Connecticut Historical Society Museum

Founded in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society is a non-profit museum, library, research and education center. We strive to inspire and foster a life-long interest in history and facilitate a passion for learning about history through research...

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Pictured is a Militia officer's chapeau bras, hand-stitched of beaver or beaver and rabbit fur felt. A chapeau bras is a type of hat made to be compressed and carried under the arm without injury. It translates literally as “hat arm.” Such hats were a popular style worn on dress occasions by gentlemen in the 18th century #NationalHatDay

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So, no one was wearing this one out on a regular day. Pictured is a Brownie costume. It was inspired by "The Brownies," popular characters created and drawn by the Canadian illustrator Palmer Cox beginning in the 1880s and continuing through the early twentieth century. The Brownies first appeared in magazines and later were the subject of several books. #NationalHatDay

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These hats were worn by Hartford Volunteer Veteran Fire Association members. The HVVFA was founded in 1889. Originally it only took members of old volunteer hand-engine companies. By 1893, the association let anyone with over five years of service join. The association had a building located at 27 Arch Street where they stored their hand engines that were used in parades and where they met for business and revelry. #NationalHatDay

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Until construction of industrial power dams at Holyoke after the Civil War, the shad run on the Connecticut River was an important economic, and to some extent, social element of Valley life. Pictured is a dark wool felt top hat, with an inscription painted around the crown reading, "May 25th, 1818 7500 Shad." A small fish is painted at the end of the inscription. Was this hat given out at a competition? Worn by a specific person? We’re not sure—do you know? #NationalHatDay

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The Battle of Madison was fought during the American Revolution on May 19, 1782. The town militia was led by Captain Phineas Meigs, who was killed by a musket ball in the head during this battle (his hat did not keep him safe). Meigs was the last man killed in Connecticut during the American Revolution. His hat, with the fatal bullet hole, is currently on view in the Hamilton exhibit. #NationalHatDay

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Not quite a Zamboni! Long before the ice resurfacing machine was invented, horses were used to get the ice clean and ready for skating. Pictured is Riverside Park in Hartford, circa 1915.

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Pictured is an early 1900’s Santa button from the Brown, Thompson, and Company department store in downtown Hartford (located near G. Fox & Co and Sage Allen).

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The New Haven Railroad opened for business 170 years ago this month. Today, we’re taking a look at what is reportedly the last street car token issued by the Connecticut Company which operated the primary street railway company in Connecticut. It was controlled by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.

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In December of 1848, the New Haven Railroad opened for passengers! Pictured is the New Haven train station.

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Pictured is a 1917 nursing school graduation. It’s likely the graduation ceremony of Hartford Hospital's School of Nursing on 29 May 1917. Thirty-three nurses graduated that year.

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Pictured is an 1885 high-wheel bicycle. Did you bike to school as a child?

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What do you keep your leeches in?! During the 1800’s, pharmacists would display their supply of medical leeches in fine china jars, like this one. Leech saliva was used to prevent blood clots, as a local anesthetic, and to treat different illnesses. Leeches aren’t on display anymore at your local pharmacy but they are still used in medicine. #ThatsWeirdExhibit

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Not quite the wreath you’re used to seeing this time of year. This incredibly detailed wreath was made out of hair in 1859. Learn more, visit #ThatsWeirdExhibit!

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Horace Bushnell Cheney, Jr., Ward Cheney, Ann Kimberly Cheney and Marion Cheney ready to play in the snow! Circa 1900.

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Long before Queen Victoria inspired a television series, she inspired what women in Connecticut considered fashionable. Over the 60 years of her reign, silhouettes for women’s dresses changed remarkably. Our newest exhibit, “Victorian Fashion Crosses the Pond, 1840-1900” is ready for visitors! http://bit.ly/2hCLel3

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Who remembers when the new YMCA of Greater Hartford was being built?! Photos from their publicity campaign in the late 50’s.

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James Mars was born into slavery in Canaan in 1790. At that time, the law in Connecticut emancipated enslaved children when they reached adulthood. Mars wrote this account of his life to describe northern slavery to an audience now unfamiliar with the practice. Check out our exhibit, “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture” celebrating the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum!