Avon Historical Society

07/29/2026

Join us for these 250th programs this September. All events will be held at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT, except for the Playhouse 44 event, which will be held at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Rd., Avon, CT 06001

Avon's America 250

07/24/2026

We thought this might be of interest! Presented by the Ellington Historical Society

History comes alive in Ellington on Friday, July 31.

Last summer, more than 100 guests joined us for an unforgettable evening as the New England Civil War Museum brought the Battle of Irish Bend to life. This year, we're excited to welcome them back for another immersive experience.

Connecticut Boys at the Battle of Gettysburg tells the gripping story of the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles.

This is not a Civil War reenactment. Instead, you'll experience an immersive evening of storytelling, living history, music, and first-person accounts that place you alongside the Connecticut soldiers who fought at Gettysburg.

For more than 24 hours, Union and Confederate soldiers battled over Bliss Farm. After repeated assaults failed, approximately 60 soldiers of the 14th Connecticut were ordered across open fields under relentless enemy fire to seize and hold the farmhouse and barn. Many of these young men came from communities across Connecticut, including right here in Tolland County.

We're also thrilled to welcome Marching Still, an outstanding musical group from Gettysburg, whose authentic period music will help transport you back to 1863.

Join us on the grounds of the Nellie McKnight Museum on Friday, July 31, from 6PM-8:30PM. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy refreshments, and experience an unforgettable evening of history, music, and community.

Reserve your spot today: https://www.jotform.com/261903870582058

07/04/2026

Today (especially) we honor the 56 very brave Americans who risked everything on a dream. Some ordinary men, but all with an extraordinary vision.

Each Signer risked everything for the cause of independence. They had all committed treason against the crown of England, a crime punishable by death. They faced potential economic ruin, and social and political backlash.

Fifty-six very brave Americans stood unwavering as they pledged, "For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let us never forget the roots of our freedom.

Please join us at the Avon Senior Center on Wednesday, July 8th for a community reading!

06/22/2026

As part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Avon's America 250 Coordinating Committee invites the public to view a new exhibit in the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library entitled “From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice.” The exhibit is on display now through the end of August.

06/18/2026

Don't miss the latest Avon Talks Podcast! Host Jim Pabich interviews Dr. Harry Werner's Farmington Valley Veterinary Diary: Of Cows, Goats, Horses, and Elephants...

For more than fifty years, the rolling pastures of Connecticut's Fa...

06/14/2026

What does the America 250 Commemoration mean to you?

05/26/2026

On behalf of the Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee, I thank you all very much for your support, assistance, and participation in both events this weekend to honor those who served our country during the American Revolution. A special thanks to our partners, the Avon Free Public Library and Avon Senior Center for their financial support, the West Avon Congregational Church for the use of their sanctuary and fellowship hall (including yummy cookies and cool drinks) .

The Deborah Sampson event on Saturday had 80 attendees. I think everyone enjoyed being in the church’s historic sanctuary to hear and learn about a very brave young woman who took up the cause of liberty to the fullest. The actor, Judith Kalaora, told me that she enjoys doing this performance in churches because it was the meeting place for everyone in the community during the early years of our country.

05/26/2026

HONOR ROLL OF THE NORTHINGTON MEN WHO SERVED IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

On behalf of the Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee, I thank you all very much for your support, assistance, and participation in both events this weekend to honor those who served our country during the American Revolution. A special thanks to our partners, the Avon Free Public Library and Avon Senior Center for their financial support, the West Avon Congregational Church for the use of their sanctuary and fellowship hall (including yummy cookies and cool drinks) and the West Avon Cemetery Association for allowing us to be in the cemetery where some of our Patriots are buried. And we truly appreciate the participation of the DAR and CTSSAR, including the CT Line, who in turn honored their Patriot ancestors’ service. A very special thanks to the M&T Charitable Foundation which funded the Honor Roll plaque and booklet. Whether you did research, brought your colleagues to participate, spoke at the event, created a display, baked cookies, cleaned tables, mowed the grass, help load and unload vehicles, or assisted with odds and ends, it made it a shared experience.

The Sunday event to honor the 80 Northington men who served had 60 attendees.