NEWS/MEDIA

The LGBTQ community in Connecticut has been centuries in the making. To highlight the personal experiences, legal milestones, and communal push into open society, The Connecticut Historical Society has developed a new traveling exhibit and digital timeline telling the state’s unique LGBTQ story. The exhibit, which was developed in collaboration with Central Connecticut State University,…
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The Connecticut History Society welcomes “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” a new traveling exhibit from the New-York Historical Society that explores African Americans’ struggle for full citizenship and equal rights. The exhibit focuses on the transformative 50 years after the Civil War, using art, artifacts, photographs, silent films and other types of…
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Following a nationwide search, The Connecticut Historical Society’s Board of Trustees has named Robert Kret, former director of The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, N.M. as new CEO. Kret will take the helm of the CHS in May, continuing the Society’s mission to serve the people of Connecticut by preserving and sharing stories, manuscripts,…
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West Hartford News – In an effort to support and encourage the preservation of skilled traditional arts and crafts, the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program at the Connecticut Historical Society announces its 2018-2019 grant recipients. Read More

Hartford Courant – Temperatures hover in freezing zone. But Connecticut Historical Society has its mind on a warmer time of the year, when suburbanites put on swimsuits, unfold chaise lounges, pour lemonade and light grills. “Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard,” which originated at Smithsonian Institution, chronicles the post-WWII changes in how Americans…
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The Middletown Press — As Hartford prepares for the musical “Hamilton” to come to town, the Connecticut Historical Society presents its newest exhibit, “Hamilton: His World, His Words, His Hair.” Read More

Learn more about the history of the Connecticut Historical Society with Chief Curator, Ilene Frank. Listen to the interview

Bicycles helped inspire modern cars, paved roads…even airplanes! But did you know they were also an inspiration for the women’s movement? This hour we take a look back in time at the origins of the bicycle, including innovation that happened right here in Connecticut. We find out the history of how this vehicle spurred social…
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Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and First Lady Annie Lamont kicked off a year-long celebration of the passage of the 19th Amendment and the Women’s Suffrage Movement on Thursday. The trio helped gather hundreds of women from all over the state in the House chamber for Thursday’s opening ceremony for…
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The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) announces it has appointed Katharine Schramm, PhD, as the new director of the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP).  Schramm succeeds Lynne Williamson who will be retiring from the CHS in October 2018 after 25 years of leadership to the program Dr. Schramm comes to the CHS from Indiana University Press…
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To mark the centennial of the end of the “War to End All Wars,” The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) opens a new exhibit designed to bring to life the personal stories of residents who met the challenges of World War I at home and in France. The new exhibit, “Facing War: Connecticut in World War…
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Cultural nonprofits head to state Capitol touting $830M economic impact

The Connecticut Historical Society has received a Museums for America grant totaling more than $24,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help fund efforts to digitize and preserve its valuable motion film collection. The grant will enable the CHS to catalog, digitize, and improve storage conditions for 73 early 20th-century motion…
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Connecticut Historical Society celebrates the bond between artists and their apprentices with the exhibit; “Passing It On: Traditional Arts Apprenticeships.”

The Sewing Circle Project at CHS for Open Studio

Participants learned about Connecticut furniture and needlework at the Connecticut Historical Society.

Participants learned about Connecticut furniture and needlework at the Connecticut Historical Society.

Gallaudet U collaborates on “Language, Culture, Communities: 200 Years of Impact by the American School for the Deaf” exhibit.

Susan Dunne of the Hartford Courant visits CHS for the for Victorian Fashion exhibit.

Susan Dunne of the Hartford Courant, wrote an article about Language, Culture, Communities: 200 Years of Impact by the American School for the Deaf.

The Newtown Bee reports that Hawley Elementary School fourth grade students were treated to a lesson on the state government when Connecticut Historical Society Coordinator of Youth and Family Programs Corinne Swanson visited the school on Thursday, January 5.

WCVB-TV, channel 5, an ABC-affiliated television station located in Boston, Massachusetts released a segment about the Leatherman’s path through Connecticut.

The Republican-American writes: In the middle of the 19th century, Connecticut held more patents per capita than any other state. In 2014, the state ranked dead last among all 50 states in job creation. What happened? Read more of the article at Republican-American.com

On September 22, 2016, Hartford Public Access Television recorded the CHS event, “Generations of Struggle: Connecticut and Civil Rights.”

Hartford, Conn., (October 18, 2016) – From the artistry of tanning leather to advances in manufacturing to the invention of the sneaker and the famous Keds brand, shoes are very much a part of Connecticut’s long history.  The Connecticut Historical Society takes a fresh look at how shoes helped shape the story of the state’s…
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Hartford, Conn., (OCT 6) – Against the backdrop of the “Treasury Guard” flag which draped President Lincoln’s box at the Ford’s Theatre the night he was assassinated, the Connecticut Historical Society announced it had joined forces with the Smithsonian Institution.  As a new Affiliate of the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, the CHS…
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Hartford, Conn., (September 6, 2016) – The Collection Digitization and Universal Access Project at the Connecticut Historical Society has received a $300,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.  The award allows the CHS to hire a project manager, data entry technician and application developer responsible for preserving photographs, maps, manuscripts, documents, and other…
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Naedine Joy Hazell from the Hartford Courant writes: Does the sight of a 1960s Friendly’s waitress uniform transport you back in time? Read more of the article, here.

Hartford, Conn., (August 17, 2016) – As part of its most recent major funding announcement, the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded $70,000 to the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) to support the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP) exhibits and events.  This funding comes from the NEA’s Art Works category which supports the creation…
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Angie Derosa of the Hartford Courant visited the CHS and interviewed Lead Exhibit Developer, Ben Gammell about Growing Up in Connecticut.

Hartford, Conn. (July 2016) – The Connecticut Historical Society membership has elected Portia Corbett and Dr. Stacey Close to its Board of Trustees.  As members of the board, Ms. Corbett and Dr. Close will help the CHS fulfill its mission to “connect you and the story of Connecticut” through exhibits, special events, guest speakers and…
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Hartford, Conn.—On July 21 (rain date July 22), the Connecticut Historical Society will present a free outdoor concert of Puerto Rican folk music as part of its Third Thursdays performance series.  The concert will begin at 6 p.m. on the beautiful grounds of the CHS at One Elizabeth St. in Hartford. Visitors are encouraged to…
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Hartford, Conn. – This summer, the traditional sounds of French Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are celebrated during three free concerts on the beautiful grounds of The Connecticut Historical Society. The performances, which will be held June 16, July 21, and August 18, begin at 6 p.m. on the CHS grounds at One Elizabeth…
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Hartford, Conn.–– In an effort to avoid end-of-summer doldrums, the Connecticut Historical Society introduces four August Adventures hands-on and creative programs for children age 5-12. Each session includes a variety of indoor and outdoor programming for children to discover Connecticut’s history, explore life in the past, “solve” history mysteries and explore some innovations and inventions…
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Hartford, Conn.– If you grew up in Connecticut, you probably remember going to a Whaler’s hockey game, or playing early video games, or wearing over-the-shoes roller skates, or perhaps even going to a one-room schoolhouse. Childhood experiences create shared memories that help define each generation – which now have been collected and are on display…
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From Christina Griffin, Norwalk Patch and Joyce Ogirrl, WTNH. Connecticut Humanities has announced that four nonprofit organizations will share more than $16,000 in grant money to support humanities-based programming. Each month, Connecticut Humanities distributes money, allocated by the Connecticut General Assembly, through a competitive, merit-based application process. Connecticut Humanities’ April Quick Grants will support programs…
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Luke Spencer from Atlas Obscura visited CHS and added the tavern sign collection to the ever-growing encyclopedia of curious places around the world.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lindsay Ryan Jensen, Ryan Marketing, 860.519.5526 Hartford, (April 15, 2016) – The Connecticut History Society received a competitive grant from Connecticut Humanities for nearly $25,000 to help fund its “Growing Up in Connecticut” exhibit.  This grant enables the CHS to gather childhood memories and artifacts from Connecticut residents to…
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CBS Sunday Morning visited the CHS on February 22, 2016 to film a segment about the history of guns in America. Author Pamela Haag was interviewed in the Waterman Research Center and Chief Executive Officer’s office. Some examples of gun usage from the CHS collection were highlighted in the segment.        

On March 3, 2016, Chief Curator Ilene Frank visited Dennis House at Eyewitness News 3 to discuss the 1936 Flood of Hartford. WFSB 3 Connecticut

HARTFORD, CONN., (February 18, 2016) – Renowned photographer, Carol M. Highsmith, will give a lecture on Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. to discuss her Connecticut Captured: A 21st Century Look at an American Classic exhibit currently on display at the Connecticut Historical Society. Highsmith will tell the story of why she selected…
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HARTFORD, CONN., (January 26, 2016) – The traveling exhibit of Beatrice Fox Auerbach: The Woman, Her World & Her Wardrobe makes a three-month stop at the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) in Hartford, now through April 30. The exhibit includes dresses, fur coats, custom-made shoes and nearly 100 other pieces of clothing, photographs and personal accessories…
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Hartford, Conn., November 23, 2015 – Make some traditional holiday poppers. Trace your family tree. Gather the year’s memories. Recapture the joy of childhood toys. Read a beloved story. And prepare for a lucky New Year. It’s all happening for children and families at the Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, in December. Family…
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Hartford, Conn., November 21, 2015 – Inspired by the popular PBS drama Downton Abbey, a new exhibit, “From High Collars to Bee’s Knees: The Downton Abbey Era in Connecticut” will open at the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) on December 4. Curated by the CHS’s volunteer Fashion and Textile Council from costumes in the museum’s collection, the…
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Loaned memorabilia and stories to be considered in 2016 exhibit “Growing Up in Connecticut” Hartford, Conn., November 6, 2015 – What was growing up in Connecticut like for you? What childhood, teen or young adult memory can you share? What object, photo or other visual relates to that memory? Drawing from Connecticut residents’ stories and…
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[HARTFORD Conn., Nov. 3] – Two November events at the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) will showcase and recognize the talent of artists and craftspeople representing several ethnic groups in the state. The CHS is located at 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford. November 14 and November 15 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, the CHS will host…
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Records are first collection provided to the CHS by an African American organization in Connecticut The CHS will receive archives during November 5 ceremony and reception [HARTFORD and WEST HARTFORD, Conn., October 28] – Thirty-six years ago Farmington Valley resident Norma Smith saw a need to help the region’s growing black community retain their heritage…
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Hartford, Conn., October 26, 2015 – The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) has elected Dr. Stacey Close as a member of the organization’s board of trustees. A native of Georgia, Dr. Close has worked in higher education for more than 20 years. He currently serves as associate vice president for equity and diversity at Eastern Connecticut…
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Events include Nov. 21 launch of Growing Up in Connecticut Collecting Day, Tellebration, Open Studio, Behind the Scenes Tours and more Hartford, Conn., October 20, 2015 – The Connecticut Historical Society’s (CHS) diverse November programs for adults, children and families include an inaugural ‘collecting event’ for the upcoming exhibit “Growing Up in Connecticut”. The CHS…
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October 29 opening reception to feature talk on cabinetmaker’s work and Windsor’s history [HARTFORD and WINDSOR, Conn., October 12] – A beautiful oxbow-style chest of drawers, made and signed by preeminent Windsor cabinetmaker George Belden in 1803, will again take up residence on the same street as Belden’s former shop. On October 29, the unique…
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[HARTFORD, Conn., October 11] – “I’m confident that the good nature of humans will eventually triumph over the dark side if we pay attention and are honest with each other,” says Hartford Courant editorial cartoonist Bob Englehart, whose visual commentaries on breaking news, politics and the human condition have been appearing on the pages of the…
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Early American furniture expert Brock Jobe to uncover history of 12 Connecticut-made pieces during October 15 talk at the Connecticut Historical Society [HARTFORD, Conn., October 7] – Nationally-respected furniture historian, curator, author and professor Brock Jobe will share his thoughts on 12 distinct pieces from the Connecticut Historical Society’s (CHS) furniture collection on Thursday, October 15 from…
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Exhibit to display spectacular Carnival costumes made by Hartford teens in summer program. [HARTFORD, Conn., August 12] – In its first collaboration with the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CHAP), on August 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS), 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, will open “Mas: Costumes from Hartford’s West Indian…
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Hartford, Conn., July 30, 2015 – For the past five years, young people in Hartford’s West Indian-American community have elevated West Indian Carnival masquerade (Mas) traditions and art with support from the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CHAP). Beginning August 27, the colorful and elaborate Trinidad-style costumes they’re creating for Hartford’s Taste of the Caribbean…
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Story time, space exploration and Connecticut objects at Curtis Veeder’s house Hartford, Conn, July 3, 2015 – This month, the cool interior and park-like grounds of the Connecticut Historical Society offer history-loving adults and restless children on summer break a variety of programs, events and activities. Connecticut: 50 Objects/50 Stories Guided Tours To share the…
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June 12, 2015 — The Institute for Community Research (ICR) and the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) have announced an agreement to move ICR’s Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CHAP) to the CHS. The transition, which takes place effective today, will allow the program to take advantage of the exhibition, preservation, and educational resources at the…
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Experienced and first-time storytellers to share life stories during Friday evening performance and Saturday workshop Hartford, Conn, May 28, 2015 – Want to learn about storytelling for personal and professional development? To improve your communication skills? To develop your writing ability? To get the attention of your grandchildren and colleagues? To meet new people? To try…
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Hartford, Conn, May 19, 2015 – A 1798 map of Connecticut’s Western Reserve, which extended to Ohio. A brass button display. A lithograph of P.T. Barnum’s life. A textile union charter. A vintage radio and headphones. A fedora hat. A tobacco sewing machine. A coffee grinder. A missile warhead. A handmade Native American white doeskin…
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Hartford, Conn, May 20, 2015 – The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) has elected Bichop Nawrot as president and Larry Mowell and Don Williams as board members for 2015-2016. Bichop Nawrot, who is the first U.S. immigrant to serve as CHS’s president, has served on the CHS board for more than a decade, including positions as…
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Hartford, Conn, May 6, 2015 – Ilene J. Frank has been appointed chief curator and director of collections and education of the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS). Frank will begin her position June 29 after leaving her position as executive director of the Rensselaer County Historical Society in Troy, N.Y. Bringing a holistic perspective of historical…
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By Kate Hartman, CT Magazine Looking for a great event to share with your mother or your daughter this Mother’s Day? Search no further than the Connecticut Historical Society’s (CHS) celebration of fashion through the decades, Haute History: A Vintage-Inspired Fashion Show. This event on Saturday, May 9 will bring together historical fashions with modern…
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Hartford, Conn., April 10, 2015 – Seeking ideas from the past to make your current fashion statement? Want to learn how clothing design over the past century has informed today’s trends? The Connecticut Historical Society’s (CHS) Haute History: A Vintage-Inspired Fashion Show will help you and the special women in your family boost your style savvy…
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Spring-vacation program to explore children’s lives in four eras Hartford, Conn., March 31, 2015 – There probably isn’t a grandchild around who never heard his or her grandparent tell a story that began, “when I was your age . . .” The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) will offer a look at what it really was like…
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Hartford, Conn., March 18, 2015 – Seeking ideas from the past to make your current fashion statement? Want to learn how clothing design over the past century has informed today’s trends? The Connecticut Historical Society’s (CHS) Haute History: A Vintage Inspired Fashion Show will help you make the connection. The perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing In two…
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Andrea Wulf to share stories featured in her book ‘The Brother Gardeners’ Hartford, Conn., March 16, 2015 – Author Andrea Wulf will recount how plants native to the Americas led to an English national obsession when she discusses her book The Brother Gardeners at the Connecticut Historical Society on Tuesday, April 14. The Brother Gardeners traces…
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“Sports Spectacular” Tours to be held March 28 Hartford, Conn., March 10, 2015 – Long before it became the college basketball capital of the United States, Connecticut had a rich sports heritage. For example, the Savitt Gems, a semi-pro baseball team founded in 1932, played against semi-pro, minor league, Negro League and major league teams and…
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New Decorative Arts exhibit includes furniture, fine art and needlework showing Connecticut’s heritage of craftsmanship and design Hartford, Conn., March 6, 2015 – Spring weekends spent scouring antique shows can result in wonderful finds for collectors, but some of the very best treasures of Connecticut craftsmanship will also be on display at the Connecticut Historical Society in…
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Hartford Conn., February 17, 2015 – Explore African-American history through the artifacts and manuscripts that tell the story of the Amistad, Connecticut abolitionists, and their long fight for civil rights. The Connecticut Historical Society Amistad and Beyond behind-the-scenes tour will be held Saturday, February 21 at  11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Connecticut Historical Society,…
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Hartford, Conn., February 17, 2015 – When Asylum Avenue still passed through cow pastures, Curtis Veeder built a grand home with an elevator, central vacuum, and even an indoor car wash. These special tours, to be held Saturday February 28 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., will highlight features of the 1928 house, now the…
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A Brief History on February 19, 2015 Opening reception from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in TheaterWorks lobby Continuing its efforts to bring the resources of its museum out into the community, the Connecticut Historical Society is partnering with TheaterWorks to present a satellite exhibit that visually explores the presence of arts and culture organizations in…
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Deadline for 50 Objects/50 Stories Exhibit Extended to April 30, 2015 Crowdsourcing ideas for its upcoming exhibition Connecticut: 50 Objects/50 Stories, The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) invites the public to suggest objects that help illustrate our state as a dynamic place, a diverse community, or a distinct idea. The object can be old or new; personal…
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Richard J. Tuchman has been named chief development officer for the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS). Tuchman, a prominent Connecticut fundraising professional, began in the position January 12. Before joining CHS, Tuchman served as vice president for university advancement at the University of New Haven. With nearly three decades of fundraising experience, Tuchman also served as…
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Looking for 50 objects that help tell the story of the state, the CT Historical Society opens up submissions to the public.

