Programs
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Past Events - Photo Gallery



 

 The next meeting of the Board of Directors is on September 21, 2010, 6:30pm.





The building is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To visit the building at other times, please call for an appointment. Please also note that all galleries are open before and after special events and programs.


 

POPULAR THIRD THURSDAY PROGRAMS

 

The Life & Times of Katherine Gaylord

Thursday, September 16th at 7pm

 

Free for members; $4 non-members

 

Join Lee McFadden and other members of the Bristol Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) to learn Katherine's remarkable story of war and endurance in the 1700s. Katherine Cole was born in Harwinton, Connecticut, on November 28, 1745. She married Aaron Gaylord about 1763 and moved to New Cambridge, now known as Bristol. Aaron served as lieutenant for the Continental Army and is believed to have been at the Battle of Bunker Hill. After his service, the family moved to Wyoming in eastern Pennsylvania. In July of 1778 a large number of Indians with British soldiers massacred the small militia from the fort. That night, after hearing of her husband’s death, Katherine took their three small children and escaped from the fort. For weeks they traveled, mostly on foot, back to Connecticut braving Indians, weather, hunger, and fatigue. The family made it back to Katherine’s father’s house where she lived until she was 95 years old.

 

 

The Bristol Historical Society is located at 98 Summer Street.  Light refreshments will be served. 

 

 

Please be sure to visit the Special Events section for more interesting programs. 

 


 

YAS@BHS

THE YOUNG ARTIST SERIES debuted at the Bristol Historical Society & Museum in 2009. Sponsored by Barbara and Tim Denehy, the exhibits and films introduced local artists to visitors from Bristol and beyond.  With pride, we look forward to further projects from each one of the following accomplished young adults. 

 

Announcing the next Young Artist Series..........October 2, 2010

"l'll Be Seeing You" 

The Fall Young Artist series (YAS@BHS) will feature Mary Denehy, Noelle Currie and Ryan Walker performing popular World War II music accompanied by pianist Al Caruso and jazz combo. The concert is dedicated to Jack Denehy who compiled the list of songs for a program that he was to present in September 2010 as part of the Memorial Military Museum's "Bristol's Home Front in WWII." Proceeds will benefit the Memorial Military Museum which Jack founded and the Bristol Historical Society where he served  on the Board of Directors.  The concert will be held at the First Congregational Church, 31 Maple Street. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets will be available for purchase before the concert date at the Bristol Historical Society. The $25.00 admission includes beverages and hors d'oeuvres. WWII veterans are asked to bring a framed photograph of themselves in uniform for a display table.

 

Previous 2010 YAS Artists

Joe Bun Keo - "Youth Vernacular"  

joebunkeo.blogspot.com

Previous 2009 YAS Artists

Kenneth Lundquist, Jr. www.kljinc.com

Jennifer Lepke

Ryan Casey www.favoritemedia.net

Lindsay Vigue www.lindsayviguephotography.com

 




 

BOOK SIGNING AND REPRISE SHOWING OF BRISTOL REMEMBERED
AT BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Saturday, August 28th


Bristol resident, Lynda J. Russell, has written a fourth book in the Image of America series published by Arcadia Publishing Company.  The title of this book is Bristol Business and Industry. The book covers the same 225 years which are being celebrated during Bristol’s 225th anniversary year.  Bristol Business and Industry’s pictorial history begins with the clock industry which played a major role in the development of other local industries such as spring manufacturing, an industry still active in Bristol today.
 
Lynda Russell will be available for a book signing at the Bristol Historical Society’s museum, 98 Summer Street, on Saturday, August 28th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  In addition to her new book, previous ones including Bristol Historic Homes, Lake Compounce, and Plainville will be available for purchase and signing.
 
The royalties from each of her books have been given to Bristol and Plainville non-profit organizations. Royalties received from the sale of Bristol Business and Industry will be given to the American Clock & Watch Museum.
 
Lynda is a member of both the Bristol and Plainville Historical Societies. She serves on the boards of the American Clock & Watch Museum, the Plainville Chamber of Commerce and the Chrysanthemum Festival.
 
