Beacon Falls Historical Society

Beacon Falls Historical Society We are a non-political, non profit, self sustaining organization. Circa 1878, the improvement of this place for a pleasure resort was begun by George W.

We seek to preserve past history through programs of research of buildings and houses of historical importance, genealogy and programs of general interest to our membership. The rugged Naugatuck Valley is nowhere more picturesque and attractive than in the town of Beacon Falls. Entering it from the south one is charmed by impressive the impressive beauty of Rock Rimmon, whose height is 400 ft., ju

tting out into the valley, appears to bar further progress. On passing this hill there is a pleasant interval, several miles in extent, when the valley is again narrowed into a defile wide enough only for the passage of the river and roadways along its banks. About a mile above Beacon Falls station the hills on the west side of the river rise to a height of more than 400 ft., forming a promontory at that point and terminating in a well defined elevation, which appropriately bears the name of High Rock. At its foot and on the bend of the river is a small tract of fine level woodland, which has been further beautified as High Rock Grove. Beach, Supt. Of the Naugatuck Railroad company, and under his direction it has been carried on, until the place possesses nearly every requisite of a complete day resort. Among the attractions are opportunities for boating on the river, the dam of the Beacon Falls Company here affording a fine expanse of water. In High Rock Glen, formerly called Sherman's Gorge, are cool, secluded walks, cozy nooks and many turns, abounding with picturesque effects, which may be enjoyed to the music of gurgling waters, leaping over moss-covered rocks, which vainly strive to confine them to their precipitous course. On High rock is Lookout Point, where is disclosed a view of sublime beauty. Deep forests, stern rock-covered hillsides and tilled fields, with every shape and form of verdure, may there be seen.

08/30/2026

Is the 250th over? NO!

While the Beacon Falls 250th Committee has held its last scheduled program, the last official celebration of America 250 will not end until 2032-33 as the last British soldiers did not leave the newly formed America until November 25, 1783. In 2026 we are celebrating the signing the Declaration of Independence, one of the first major documents of the revolution and this new nation. There is much more history to discover.

Over the next seven years, there will be many other 250th events, some of which are held annually. The BFHS urges everyone to be watching for these special 250th events. One such event, the Battle of Groton Heights, is celebrated every September 6th. Occurring on September 6, 1781, the Battle of Groton Heights, specifically the battles at Fort Trumbull in New London and Fort Griswold in Groton, led by then traitor Benedict Arnold, was one of the last major battles of the Revolutionary War. There is a special event planned for next weekend at Fort Griswold as it has for several decades. I suggest you read up on the battle in preparation for this weekend, and for a major reenactment being as I understand, is being planned for 2031, the 250th Anniversary.

Huzzah!

Michael Krenesky, President, Beacon Falls Historical Society and;
Captain - David Humphreys Branch #1 Living History Unit Color Guard of the CT Society of the Sons of the American Revolution;
Selectman, Town of Beacon Falls, CT

As Municipal Historian, I am constantly looking for memorabilia on Beacon Falls in anticipation that BFHS will have a mu...
08/28/2026

As Municipal Historian, I am constantly looking for memorabilia on Beacon Falls in anticipation that BFHS will have a museum to display it all. One focus of my search is artifacts related to High Rock Grove. I recently found and added to my collection, the attached postcard type advertisement for a picnic at the Grove..

The Mutual Hook And Ladder Co. 1, is believed to be a late 1800’s volunteer fire company from Waterbury. I am researching their history.

08/26/2026
July 11, 2026. The General David Humphreys Branch #1 of the CT Sons of the American Revolution celebrated a grave mark...
07/12/2026

July 11, 2026.
The General David Humphreys Branch #1 of the CT Sons of the American Revolution celebrated a grave marking of the five Revolutionary War Patriots buried in the Pinesbridge Cemetery.

Reposting Family Day event with correct address of cemetery.
05/13/2026

Reposting Family Day event with correct address of cemetery.

Special shoutout to family members of our patriots. Come join us as we honor and celebrate your ancestors and the start...
05/13/2026

Special shoutout to family members of our patriots. Come join us as we honor and celebrate your ancestors and the start of Family Day July 11, 2026. Everyone Welcome as Beacon Falls celebrates America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

05/07/2026

READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE JULY 8, 2026
Beacon Falls will celebrate the 250th with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, which is tentatively scheduled for 6:00PM on the church green prior to the announced concert.

Across America at 6:00PM local time, cities, towns, and villages will collectively hold a Public reading of the Declaration of Independence as it was done 250 years ago. Come and celebrate our nation’s founding.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
July 3, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.
July 6, 1776, first public reading and newspaper publication of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
July 8-9, 1776, copies of the Declaration of Independence reach other colonies, first public reading July 9, 1776 in New York.
July 12, 1776, News of the Declaration of Independence reaches Connecticut.
By the middle of August 1776, all thirteen colonies had received the news of our declared independence from Great Britain.

This event is being sponsored by the “Beacon Falls Celebrates America’s 250th Committee”, and the Beacon Falls Historical Society, with special thanks to the Beacon Falls Park & Rec Commission for sharing and making July 8th a special evening.

Beacon Falls celebrates America’s 250th.The old abandoned stagecoach road. What stories might it tell if it could talk?...
04/03/2026

Beacon Falls celebrates America’s 250th.
The old abandoned stagecoach road. What stories might it tell if it could talk? What might its significance be as we celebrate our country’s 250th.
Details to follow!

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Beacon Falls, CT

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