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.
Glastonbury’s Legacy
In the years since we were formed in 1938, we have established five National Registered Historic Districts and one Local Historic District. Our Education Department provides yearly interactive tours to all 5th graders in Glastonbury Public Schools. The Welles-Shipman-Ward property not only has preserved a c.1755 River Valley Mansion but now boast the reconstructed c.1790 Eastbury Barn, the c.1850 Tobacco Shed, and the c. 1790 Moseley Tavern privy. We offer educational programming, tours, events, and children’s activities throughout the year, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. Our Museum on the Green is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and contains numerous exhibits on the history of Glastonbury.