Chester Historical Society

The Chester Historical Society was founded in 1970. In keeping with its mission, the Chester Historical Society has had a vibrant history. It has restored the Old Town Hall or Meeting House (circa 1793-94), established the Robbie Collomore Concert Series, sponsored numerous presentations on historic topics and worked with the local school system on educational programs.

The Chester Historical Society has written an impressive variety of publications about Chester, Connecticut. The six published books explore topics such as historical houses, a prominent citizen (Capt. Warner), and life in Chester 100 years ago. In addition the Society has published three maps showing the early town and its industries and residencies.

In late 2000, the Chester Historical Society launched its most ambitious project to date. The Society plans to open a new museum in the newly acquired C.L. Griswold factory building. The museum will interpret the Society’s permanent collection through interactive exhibits, oral histories and other displays that highlight the region’s heritage. In addition, the broader themes of daily life in a small New England village, including education, worship, immigration, farm, maritime, and factory culture will be explored. The Museum will bridge Chester’s history with the region’s current technological inventions and innovations.

Featured Articles

How the Cherry Blossoms Came to Washington

by Edwin S. Grosvenor

Rarely has the full story been told how a famed botanist, a pioneering female journalist, and First Lady Helen Taft battled reluctant bureaucrats to bring Japanese cherry trees to Washington.

Bank Failures: As American as Apple Pie

by John Steele Gordon

Why have thousands of U.S. banks failed over the years? The answers are in our history and politics.

Reconsidering Jimmy Carter

by Kai Bird

Often thought to have been a weak President, Carter was strong-willed in doing what he thought was right, regardless of expediency or political fallout.

“With Malice Toward None”

by Jon Meacham

In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln embodied leading in a time of polarization, political disagreement, and differing understandings of reality.

The Indian World of George Washington

by Colin G. Calloway

Native American peoples and the lands they possessed loomed large for Washington, from his first trips westward as a surveyor to his years as President.

“These Are No Ordinary Times”

by Adam Hochschild

A hundred years ago, America was rocked by riots, repression, and racial violence.

Yellow Fever Stalks the Founders

by Stephen Fried

During Pres. Washington’s first term, an epidemic killed one tenth of all the inhabitants of Philadelphia, then the capital of the young United States.

Upon Starved Rock

by Mark Walczynski

Now a popular state park, the unassuming geological feature along the Illinois River has served as the site of centuries of human habitation and discovery.

Revenge of the Nevada

by Ed Offley

The recent discovery of the hull of the battleship Nevada recalls her dramatic action at Pearl Harbor and ultimate revenge on D-Day as the first ship to fire on the Nazis.

Confederates in Congress: Heritage or Hate?

by Edwin S. Grosvenor

Our research reveals that 19 artworks in the U.S. Capitol honor men who were Confederate officers or officials. What many of them said, and did, is truly despicable.

A Special Issue on Presidential Misdeeds

by Edwin S. Grosvenor

Here is probably the most wide-ranging look at Presidential misbehavior ever published in a magazine.

Marshall's Secret Preparations for War

by Paul Dickson

When Germany unleashed its blitzkreig in 1939, the U.S. Army was only the 17th largest in the world. FDR and Marshall had to build a fighting force able to take on the Nazis, against the wishes of many in Congress.

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Chester Historical Society

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

Contact

Fees

41.402393, -72.451697

Chester Historical Society

Featured Sites

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

Contact

Fees

41.402393, -72.451697