Celebrating Town History is a Community Affair

Become a Member!

A message from EHS Membership Chair, Dick Mather

Your support matters. Dues and donations fund all facets of our mission and allow us to continue serving our community.

    • Continue and expand education programming for students at Essex Elementary School and regional institutions for youth learning

    • Host walking tours of the three Villages of Essex at a low cost to visitors

    • Operate Hills Academy History Center, home to over 7,000 collections objects and the Sherry Clark Research Library

    • Offer FREE, seasonal, guided tours and special events at Pratt Historic House

    • Maintain and preserve our historic properties

    • Care for and manage the Kitchen Garden and Pollinator Garden on the Pratt House grounds which are always open for public enjoyment

    • Present at no cost to attendees, our annual Winter Lecture Series for life-long learners

    • Curate special exhibits at EHS locations and spaces around town

    • Publish and distribute the EHS Annual Newsletter

    • Partner with local organizations and businesses to expand history access to all

Become a Member

Core Benefits for All Members

Free admission to our Seasonal Walking Tours
(non-members pay $5-$10 per tour)

Personalized Invitation to our Annual Meeting

Voting privileges at our Annual Meeting

Recognition in our Annual Newsletter (with a reach of 4,500 locations)

FREE access to Pratt House Tours, visits to our Hills Academy Collections, and special programs throughout the three villages!

10% off in the Pratt’s Provisions Gift Shop

Membership Levels

    • All the benefits of Patron Membership, PLUS recognition in a special highlight area of our Annual Newsletter, the gift of 2 “Supporter Memberships” for the individuals of your choosing, special recognition in our Summer Events E-blast

      Join now →

  • All of the Supporter Benefits PLUS a mailed copy of “Where History Lives”, complementary food and drinks at our Annual Meeting, and special recognition on our website

    Join now →

    • Special recognition on our website, with a link to your business page

    • Special recognition in our annual Newsletter

    • Voting privileges to at our Annual Meeting

    • Complimentary food and drink for two people at our Annual Meeting

    • Discounted ad rates for special events (like the Holiday House Tour)

    Join now →

    •  All the Household benefits PLUS discounts on special event tickets (such as the Holiday House Tour) and 20% discount in the Pratt’s Provisions Gift Shop

    Join now →

  • All the Core Benefits for TWO people

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  • All the Core Benefits for ONE individual

    Join now →

  • Core Benefits plus a special gift from EHS and a letter from EHS Director, “Mrs. J”

    Join now →

Please note: in an effort to offset donation loss, EHS has added the processing fee to memberships for 2026.

To avoid fees, please send a check to “Essex Historical Society” PO Box 123 Essex, CT 06426

EHS gratefully acknowledges the support of the following community partners.
Through their 2025 Business Memberships, they support our ability to preserve and share Essex History.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
— Pablo Picasso