About Essex Historical Society
Why we are here…
Established in 1955, the Essex Historical Society was initially founded by a group of concerned citizens whose aim was to preserve Hills Academy, the town’s first secondary school. Purchased from the town for one dollar, the building now serves as a meeting and exhibit space for the society as well as home to its growing collection of Essex memorabilia.
The 1832 Hills Academy now serves as the EHS headquarters
Early 20th century students at Hills Academy (then Essex Elementary) pause from their studies for a photograph
Over the years, EHS has evolved and grown to include a rigorous collections program that catalogues many remnants of Essex history, an education program in partnership with local schools, the preservation of both Hills Academy and the Pratt House museum, the sharing of stories of the town’s past through regularly scheduled Historical Walking Tours and a lecture and book series in cooperation with other local organizations.
Where We Are Headed
EHS Proudly Announces Plans for a new Pratt House Culture Campus
As local interest in town history grows, Essex Historical Society is excitedly moving forward with plans to improve the visitor experience at historic Pratt House, turning its grounds into a new Culture Campus.
Plans are underway to improve both infrastructure and programming. Together, these improvements will allow us to host indoor educational events from spring through fall and to expand our history and cultural offerings to a greater number of audiences.
Proceeds from the 2024 Holiday House Tour will be used toward creating the Culture Campus. Community support and donations toward the new Culture Campus are encouraged.
Contact us for more information!
In Memorium
Today, interest in local history is strong, in no small part due to the work of past EHS Board President, Sherry Clark (1941 - 2024).
A passionate proponent of celebrating the extraordinary history of Essex’s three villages, Sherry took over the organization at a time its continued existence was in peril. She worked tirelessly to strengthen the organization to ensure that residents and visitors, young and old, present and future, can better appreciate the dynamic cultural heritage we all share in these amazing communities. Sherry passed away in 2024, but her presence will long be felt around our community, wherever we gather to ponder our past, how it has shaped us, and how we will in turn shape the future.
Today the Essex Historical Society is an active and busy local non-profit, succeeding in its mission to inspire the community to become involved in local history. Our success is a direct result of the dedication of our staff, interns, and enthusiastic volunteers, and is financed by the support of our members and sponsors.
Our Staff
EHS is fortunate to be supported by our wonderful staff, who are passionate about sharing local history with the community.
Melissa Josefiak
Director
Kate Savage
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
Our Board
EHS is overseen by our Board of local citizens. We act in keeping with our mission - to engage and inspire the communities of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton - and in accordance with our rules and by-laws.
Board members (left to right) Melinda Kingsbury, Gus Bentivegna (VP), Terri Ethridge (Sec.), Dick Mather, David Kirsch, Hank McInerney, and Lou Mazzerese (Pres.). Not pictured: John Bauer, Stacia Libby.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme”