The Stamford Historical Society1508 High Ridge Road
Stamford, Connecticut 06903-4197
Phone 203-329-1183 / Fax 203-322-1607
e-mail history@stamfordhistory.org
Directions: Map
The Stamford Historical Society helps people know about, experience and value their own and the region's history, culture and traditions so that this understanding may enhance their experience of the present and the future. The lessons of the past offer much to solve the problems of the present and prepare for challenges to come.
For children to grow up whole, and ready to take their places in the world, they must have assets: not stock certificates, but the personal assets of healthy self-esteem, appreciation for their origins, feelings of connectedness, belonging, and responsibility to a larger community. These inner resources help them withstand the pitfalls of growing up, expand their understanding of what they might accomplish, and strengthen them to pursue a future full of promise. It is precisely because we must address society's urgent problems of today that we look to our history, culture and traditions.
To understand the importance of cultural tradition, one need only compare the experience of religious groups who came to this country to exercise their traditions freely with that of people indigenous to North America and people brought to this continent against their will, both of whose cultural traditions were broken down by outside forces.
As technology depersonalizes the way we live, work, communicate and relate to one another, it expands the importance of being able to see in the flesh the wonders of what used to be. Research on the Internet can never produce the awe of seeing the real life diaries of a Civil War veteran or the relics of how ancestors experienced defining moments in their lives. As corporations move us from place to place around the country and the world, the connection of history brings us closer to community and to home. It is the role of History and of this organization to give our children, and their elders, a sense of being part of a continuum that began with the dawn of civilization and will continue with their own progeny; we help them recognize the value of their own and others' ancient cultures: we encourage them to find and cross a bridge between the past and the present and use this understanding to construct their own bridges to the future; we give them a sense of family and societal traditions; and a feeling of being an integral part of the human community.
As an independent nonprofit organization, The Stamford Historical Society depends on the commitment, involvement and contributions of the generous community it serves. Its remarkably rich array of programs and services is supported by a modest annual budget of under $250,000.
The City of Stamford provides the location for The Society's Center for History, Culture, and Tradition in the 1914 building that was first the Willard School and later the Martha Hoyt School at 1508 High Ridge Road.
A number dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers give countless hours of their time each year to make programs and facilities fascinating and easy-to-use. They are rigorously trained as professionals to offer assistance with research, conduct tours, present programs, and work to conserve the permanent collection. They organize community events that draw hundreds of children and adults into first-hand experiences of moments in times past.
Program-related income – membership dues, admissions, special events, seminars and Thrift Shop sales – provides about half the funds needed to sustain the current level of programming. The other half must be raised each year in contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and community organizations.
We ask you to join in partnership with The Society by becoming a member, by volunteering your time and talent, by actively participating in programs, and by offering your financial support to assure that this first century of achievement will provide the foundation in history, culture and tradition for the people of Stamford in the next century.
The Stamford Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization serving the people of Stamford since 1901. Contributions are tax-deductible.
The Stamford Historical Society
1508 High Ridge Road
Stamford, Connecticut 06903-4197
Phone 203-329-1183
/ Fax 203-322-1607
e-mail history@stamfordhistory.org
Directions: Map
In the rush of daily living, The Society encourages us to pause and recognize that the history we are making week-by-week is the legacy we will leave to future generations. The growth and development of this one exceptional city illustrates in many ways the development of every American city, perhaps every world city. It is not only monumental happenings that hold meaning, for the small details of daily living add up to vast transformations. Since 1901, The Society has actively captured, preserved, and made available for public study and enjoyment the identity of this community.
Each year visitors come from around the corner and from far-away lands. They range from very young to very old. Some pursue scholarly research in everything from the history of the region to personal family and property history; others come for fun as they let their imaginations roam freely through the relics of bygone days. Scholars, industry and the local and national press look to the Society as the reliable source for information and photographs related to Stamford's history. Recently, our website has become an additional means for seeking information.
Special programs bring the past to life for Stamford's school children with thoroughly researched curricular supplements.
Curated Exhibitions both educate and delight. Visitors examine the development of fashion, food, crafts, and changing technology. In addition to its own exhibitions based on the permanent collection, The Society hosts exhibitions from other institutions, Recent exhibitions have included:
Community events centered on historic themes draw visitors of all ages and interests to experience early Stamford life. Current and recent events have included:
The permanent collection of art and artifacts traces Stamford history since before commuter trains and corporate headquarters, before telephones and electricity, when farming and cottage industries supported a very small population in a low-tech life. Tools, agricultural implements, and the products that have been manufactured in lower Fairfield County give us a glimpse of working life in a simpler time. The early household comes alive through toys, games, furniture, clothing, quilts, and other textiles, decorative arts and archaeological remnants. Memorabilia from the Stamford Fire Department document major events and the courage of people who fought hard battles to stave off disaster with what we now consider primitive equipment.
The Marcus Research Library contains the political, economic and social history of Stamford. This extensive collection includes books, manuscripts, business and personal papers, surveys of historic structures, maps, newspapers, oral histories, videos, blueprints and drawings. Indices to the Vertical File Register and the Inventoried Collection are available online, as well as other items.
As municipal historian for the City of Stamford, The Society holds the records of the Law, Fire, and Parks and Recreation Departments, the Mayor's office, the Board of Education.
One of the most remarkable items in the Library is the Civil War Diary of Noah Webster Hoyt. Yellowed with age, these five small, handwritten notebooks describe the battles and the routine between battles for this 26-year old member of the 28th Connecticut Regiment in the Union Army.
The Bibliography of Stamford by Ron Marcus is a comprehensive compilation of sources relating to the history of Stamford: books, pamphlets, special editions of newspapers, atlases, articles in periodicals, and motion picture films. Print copies are available for review in the Marcus Research Library. The online edition is being updated when items are added.
The Photographic Archive offers a rich pictorial history of the growth and development of the region. The more than 35,000 images include daguerreotypes, tintypes, ambrotypes, stereographs, postcards, carte de visite and cabinet cards, film and glass plate negatives, and 35 mm slides. A Photo Selection of the Month is an ongoing online feature.
The Hoyt-Barnum House built in 1699, is Stamford's oldest surviving structure. This house/museum in downtown Stamford is furnished in accordance with Samuel Hoyt's 1738 inventory. Volunteer docents help visitors experience what life was like in Stamford during the pre-Revolutionary era.
The Shop Downstairs offers lovers of antiquities and irresistible source of collectibles and helps to support programs at the Center.
Mission & History
Board of Directors and Staff Members