The Historical Society of East Hartford works to promote an understanding by the public of life in early East Hartford by sponsoring programs and events of historical interest, by guiding visitors through its museums, and by preserving its collections of local antiques.

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Maintain and Display Museums

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The Society maintains four historic buildings in East Hartford:

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• The 1827 Selden Brewer House, which was moved in 1980 to its current location at the corner of Main Street and Naubuc Avenue.

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• The Museums at Martin Park, which is a three-building complex at the Park's entrance on Burnside Avenue. It showcases different aspects of East Hartford's history:

  • The 1761 Makens Bemont House (commonly called the Huguenot House) depicts the home of a fairly prosperous workingman in the late 18th - early 19th century.

  • The 1820s Goodwin Schoolhouse displays items that may have been used in an early/mid 19th century school in East Hartford.

  • The 1850s Burnham Blacksmith Shop displays late 19th and early 20th century tools and equipment used in the East Hartford area.

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Tours of the Selden Brewer House are conducted year round, often by a direct descendant of the original owners of The House.  Guided tours of the Museums at Martin Park are conducted by Society volunteers in July and August. No reservations are needed. The tours are free. Donations are always welcome. For more information about the tours, check out our Visit page, or call 860-568-8342.

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In addition to tours, special events and programs held at the Selden Brewer House throughout the year. See Events for any upcoming events, or any that were held recently.

 

​​​Hold Public Meetings with Historical Programs

 

Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month. The business meetings may be followed by a program of historical interest. The public is welcome to attend these meetings. There is no charge to attend, however, donations are always welcome. Check the listings under Events for meeting locations, dates, and times.

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The Society holds an annual dinner meeting, with an historical program, in September.  The annual dinner is open to members. Members pay for a small portion of the dinner costs.

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Paranormal Investigations

From May through October the Society offers investigations by interested paranormal organizations at the museum buildings.  Martin Park site has an active history of paranormal activity. Teams throughout New England have visited. We have a suggested donation of $10 per person payable on the night of a scheduled investigation. If interested, contact the Society at our e-mail address paranormal_studies@hseh.org.
 

Preserves Buildings of the Past

The Society has continually supported the preservation of older buildings in East Hartford. While not always successful, there have been notable successes in saving and restoring some buildings, including the Huguenot House, the Goodwin Schoolhouse, and the Blacksmith Shop; all three were moved to Martin Park. The Society has also saved the Selden Brewer House by having it moved to its current location, restoring the first floor to its original appearance, and furnished it with historic items from the 1800s and early 1900s. The Comstock Building on Main Street was also saved and restored by The Society.

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Dates Historic Houses

The Society helps East Hartford residents date their homes, and sells date placques for homes built before 1900.

 

Recognizes Student Interest in History

For a number of years the Historical Society has awarded an excelling high school student, having an interest in history, with a book on the history of East Hartford, as an encouragement to continue his/her interest for a lifetime.

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