In addition to the book signing, at 2 p.m. there will be a reprise showing of Bristol Remembered, a photo history of Bristol prepared by local historian Tom LaPorte, a member of the Bristol Historical Society as well as many other local organizations.  The first of two parts of his program contains images of Bristol from one hundred years ago up to the present. Classic shots of Main and North Main Streets bring back warm memories of a vibrant downtown Bristol. The second part interestingly shows a series of historic sites which dissolve into the present.  Tom took the present shots from the exact spot where the historic shots had been taken.  The program has had an enthusiastic reception in previous showings.

Copies of Bristol Business and Industry and Bristol Remembered are available for purchase at the Gift Shop.

 Admission is free for the book signing.  Bristol Remembered is free for members of the Bristol Historical Society; the charge for non-members is $4.

 

 

PATRIOTS WEEKEND

 

A WEEKEND OF QUILTS

Saturday, September 11, 2010  9:00am-4:00pm

  Sunday, September 12, 2010  10:00am-4:00pm

 

Come and view over 50 rarely shown World War II era quilts made to commemorate a loved one or event during the War years.  Enjoy a lecture by guest curator Sue Reich. (Sat. 10:00 a.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m.) Receive verbal appraisals for quilts. Try your hand at the "quilting bee," and buy your lucky ticket to win "The Bristol Star" quilt specially designed for the city's 225th anniversary.  Admission is $6 per adult, $1 for children under 12 and is good for both days and all events.

 

 


 QUILT QUEST FOR KIDS (Fabric of a Nation)

The Historical Society welcomes (future) members for a fun activity!

 

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 1pm, free  

 

  A creative, interactive quilting activity for children ages 5-13. Enjoy a Colonial story and hands-on craft. Experience how individuals come together to create a community project. Limited seating.  Register on Patriots weekend or call 860-583-6309.

 

 


The 4th Annual Evening on the Hill Auction Event

 

The 4th annual “Evening on the Hill” Auction for the Historical Society is scheduled for Friday night, October 15, 2010 from 5:30-9pm. The Auction is a popular social evening and a way to support the Society. The event begins with a silent auction, an array of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, wine, soda and desserts.  The auction will be hosted again by entertaining auctioneer Paul Stansel.

 The Auction Committee is asking for donations of items and also will need volunteers interested in soliciting items, arranging drop-off and pick-up of larger items, packaging the silent auction items, writing descriptions, and working that day as greeters, helpers, and auction volunteers. The auction is critical to the Society's operations budget, and it’s also a fun event. From the running commentary of Mr. Stansel, to the spirited bidding and friendly competition for the most soughtafter items, people genuinely look forward to the night.

Business sponsorships for this event are available starting at $250 and will be included in all of the event materials and publicity.

 Do you have an item that is collecting dust in your attic, cellar or garage? If you would like to donate it for the Auction, please call the BHS Office at 860-583-6309, or e-mail Ellen Zoppo-Sassu at ellen@bristolhistoricalsociety.org. The Committee may have the opportunity to pick up items if needed, and tax letters are available upon request.



 

 

BRISTOL’S 225th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The City of Bristol is celebrating its 225th anniversary as a town (1785) and then city (1911). An eight person committee under the auspices of Mayor Art Ward is charged with handling the many events and details associated with this celebration.  Bob Montgomery, Bristol’s Historian and Bristol Press Correspondent, is Committee Chairperson.  Other members include Michele Boyko, Judy Murrone, Linda Dimatteo, Bill Englert, Jack Denehy, Tom LaPorte and Tom Dickau.

Tom LaPorte and Tom Dickau have combined to publish a commemorative postcard for this event.  The card includes four scenes depicting the eighteenth century (First Congregational Church), nineteenth century (the first Bristol High School, now home of the Bristol Historic Society), the twentieth century (ESPN) and the current century is depicted by an artist rendition of the proposed downtown as provided by Renaissance Downtowns.  The center of the card displays the City of Bristol Seal with the number 225 superimposed. These cards are available for purchase at all Webster Banks, both public libraries, Beacon Prescription Centers,  Martino’s Italian Market, Stafford Diner,  City True Value Hardware, the American Clock and Watch Museum and the Bristol Historical Society. Cards may also be purchased for one dollar by contacting Tom LaPorte (860 583 2688) and Tom Dickau (860 582 1537).  All proceeds are being utilized to defray expenses and to support activities throughout the year.

