Barkhamsted Historical Society

One of our goals is to record current events, cultural happenings and what now may seem to be some of the more mundane tidbits of everyday life in this town of Barkhamsted, Connecticut. We feel that as time passes, the information preserved here will provide a fascinating glimpse of "the way things used to be".

Genealogy

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is an all volunteer organization with no paid employees. We accept genealogical inquiries but unfortunately we just do not have the resources to help you with more than just basic questions. Click here for information on how to contact us.

If you would like to volunteer to research genealogical inquiries, we would be most grateful! We desperately need help in this area. If you have any interest at all, PLEASE contact us!

Current Topics

Upcoming, recent and past activities of the Barkhamsted Historical Society (current and most recent stuff at the top). For additional information and photos involving work at the Squire's Tavern and other happenings and issues, please visit our Historical Society Log.

Maps Available

1874 Map of Barkhamsted

The Historical Society is selling reprints of the F. W. Beers 1874 map of Barkhamsted. This colorful map (shown above) shows the 12 old school districts and has most of the houses (with owners names) that existed at that time. The map is on heavy textured paper, measures 13.75 inches by 21 inches and is suitable for framing. It is available for $7 at Historical Society events such as the flea markets, annual meetings and open house days at the Squire's Tavern. It is also available by mail for the price of $10 including shipping. Proceeds from the sale of these maps help support Historical Society activities.

Books

Barkhamsted Heritage

We have a limited number of this comprehensive Barkhamsted History Book. First published in 1975 and reprinted in 1990. 345 pages (softcover).

Purchase includes a 1 year
BHS Membership

Join the Historical Society

The Historical Society is always looking for the support of new members. If you want to become an active member and/or work on one of our projects or special committees, we definitely want to hear from you!

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Greetings:

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is working to preserve and share the history and culture of the Connecticut town of Barkhamsted. In these pages we hope to share with you information, sights and flavors of Barkhamsted, past and present.

Beulah Ives

Jessie Ives

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Members,

It has been an exciting time at Barkhamsted Historical Society (BHS) to see the Tavern come to life with the building projects, collections, and exhibits at this historic site.

The Collections Committee is cataloging boxes of historic items relating to Barkhamsted Hollow, Riverton and Pleasant Valley. Important new additions to this collection are a gift from Doug Roberts, Barkhamsted Town Historian: the portraits of Riverton residents, Jesse Ives and his wife, Beulah. In 1816, Jesse was the first proprietor of the Riverton Inn, then known as Ives Tavern. This local landmark is still operating as the Riverton Inn today.

Due to water damage during a fire, the paintings are in need of restoration. BHS has been given a grant, by the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, which is dependent on raising matching funds to help offset the cost of restoration. Therefore, we are looking to the community for support.

Please consider giving a donation, no matter how large or small, to this special project by sending a check payable to Barkhamsted Historical Society to the address to the right. If you wish to make your donation using Paypal, please use the donate button to the right. Your donation is 100% tax deductible. It would be helpful if the donation could be received by October 15, 2010.

Please visit the Tavern to see three exhibits that are presently set up: a display of historical industries, “Made In Barkhamsted,” including chairs, rakes and tools, “Barkhamsted Lighthouse—The Facts Behind the Legend”, and a photo exhibit, "Construction of the Saville Dam".

Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the Tavern.

Sincerely,

Linne Landgraf

Collections Committee Chair

The 24-page booklet, Barkhamsted Lighthouse, by Dr. Ken Feder, tells the story of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse community, and the archaeological research by Dr. Feder and his team. Price $15 includes shipping.

What's New on the Website

Projects at the Tavern

In 2008 the Historical Society received a STEAP grant from the State of Connecticut (Small Town Economic Assistance Program). A number of projects relating to this grant have been recently completed or are in the works. In May, Pro-Film of Torrington applied window film at the Squire's Tavern. This film blocks a significant percentage of ultra-violet...

Posted to Work Log (Weblog) by Richard on 08-25-2010

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