The Simsbury Historical Society is a non-profit educational corporation founded in 1911 through a bequest of Abbie Sexton Barber to begin a "Historical Room" in Simsbury. Our first and current permanent home was acquired in 1962, through the gift of the Phelps family homestead.The Simsbury Historical Society collections now include more than one dozen structures, significant regional artifacts and important period and thematic collections. The archives include an impressive collection of primary source materials that relate to early settlements in Connecticut, the founding of Simsbury, and the development of the surrounding region. Secondary sources are particularly strong in Connecticut, family and regional history, but also include published works on historic interiors, political processes, and social and military history.
Today the Simsbury Historical Society continues its stewardship of period and modern buildings, artifact and manuscript collections, and special events and workshops, which afford the general and professional public the opportunity to research and enjoy Simsbury's past and present.
Mission:
The mission of the Simsbury Historical Society is to promote an appreciation of the history of Simsbury, its people, places, and events, and their importance to the region and our country. The Society collects, preserves and interprets significant historical resources for Simsbury residents and visitors so that the past may enrich the future.
Vision:
Through its museum and archival collections, the Simsbury Historical Society creates opportunities for audiences of all ages to develop a deeper understanding of Simsbury's past, how that history shapes the community today, and how it can help us make decisions about the future. As a valued community asset, the Simsbury Historical Society is sustained by the generosity of supporters, members and volunteers.
