• New Canaan Historical Society

    Founded in 1889, we promote historic preservation and build an appreciation of our Town’s rich past through programs, events, research, exhibitions, museums and more.
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  • Historic Town Register

    Here we have a selection of significant New Canaan homes over 100 years old, Drummond Visitation Homes, Landmark Homes, New Canaan Historic District Homes, and more. – Learn More

  • Genealogical
    Research

    Genealogical Research

    The New Canaan Historical Society maintains a large, well-focused research library of more than 3,500 volumes, specializing in local history, regional history, and genealogy. – Learn More

  • Calendar
    of Events

    Calendar of Events

    We hold events numerous throughout the year that appeal to all ages and to diverse interests.
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Celebrate With Us, 128 Years and Counting

  • Art America–160 Years in the Making

    Our new exhibit opens on Friday, April 28th, with a cocktail reception at 6:00 pm.  The exhibit features 50 works of art representing major styles, subjects and art colonies in America from over nearly two centuries.  Scattered throughout the exhibit are  mannequins viewing a particular piece of art dressed in the attire of that period of time.  The Historical Society’s extensive costume collection made this concept a reality.  It is interesting to see what a patron of the arts might look like back in the day.

    More Info

  • From the Archives: D.P. Brinley

    New acquisitions and items from the Historical Society’s collections detail and demonstrate Silvermine artist D.P. Brinley’s work and impact to the New Canaan community and beyond. More information to follow!

    More Info;

  • Get Involved

    The New Canaan Historical Society is open to everyone. We welcome you as a guest and invite you to become a member — we are not exclusive and we have no waiting lists!

    Ways to Get Involved
    Become a Member
    Volunteer
    Educational Programs
    Become a Museum Docent

  • Some Historical Facts

    • The New Canaan Playhouse opened on Sept. 19, 1923 with a showing of “Down to the Sea in Ships”
    • The town’s first fire engine was paid for on July 4, 1845 in which a volunteer fire company was organized
    • The dedication of the town’s first high school took place on July 4, 1926
    • New Canaan’s first retail shoe store was built in 1870 at the corner of Elm, J. & J. Benedict

  • A Century Ago…

    The 1910 census showed that New Canaan’s population had risen to 3,667 residents.  The town reported an assessment of 945 houses (up 53 from the year before) with a value of $2,859,560. New Canaan received the generous donation of a large parcel of land from the widow of Benjamin P. Mead, thus paving the way for the creation of Mead Park in the coming years. Construction was also underway for the town’s first library, architected by a local resident.

Take a Walk Through History