The Historical Society... Our beginnings
In 1965, a small group of dedicated citizens incorporated the Manchester Historical Society. Their original purpose was to save the historic Timothy Cheney house on East Center Street from destruction. They dedicated themselves to implementing the resolutions of incorporation: to preserve "irreplaceable historic Manchester landmarks and act as a watchdog group" to save valued antiquities.
Now, over forty years later, we can point to the progress that has been made. The Society manages The History Center, 175 Pine Street driving directions, site of our administrative offices, special events, and Sunday lectures; the Cheney Homestead at 106 Hartford Road driving directions, given to our society through a gracious bequest of the Cheney family in 1969; the Keeney Schoolhouse next to the Homestead; and the Old Manchester Museum at 126 Cedar Street driving directions, the former Cheney School building, restored by volunteers and business donors. The museum opened in 1985 and has three floors of collections, as well as the research facility.
What we do...
Volunteers
Our volunteers are the core of the Society, and many tasks are available. For example, volunteers accession newly donated items, staff events such as our Open Houses and Book Sales, design and set up exhibits, give museum tours, and help visitors with genealogy investigations.
Tours
In addition to tours for school children, we co-sponsor a walking tour of the Cheney Mills area, which is a part of the Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District. We work with the town on "Heritage Day" tours each June, and conduct walking tours throughout the town. Tours have included Highland Park, Buckland, "Hollywood," Hudson Street, Boulder Road, Union Village (the North End), Hackmatack Street, the Town Center, and Forest Street. History hikes have included Oak Grove Nature Center, Union Pond, Hilliardville, Adams Mill, and Laurel Marsh.
Programs
The Historical Society holds regular program meetings on a variety of topics. Some of our past programs have dealt with The Manchester Road Race, Spencer Repeating Rifles, Shaker Village, The South Manchester Railroad, grave stones, colonial days, quilts, Pitkin glass, the Firemen's Museum, New England Stone Walls, Apel's Opera House, and Growing Tobacco in Manchester.
House Markers
For houses more than 50 years old, homeowners can purchase a plaque. Upon the homeowner's submission of a fee and evidence of the age of the house, the Society will provide a plaque showing the year the house was built. The plaque is suitable for mounting on the exterior of the house.
Advisory
The Historical Society acts as advisor to the Cheney Historic District Commission and the town in cases affecting the preservation or demolition of older buildings.
Publications
Our newsletter The Courier, published quarterly, includes Society news and unusual or amusing items of interest from the past. To read our newsletter, click on the News link on the left above.
The Historical Society has also published four soft-bound books: Old Manchester... A Picture Book, debuted in 1994 with more than 400 photos from Manchester's past which has sold over 3,000 copies; Old Manchester II... The Storytellers, published in 1995, a collection of anecdotes and stories about everyday life in Manchester from over 80 writers. More than 1,000 present and former residents are mentioned in this 272-page volume. In 1996 we published "Silk And Guns: The Life of a Connecticut Yankee: Frank Cheney (1817-1904)", written by his great-granddaughter, Alice Farley Williams. This 203-page book contains 25 illustrations, 275 names and places from Manchester's past, as well as insights into the Cheney family, their affectionate regard for Manchester, and their impact on Manchester's history. "Old Manchester III...Manchester Green" was published in 1997 and contains over 175 pictures and maps covering the eastern part of Manchester, known as "The Green."
We have also published these booklets: "East Cemetery Historical Walking Tour," which describes interesting gravestones and stories in the old part of East Cemetery; "From Warsaw to Manchester, Talking with Helen Kopman;" "Vet Haven and Related Tales, Manchester Veterans Return from World War II;" "Customs and Incidents of Early Days in Manchester."
Our Mission
The Manchester Historical Society educates the public about the history of Manchester, Connecticut; collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits information and artifacts about the town and its diverse population, and advocates for the preservation of significant historic resources.
Our Vision
The Manchester Historical Society will be the premier resource for information about the history and heritage of Manchester, Connecticut that includes the Native American culture and the growth of the agricultural, industrial and suburban communities of the Northeast. It will attract visitors of all ages from around the country to its exhibitions and programs. Its efforts will reflect the diversity of the community and will remain connected to the community.
Hours, Locations, Directions, and Admission
The Manchester History Center175 Pine Street
Manchester, Connecticut 06040
860-647-9983
Exhibits, special events, lectures, a museum store, and administrative offices are located at The History Center.
Hours of operation:
The summer and fall hours of the museum store at the History Center, 175 Pine Street, are generally Thursdays and Fridays from 10 to 2 except holidays. We recommend phoning ahead, 860-647-9983. The administrative offices at the Manchester History Center are open by appointment; please phone 860-647-9983.Driving Directions to The Manchester History Center
From Hartford, eastbound on Route 84, Exit 59 to I-384 East. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Right off the exit ramp onto South Main Street. At the first light, take a left onto Hartford Road. Take the second right onto Pine Street. The History Center is on the right, at the corner of Forest Street. The parking lot is just beyond the building.From Providence, R.I. and Bolton, CT, westbound on I-384 West. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Left off the exit onto Charter Oak Street. Straight through first light (intersection with Main Street), and stay straight -- name of road changes to Hartford Road. Take the second right onto Pine Street. The History Center is on the right, at the corner of Forest Street. The parking lot is just beyond the building.
Old Manchester Museum
126 Cedar Street
Manchester, Connecticut 06040
860-647-9742.
Exhibits, archives, and a small museum store are located at this museum.
Hours of operation:
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., except holidays.Driving Directions to The Old Manchester Museum
From Hartford, eastbound on Route 84, Exit 59 to I-384 East. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Right off the exit ramp onto South Main Street. At the first light, take a left onto Hartford Road. Take the second left onto Pleasant Street. Take the first left onto Cedar Street. The museum is on the right at the end of the street.From Providence, R.I. and Bolton, CT, westbound on I-384 West. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Left off the exit onto Charter Oak Street. Straight through first light (intersection with Main Street), and stay straight -- name of road changes to Hartford Road. Take the second right onto Pine Street. Take the second left onto Pleasant Street. Take the first left onto Cedar Street. The museum is on the right at the end of the street.
Cheney Homestead and Keeney Schoolhouse on the grounds of the Homestead
106 Hartford Road
Manchester, Connecticut
Open by Appointment. Please call 860-647-9983
Driving Directions to The Cheney Homestead and Keeney Schoolhouse
From Hartford, eastbound on Route 84, Exit 59 to I-384 East. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Right off the exit ramp onto South Main Street. At the first light, take a left onto Hartford Road. The Homestead is the third building on the left, approximately a quarter mile from the light.
From Providence, R.I. and Bolton, CT, westbound on I-384 West. Take Exit 3 off I-384. Left off the exit onto Charter Oak Street. Straight through first light (intersection with Main Street), and stay straight -- name of road changes to Hartford Road. The Homestead is the third building on the left, approximately a quarter mile from the light.
Admission to museums and exhibits at all sites is free for members and $2.00 for non-members.
Officers (2009-2010)
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Board of Directors (2009-2010)Susan BarlowGeorge Beauregard Anne Beechler Vivian Ferguson Teresa Parla Chuck Swallow |
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Directors EmeritiMarian CampDouglas Edwards |
Links
The Cheney HomesteadKeeney Schoolhouse
The Old Manchester Museum
Manchester Sports Hall of Fame
History of the Manchester Road Race
Pitkin Glass Works
Museum of Connecticut Glass
Lutz Children's Museum
Manchester High School Class of 1955
Cheney Hall
Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society Museum
Manchester Message Board
