About Essex Historical Society
Why we are here…
Established in 1955, 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 the library and offices of Essex Historical Society. EHS stewards over 7,000 objects at Hills, representing the history of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton.
The 1832 Hills Academy now serves as EHS headquarters
Hills Academy once served as an extension of Essex Grammar School. Students pause from their studies for a formal photograph in the first floor classroom, circa 1904
EHS offers a rich array of programs, including Collections, Students as Historians, Walking Tours, and EHS’s Pratt House. In addition, we maintain a year-round schedule of Events focusing on local history.
“Engaging and inspiring the community in Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton”
Where We Are Headed
As local interest in town history grows, Essex Historical Society is excitedly moving forward with plans to improve the visitor experience at the 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.
Community support and donations toward the new Culture Campus are encouraged.
Contact us for more information!
EHS Proudly Announces Plans for a new Pratt House Culture Campus
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.
In Memoriam
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 of rapid expansion and collaborative opportunities. 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.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme”