Windsor Historical Society

Visit Connecticut's oldest English settlement and fall under the spell of two charming old New England homes, evocative exhibition galleries, and the fascinating historical photographs, documents, and genealogical materials in our research library. Families visiting our Hands-On-History Learning Center can try on colonial costumes, "cook" a meal in the open hearth, "milk" Flavia the cow, and sleep in a feather bed! See Native American artifacts, rare 17th-century chests, costumes, cigar-maker's molds, maps, guns, and more in our exhibition galleries. Sniff some historic herbs in our garden, and admire the ancient quince bush in our picturesque courtyard. Step into the 1758 John and Sarah Strong house and discover what life was like for Windsor men, women, and children of the 18th and 19th centuries. Peek into a tiny corner room to see the town's first post office. Just down the hall, discover the small general store where a sea captain's wife sold imported fabrics, tea, and parasols. Walk across the historic Palisado Green to the 1769 Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee house and experience this country doctor's life through the medical instruments and account books on display. After researching family history in our library, visit our museum gift shop with its unique selection of toys, t-shirts, ceramics, maps, books and so much more! Casual visitors and serious researchers of all ages will enjoy the remarkable collections and unforgettable ambiance of the Windsor Historical Society in historic Windsor, Connecticut.

The Windsor Historical Society aims to inspire public awareness and appreciation of the diverse peoples, places and events that contribute to Windsor's evolving history. We preserve and interpret Windsor's historical record through active collecting, research, exhibitions, programs and communications in the belief that an understanding of history can provide individuals and communities with connections to the past, a sense of belonging in the present and responsibility for the future.   We welcome the public to a museum complex including exhibition galleries, a research library, a hands-on history learning center, and two historic homes. The Society provides many opportunities to enjoy local history through school visits and summer camp, lectures, antique appraisal day, colonial re-enactments, cemetery walks, tea parties, and auctions.