.
Plan Your VisitExplore 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.
Learn More About the History of East HamptonHelp Us Tell the Story
Do you have old photos or stories of East Hampton? We want to showcase your memories on our website.
Send Them to UsA 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.
Belltown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Comstock Covered Bridge, National Register of Historic Places
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.
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.
Plan Your VisitWhy Local History Matters To Our Community
From community identity to cultural continuity, your engagement makes preservation possible.
Community Identity
Belltown was built on bells. Knowing that history connects residents to the foundries, the factories, and the families whose work gave this town its name.
Cultural Continuity
Old Home Days has been celebrated here for generations. Traditions like these survive only when each generation is handed the story behind them.
Preservation of Stories
The Wangunk, the resort keepers on Lake Pocotopaug, the moulders in the bell shops. Local history gives voice to people who rarely appear in the wider record.
Informed Decisions
A century of shoreline development shaped the lake we manage today. Understanding how we got here guides what the town builds and protects next.
Economic Impact
Comstock Bridge and the Air Line Trail draw visitors who eat, shop, and stay in East Hampton. Heritage sites are working parts of the local economy.
By valuing and studying local historical events, we help enrich our understanding of ourselves and build a stronger, more informed, and connected community.