Colchester History Museum
Home of the Colchester Historical Society!
The Colchester History Museum is a fully handicapped-accessible building.
The Colchester History Museum is open Saturdays,
April through December, from 11 am to 2 pm.,
or by appointment.
Housed in the old “Ballard Homestead,” the museum offers two floors
of temporary and permanent exhibits featuring the history of Colchester.
The Colchester History Museum is the headquarters of the Colchester Historical Society.
Founded in 1963, the Colchester Historical Society preserves
the material and archival culture of Colchester residents
past and present, and tells their stories
through compelling exhibits and
engaging public programs for adults, children,
and families on-site and throughout the community.
The museum is located at 24 Linwood Avenue in Colchester, adjacent to the Cragin Memorial Library. Admission is free and there is ample free parking behind the museum.
Current News!
Ghoulchester: A Graveyard Tour into the Past
Location: tour begins at Hayward Fire Company Museum on South Main Street
Friday, October 13, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
*(Rain Date: Sunday, October 15, 4 pm to 5:30 pm)*
$10 CHS members / $15 non-members / $25 families
Fortune-teller cost: $10 for 10-minute reading (optional; pay at Colchester History Museum)
Formerly known as the “Spooky Cemetery Tour,” the Colchester Historical Society’s newly-named “Ghoulchester” is still the same great popular program! During this tour of the Colchester Burying Ground, visitors will meet notable characters from Colchester’s past–as if they’ve just risen from their graves to share their stories!
Tours are guided and recommended for both adults and families with children. All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear comfortable footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight to enhance your experience. Tour space is limited and advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
After your tour, meet a fortune-teller (extra cost; purchase tickets in advance of your tour, as tickets are limited) and enjoy free baked goods and apple cider refreshments at the nearby Colchester History Museum.
*If rain date is necessary, decision will be made by 12 noon on 10/13. Check Facebook and/or CHS E-Blast for notification. Event will be cancelled in event of heavy rains; light percipitation will not cause event to be cancelled; dress appropriately.*
The historic Colchester Burying Ground, located behind the Old Bacon Academy, is one of the finest graveyards in eastern Connecticut housing the remains of many prominent citizens, and featuring exquisitely carved historic headstones. For more information, email: mail@colchesterhistory.org.
