The Colchester History Museum formerly the Reverend John Ballard House The Reverend John Ballard House, now the Colchester History Museum, during restoration Colchester Historical Society Board of Governors with John Adams actor Colchester Burying Ground located behind Bacon Academy. Interred at the cemetery are the remains of Pierpont and Abigail Bacon, the Reverend John Bulkeley and the Tomb of Gershom Bulkeley and his descendants. The Tomb of Gershom Bulkeley and his descendants among the stone markers in the Colchester Burying Ground Collection Committee archiving over 800 images and postcards of Colchester's Past Third Grade Historic Walking Tour of the Colchester Burying Ground John Warner Barber drawing with original School for Colored Children among the trees on the right side of church Volunteer, Bertha Glemboski, hosts the Third Grade Historic Walking Tour visit to the Nathaniel Foote House Hundreds of Colchester's students annually tour our Museum Looking north into Colchester from what is now Route 85 (New London Road) with the Smith Farm in the foreground. We invite guest speakers. In this case, Children's Chairs: The Evolution of Furniture Styles

The History of the Ballard House

Located in the center of Colchester adjacent to the Cragin Memorial Library, the Former Reverend John Bates Ballard House is now the home of the Colchester Historical Society Museum.  The museum, originally built by Ballard, is an example of mid-19th century construction combining elements from both the Greek Revival and Italianate styles characteristic of homes build along Linwood Avenue during that period.

The Colchester Historical Society Museum features a permanent exhibit highlighting the History of the Bulkeley Family, prominent early settlers of the region.  Articles in the Bulkeley Family exhibit include the initialed coffin lids and other unique objects excavated from the Tomb of Gershom Bulkeley and His Descendants in 200??  Additional exhibits currently include the story of the Zagray Family and Farm, the history of the Champion Family and the Hayward Rubber Company as well as an illustrated History of Bacon Academy.

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We regret that our museum is closed due to COVID-19, we apologize for any inconvenience.  However,  you can now visit the Colchester History Museum virtually using our new 360 Virtual Tour!  Click on the introductory video link and then click the 360 Museum Tour for the full experience.  Enjoy your tour and visit us in 2021 when we reopen the museum.

For Museum Virtual Tour Introduction click here

360 Virtual Museum Tour

The mission of the Colchester Historical Society is to enlighten the community to the rich history of Colchester. 

To mark our 57th Anniversary a look at CHS beginnings. 

https://www.colchesterhistory.org/colchester-historical-society-beginnings/

Coggshell-Robinson House circa 1870

A sad ending to a great example of our structural history, the demolition of the Coggshell-Robinson House:

https://www.colchesterhistory.org/coggshell-house/ ‎

Emerging from the Shadows: the Story of Colchester’s School for Colored Children, 1803-1840 winner of the Connecticut League of History Organizations’ Award of Merit and the American Association of State and Local History Leadership in History Award:

https://www.colchesterhistory.org/emerging-from-th…ildren-1804-1840/

 Preserving history is more than buildings and places

For more information, email mail@colchesterhistory.org.

 

 

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