Upcoming Events

Photo exhibit extended one more week!

Bloom Where You Are Planted:

A photo exhibit of original images by

“Nora from Moodus”

Sunday, September 1st: 12 - 4 PM

Nora's photos reflect her love of the beautiful East Haddam community. She lives on the road established by her great great great grandfather Roswell Davison, who was invited to Moodus and 'bloomed where he was planted.'  

Nora's photography illustrates the idea that you can be blessed when you embrace and bloom right where you are. Her photo of beautiful irises blooming on Davison Road is seen above.

Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Location: East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street.

Free for members and children 12 and under. Suggested donation of $5.00 for non-members. For information call 860-873-3944.

28th Annual Venture Smith Day

Saturday, September 7, 2024

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Venture Smith spent most of his freedom years in East Haddam and Haddam Neck, CT. He was the son of an African king, documented his capture and life as an American slave, and was a successful black freeman. His grave in the First Church Cemetery in East Haddam is one of the original sites on the Connecticut Freedom Trail. 

This year's program features:

• Ms. Susi Ryan, 9^th generation descendant of Venture Smith discussing “Vessels of Slavery: Forget Me Not.”
• John Wood Sweet, Ph.D., Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, discussing “Ties That Bind: Slavery, Freedom, and Family in Venture Smith’s Life.”  
• Héctor “Freedom” Gerardo, co-founder of the SEAmarron Farmstead LLC, 1 Freedom for All, and The Venture Farming Institute describing “Venture Smith and The Venture Farming Institute.” 
• Dr. Karl P. Stofko, East Haddam’s Municipal Historian and Venture Smith family genealogist since the 1970s, sharing “Venture’s Journey to Malagasco as a Slave.” 

Location: First Church Cemetery, 499 Town Street (RT. 151), East Haddam, CT, where Venture Smith (1729-1805) is buried.

Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on outside. Refreshments will be served following the event. Visit the Venture Smith exhibit at the East Haddam Historical Society and Museum, 264 Town Street in East Haddam, open from 12:00 - 5:00 pm on Venture Smith Day. 

HARVEST MOON OKTOBERFEST!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024: 6 - 9 PM

FOOD, MUSIC, & SILENT AUCTION

CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CELEBRATION

First Selectman Irene Haines and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa DeBrito visit the Research Center at the Museum and learn about local filmmaker Guy Hedlund, the focus of current research by Museum volunteers.

The Karl P. Stofko Research Center is available for those wishing to research genealogy or topics related to East Haddam history.