Numerous activities are planned and will be held throughout the year.  Any groups or organizations are welcomed to sponsor related activities and are asked to contact Tom Dickau (860 582 1537) or Bob Montgomery at (860 584 0501).

The Historical Society is proud to be part of this year's 225th celebration.

Past Bristol Historical Society Programs included in the anniversary celebration have been:

Bristol Copper Mine Presentation - Thursday, March 18, 7pm

Collaborative Presentation with the Cemetery Commission - Thursday, April 15, 7pm

A Walking Tour through North Cemetery on Lewis Street - Sunday, April 18, 2pm-4pm

History of Bristol Presentation - Friday, June 11, 2010, 7pm MEMBERS ONLY, seating limited to 100

 History of Bristol Presentation - Saturday, June 26, 2010, 2pm Open to the Public, Seating limited to 100

  

Celebration events will be published in the Bristol Press and the Bristol Observer, and can also be found by visiting the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce website , www.bristol-chamber.org

First click Calendar; follow by clicking Community Calendar.

The calendar can also be accessed through links from the following sites:

 The City of Bristol Website:  www.ci.bristol.ct.us

 Forestville Village Association:  www.fvact.org

 Federal Hill Association:  www.bristolfederalhill.org

American Clock and Watch Museum:  www.clockmuseum.org

 From the website:  www.bristolct.net

 


  

The Bristol Historical Society's brick patio was installed in November, 2009. Located to the left of the Summer Street entrance and facing the scenic west view, the patio creates a handsome addition to our landscaped grounds. We are grateful to all our members and friends who purchased bricks during the past few years.







 

 The Bristol Historical Society is looking for volunteers for the Auction Committee, YAS@BHS Committee, Children's Programs, Hospitality Committee, 225 Committee, Fund Raising Events and Mailing/ Phone Committee.

 

Please call the Historical Society offices at 860-583-6309 if you would like more information on any of these opportunities.

 

BHS members Kevin Prior, Bob Boudreau and Bob Alim  generously donated two memorable 10 course dinners and two high teas to the 2008 BHS Auction which they hosted in their home, Broadview Manor to the delight of the guests.  Pictured are the chefs, Kevin and Bob B., joined by BHS member Joel Patterson who acted as assistant sous chef.

 

Cemetery Talk
Bristol Historical Society member and Revolutionary War re-enactment enthusiast Tom Angels, wearing the tricorn hat, uses Historical Society member Joel Patterson as a model. The talk was sponsored by the city's Cemetery Commission in Downs Cemetery on October 12. Both Downs Cemetery and the Lewis Street Cemetery each has over 30 Revolutionary War soldiers buried within its fences. More talks are planned for spring.

Historical Society on the Road
BHS member Lynda Russell, author of "Lake Compounce," greets people at the Bristol Auto Club Car Show on North Main Street.
Be A Greeter or a Worker Bee!
Volunteers are always needed to assist at the many programs and events the Historical Society hosts during the month, including the popular Third Thursday lecture series. Can't attend the event? No problem - we also have a loyal group of bakers who supply us with refreshments.
Flood of '55 Oral Interviews
March 2005

(L-R) Ann Draper Hayes shows her wedding album to Marie, David, and Yolande Fournier before her oral history interview. She was married the day after the flooding in 1955 at St. Joseph's Church. Marie Fournier was also interviewed about her flood experiences living on the corner of Barnes and Tulip Street.

 

Christmas Tree Sales
Volunteers will be needed for this year's Christmas Tree Sales beginning at the end of November. Call 583-6309 to volunteer and spread some holiday cheer!




Beautifying our Grounds
Long-time members Bernie and Jean Sue O'Keefe plant mums at the building.
   
   
   

 

 


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