About Essex Historical Society

Why we are here…

The 1832 Hills Academy now serves as EHS Headquarters

Established in 1955, Essex Historical Society was initially founded by a group of concerned citizens whose aim was to preserve Hills Academy, the town’s first secondary school. Purchased from the town for one dollar, the building now serves as the library and offices of Essex Historical Society.

EHS stewards over 7,000 objects at Hills, representing the history of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton.

Hills Academy once served as an extension of Essex Grammar School. Students pause from their studies for a formal photograph in the first floor classroom, circa 1004.

In accordance with our mission, “to engage and inspire the community in Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton",” EHS offers a rich array of programs, including Collections, Students as Historians, Walking Tours, and EHS’s Pratt House. In addition, we maintain a year-round schedule of Events focusing on local history.

In 2026, EHS will feature a number of new ad hoc programs designed to help the community celebrate America’s 250th birthday

Today the Essex Historical Society is an active and busy local non-profit. Our success in generating excitement about local history is a direct result of the dedication of our staff, interns, and enthusiastic volunteers, and is dependent upon the financial support of our members and sponsors.

Our Staff

EHS is fortunate to be supported by our wonderful staff, who are passionate about sharing local history with the community.

Kate Savage
Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Melissa Josefiak
Director

Email melissa
Email kate

Our Board of Directors

EHS is overseen by our Board of local citizens. We act in keeping with our mission - to engage and inspire the communities of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton - and in accordance with our rules and by-laws.

Board members (left to right): Dick Mather, David Kirsch, Dee Brennan, Lou Mazzarese (President), Sue Winchell, John Bauer, Melinda Kingsbury, and Gus Bentivegna (Vice President).

Not pictured: Terri Ethridge (Secretary) and Russel Pagliughi.

EHS in the News

  • "Essex Historical Society Announces Clark Family Gift"

    This article went out in a November issue of Valley Courier.

  • “Griswold Inn in Essex draws visitors with nearly 250-year historic charm and ghost stories"

    EHS Outreach Coordinator, Kate Savage, was interviewed by Fox61 about the “haunted” history of the Griswold Inn.

  • “A legacy of shipbuilding, innovation makes Essex a microcosm of American history”

    This piece featuring EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak discussing the importance of America 250, aired on WFSB 3 in September 2025.

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme”
— Mark Twain