On November 15-16, 2014, the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) will host Open Studio Hartford as part of the 25th annual city-wide tour and will feature over a dozen artists and crafters from the West End.

Connecticut museums collaborate to put images of 400 landscape paintings online at Connecticut History Online

“Hartford’s unique history and how it manifests itself in the visual” is part of what provoked Pablo Delano to build his portfolio of street photography.

On October 3, 2014 the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) opened three Hartford-centric exhibits to celebrate Connecticut’s capital city

This month Executive Director Jody Blankenship and Research & Collections Associate Karen DePauw join FoxCT’s anchor Tim Lammers for another edition of From the Vault, this time focusing on tragedies in Connecticut.

This month Executive Director Jody Blankenship and Research & Collections Associate Karen DePauw join FoxCT’s anchor Tim Lammers for another edition of From the Vault, this time focusing on communities in Connecticut.

Hartford, CT (July 2014) Katharine Hepburn was meant for the big screen, and the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS), along with its partners, is making sure she returns there.

NHRPC grant brings online access to revolutionary assets

Over the course of her career, Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) portrayed fiercely independent women and dressed the part, on screen and off. Decades before pants became part of mainstream fashion for American women, Hepburn blazed her own fashion trail, insisting on comfort and style in her personal wardrobe.

CT Humanities supports Connecticut quilt-makers programs

Katharine Hepburn returns to the spotlight in CT.The Connecticut Historical Society celebrates iconic Hollywood star.

CT Historical Society Kicks off Community History Tour 2014. Ten-city tour across Connecticut in search of the importance of history.

CHS receives planning grant from CT Humanities, Richard Welling exhibit coming October 2014

2014 Season Passes Offered for Popular Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Connecticut Historical Society gives exclusive inside look at collection

Capturing Connecticut and history through photography, Focusing on three women’s views of people, landscapes and architecture

Peek inside some historic drawers-Connecticut Historical Society launches furniture-focused series

The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) in Hartford announces two seasonal events in October including a conversation about witches and a creepy look behind-the-scenes.

Connecticut Historical Society announces new Executive Director
Jody Blankenship takes the helm at statewide history institution

Connecticut Photography Wanted
Connecticut Historical Society seeks Connecticut-related photos

Cowles-Amistad Letters Reveal Life of Africans-Rich historic content comes to light beginning Juneteenth at Connecticut Historical Society

Learning and loving to drive when cars were new-Vintage automobile safety posters exhibit opens at CT Historical Society

This won’t hurt a bit! Painful times before anesthesia-A painful (and relieving) exhibit at the CT Historical Society in Hartford

Hand-made treasures woven in time-Juried exhibit features works from the Handweavers’ Guild of CT

Farmington Abolitionist Letters Come (Back) to Connecticut-Connecticut Historical Society is winning bidder for Amistad-related letters

Celebrating Women’s History Month at CHS-Standing strong (and looking good doing it) has long been a woman’s role in Connecticut.

Calling all History Foodies! Community Cook-Off on April 5-Connecticut Historical Society hosts food social, linking past with present

America’s Cookbooks: Connecticut’s Revolutionary Recipe-‘Cooking by the Book’ exhibit explores culture and values through six iconic cookbooks

New Themed Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Connecticut Historical Society-Every month reveals new treasures

Kate Steinway, Executive Director of the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) since 2007, has announced that she will be retiring in the summer of 2013.

Cats & Dogs in Art and Life-Felines and canines featured in new exhibit at the CT Historical Society in Hartford

With their state-of-the-art book scanner, Merritt Scanning was able to digitize the scrapbooks without harming the originals.

Celebrate Traditional Crafts Day-Special Hands-on History Event for all ages at Connecticut Historical Society

The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) and the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM) present A Tradition of Craft: Current Work

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded a grant of $329,792 to the Connecticut Historical Society to support major capital improvements

For the first time, the Connecticut Historical Society will be offering regularly scheduled guided behind-the-scenes tours

City Trees Given New Life-City Bench Exhibit Opens at Connecticut Historical Society