CT History Book Club

Essex Historical Society 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, United States

All are invited to join us for EHS’s Connecticut History Book Club. Offered in collaboration with Essex Library and Ivoryton Library, EHS hosts this quarterly book club to explore the state's past through both fiction and non-fiction works, highlighting key events, figures, and themes that shaped the state or played a larger role in America’s history. We will focus on works that illuminate the bring marginalized stories to the forefront, offering a deeper understanding of Connecticut's diverse history. Join us for insightful discussions that connect the past to the present, revealing the histories that shaped our state.  For our September book we have chosen the novel: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris. This historical fiction thriller is a page-turner! Books can be checked out from Ivoryton Library or Essex Library Association, or purchased wherever you get your books. PLEASE NOTE: it is a BIG book, so we encourage you to start it now. On Wednesday, September 17, we will meet at Pratt House (19 West Avenue) for a book discussion lead by EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak. This event is FREE and lite refreshments will be provided.

Free
Recurring

Pratt House Open for FREE Tours

The Pratt House 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!

Free
Recurring

Pratt House Open for FREE Tours

The Pratt House 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!

Free
Recurring

Pratt House Open for FREE Tours

The Pratt House 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!

Free

Veterans of the Revolution Walking Tour

37 North Main Street 37 North Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

Join us for a NEW walk that EHS is debuting as part of our America 250 celebrations! Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak and EHS’s Sharon D. Clark 2025 Intern Griffin Smith, on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00pm, as they present a tour of the cemetery that will visit the stone sites of Essex veterans of the Revolutionary War and talk about their histories before, during, and after the Revolution. Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s.  Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 6pm.   The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile.  Walkers should wear proper footwear and outerwear, and possibly bring a flashlight if they would like.  While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members.   Please meet at the base […]

$10
Recurring

Pratt House Open for FREE Tours

The Pratt House 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT, United States

Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!

Free