Connecticut Historical Society

The Connecticut Historical Society is a history museum in Hartford that houses more than 270,000 artifacts, graphics, and around 100,000 books documenting the state's development over time. The collection includes materials from different periods that show how the region changed throughout the centuries.

The museum was founded in 1825 through a citizen petition to the Connecticut General Assembly, making it one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. It emerged from the desire of local people to preserve and protect their region's past.

The museum holds New England's largest collection of historical clothing and textiles, showing the region's heritage in fashion and textile manufacturing. These garments and fabrics tell stories about the people who wore and made them.

The museum is located on Elizabeth Street in central Hartford and has been renovated to improve the visitor experience. You will find rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and research facilities available during your visit.

The museum's first librarian, Thomas Robbins, started daily tours and kept the institution open six days a week, which was unusual for that era. This approach made the museum an early pioneer in opening collections to a wider audience.

Operator: Connecticut Historical Society

Phone: +18602365621

Website: https://chs.org

GPS coordinates: 41.77297,-72.70508

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01