Essex Historical Society Programs  
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Pratt House, circa 1700

Sept. 29.  A special fundraising event at Hill's Academy, Prospect St., from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.  Refreshments at the newly restored firehouse across the street and tours of Hill's Academy, showing recent renovations.  Tickets are $30.  Call Renata Houchin, 767-2158 for information and tickets.

Oct. 16.  Alison Guinness, curator of CT River Museum, will give a lecture on CT River Valley stone quarries, 7:30 PM at the Essex Town Hall.

Nov. 13.  Don Malcarne will give a slide presentation called "Then and Now in Essex" showing the town as it was 100 or more years ago, compared to today.  This program is a continuation of the show Don presented a year ago.

Dec 1.  Trees in the Rigging and Santa's arrival by boat.  Meet at Town Hall 4 PM to join in lantern parade; pick up "Mr. Pratt" at Pratt House; proceed to CT River Museum for arrival of decorated boats.

Dec. 8.  The annual Holiday Party for members of the Essex Historical Society at the Pratt House, West Ave., from 3 to 5 PM.

Jan. 15.  Christopher S. Riley will give a lecture on Newgate Prison, at Essex Town Hall, 7:30 PM.  Mr. Riley is the interpreter of the "Old New Gate Prison" in East Granby.

March 12.  A program on the Blizzard of 1888 with Jennifer White as speaker at Essex Town Hall, 7:30 PM.

April 16.  James Dew of James Dew & Sons in Guilford, makers of 18th century reproduction furniture, will be speaker at Essex Town Hall, 7:30 PM.

May 11 or 18.  Essex Village Tour.

June 11.  Annual Meeting at Hill's Academy.

Programs at Essex Town Hall are free to Historical Society members; non-members are asked to make a $3 donation.                                                                                     

This society was formed in 1954 to preserve the history of Essex and the lower valley as well as to educate people accordingly. It has remained dedicated to these purposes for almost one half century.

Initially, Hill's Academy served as the main focus of the society for it was both a "home" and a museum" having been purchased from the Town of Essex in 1955.   In The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA)  turned PRATT HOUSE on West Avenue in Essex over to the Essex Historical Society in 1985.   This transaction included almost 2 acres of land as well as many artifacts. This was already an operating museum and has carried on as such since. The acquisition of this valuable property firmly established the reputation and significance of the society.     An added advantage is its location, which is literally in the  “back yard” of Hill’s Academy.

The Essex Historical Society has always concentrated on the presentation of a variety of public programs, usually in the Essex Town Hall. These cover a relatively broad range of subjects, but a focus on local history always draws the most interest. The programs are generally held monthly on Wednesday evenings, from October through May. During the summer PRATT HOUSE is open to the public every weekend in June, July and August from 1-4 in the afternoon. It is open throughout the year by special appointment.