Wells-Shipman-Ward House, Historical Society of Glastonbury, Glastonbury Historical Society

Historical Society of Glastonbury

History Happened Here

The Historical Society of Glastonbury preserves, interprets and educates in order to promote and share the ever evolving history of Glastonbury to connect our community with our present and our past.

Our mission is to promote community activity and interest in Glastonbury’s heritage through publications, exhibits and programs and shall acquire, maintain and preserve historical properties and materials for education and research.

Oct 13
Museum Events

PAY IT FORWARD

11 am to 2 pm
Museum on the Green
more information
Oct 20
Family Event

Bread and Beer!!!

12 pm to 2 pm
Welles-Shipman-Ward House
more information
Nov 17
Family Event

Thanksgiving is Here!

12 pm to 3 pm
Welles-Shipman-Ward House
more information

Visit Our Historic Sites

Welles-Shipman-Ward Property

The 1755 River Valley Mansion has been preserved in its original colonial style and has one of the largest colonial era hearth fireplaces in Connecticut.

Museum On The Green

Museum exhibits cover the town’s history from the First Peoples who resided here, the Wangunk people, through the arrival of the Colonists, 19th Century Immigration from European Countries, through the history of the mid-20th Century.

Welles-Chapman Tavern

Joseph Welles was a well-known colonial era tavern owner. He built his home on the Country Road (Main Street) and in 1796, he was granted a license to operate a tavern there.

Become Involved

The Historical Society of Glastonbury relies on donors and members to provide operating support so that we may continue to highlight the history, people, events, and important buildings and businesses that make up the diverse history of Glastonbury. We do this by adding to our collection, repairing and maintaining our historic buildings, and offering programs and events that present our history in an interesting and informative manner to residents and guests.

See What We’ve Been Up To

THE Tag Sale will be collecting donations soon!

Our annual takeover of the Welles-Shipman-Ward property on September 27-29  is being planned now, and we will begin collecting your gently used items in August.  We welcome donations of vintage …

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Glastonbury Men Who Served
in The Revolutionary War

In colonial times, all able-bodied freemen between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to train with their town’s militia. These men were part-time, non-professional fighters who had to provide their own weapons when they trained and their own clothing and food if they were away.  

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Preserving Glastonbury’s Legacy

The Historical Society of Glastonbury was formed in 1938 to preserve the Gideon Welles home and it quickly became our mission to preserve and protect the important historical legacy of Glastonbury. In the years since we were formed in 1938, we have established five National Registered Historic Districts and one Local Historic District.

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NEXT Weekend!! Watch the beer maker do his thing over the FIRE!
THIS Sunday!! Don't miss the new Hollister Archaeology Site exhibit while you're there!
Did you know?! Actual artifacts found at site of one of the very first houses in town!
LAST DAY!  I hear their are DEALS to be had TODAY!!
Don't Forget the TAG SALE TODAY!!