Essex Historical Society (EHS) is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to engage and inspire the community by sharing the history of Essex’s three villages: Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton. EHS manages two historic properties and offers a year-round calendar of programming events, all open to the public for little or no cost. The historic 1732 Pratt House, 19 West Avenue, offers free guided tours June through September on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4pm, and year-round by appointment. Hills Academy History Center at 22 Prospect Street, serves as EHS’s offices, houses over 7,000 collections objects, and is open as a research center, open Tuesday and Thursday mornings year-round and by appointment. Our collections team is happy to help with your research request or family history.
EHS’s busy schedule continues to engage and inspire the community through illustrated talks, hands-on history school programs, walking tours, publications, as well as special events throughout the three villages and at our historic properties. Programming collaborators include: Connecticut River Museum, Essex Library Association, Essex Land Trust, and many more. EHS is member supported and is always looking for volunteers. Learn more and join us in sharing the town’s rich history at essexhistory.org!