Stamford History Real Time

It's not too late to sign up for our Victorian Tea, Sunday, November 8

The Stamford Historical Society
Invites you to attend
The Sixth Annual Victorian Tea
Sunday, November 8, 2009, 2:30—5 PM

100 Years in the Making: Highlights from the Society's Collections

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of its Incorporation, the Society has put together a beautiful exhibit which presents the best of the best from our collections.  Curated by Executive Director Dr. Thomas A. Zoubek, the exhibit displays samples of the treasures accumulated over the past century.

Dr. Zoubek and Librarian Ronald Marcus will give gallery talks, leading us through the "rooms" set up in both the Red and Halliday galleries.

The talks begins at 3 PM, followed by our traditional tea and raffle for tea baskets.

For reservations call (203) 329-1183
Admission: $15
Please make your check payable to The Stamford Historical Society and send it to the Society at 1508 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06903.

Vertical Files Index, updated September 2009, now online

We are pleased to report that the updated Vertical Files Index is now online.

The Stamford Historical Society, Index of Vertical Files
Revised September 2009

The Vertical Files in the Marcus Research Library are organized in file drawers by category and subject. They contain paper based material such as news clippings, letters, brochures, and more.

Kudos to Grace Bounty who purged and updated the files over the summer!

Research requests may be sent to
[email protected]
Research Fees

The Stamford Historical Society was incorporated 100 years ago today

From The Advocate Archives:

October 22, 1909

The Stamford Historical Society was duly organized as an incorporated body at a meeting held in the office of Attorney Robert A. Fosdick. Nine of eleven parties named in the act of incorporation were present. After a formal vote accepting and approving the incorporation, several resolutions were passed merging the new corporation with the unincorporated body previously known as the Stamford Historical Society.

Stamford Times: Stamford Historical Society celebrates 100 years

Article in the Stamford Times:   Stamford Historical Society celebrates 100 year

STAMFORD -- The Stamford Historical Society intends on proving Sting wrong. Unlike the message of the musician's song "History Will Teach Us Nothing," the 100-year-old institution contends it will.

This month marks the Society's 100th anniversary since becoming a fully incorporated non-profit on Oct. 13, 1909.

The Society will celebrate 100 years of meticulously collecting and categorizing local memorabilia through a centennial exhibit titled "100 years in the Making: Highlights from the Society's Collections," which opens Oct. 25.   read entire article

100th Birthday Party – help us spread the word

A flyer to distribute:
Download the 100th Birthday Party Flyer

A Major Milestone: 100th Anniversary of the Stamford Historical Society’s Incorporation

This year the Society celebrates its 100th Anniversary of Incorporation.

Although the Stamford Historical Society was founded in 1901, it took a number of years before the Society met regularly.  After meeting five times between October of 1901 and March of 1902, the Society did not meet again until the fall of 1905.  From then on, monthly meetings were held, other than during the summer months of July and August.  This practice continues today as there is no August meeting of the Board.  It was not until 1909 that the Society was recognized by the State of Connecticut as an incorporated body.  Colonel Woolsey Hopkins, Society President (1901–09), had appointed a committee to see to this goal as early as 1907, but it was not until after his death that the goal was realized under the Society’s second president Frederick G. Mather (1909–23). 

In order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of incorporation, the Society is putting together a centennial exposition, 100 Years in the Making: Highlights from the Society’s Collections, that will chronicle our history as well as show off some of the finest pieces in our collections.

Whitman Bailey Selection for October Looking East Across Rippowam Park

There has been a lot in the news lately about the downtown Mill River restoration project, so I was pleased to find an October sketch from the Whitman Bailey Collection of Rippowam Park:

Looking East Across Rippowam Park

Download Newspaper Clipping of October 15, 1932

In the background, across the barely discernible Mill River with its concrete banks, can be seen the Roger Smith Hotel on Washington Blvd., later victim of urban redevelopment.  We wrote about the hotel earlier in the year.

The Stamford Historical Society celebrates 100 Years! A Family Event! Sunday, October 25

Bring the entire family to our 100th birthday celebration
Sunday, October 25
12 – 4 PM
Society Headquarters
1508 High Ridge Rd.

Music, magic, games, and crafts.

Admission $10
ages 4-12 $5
under 4 free
Ice cream, cake, drinks and goodies included.

EXHIBIT OPENING
100 Years in the Making: Highlights from the Society's Collections

Touch-a-truck on Saturday, rain or shine

A reminder:

Family Fun at Stamford Historical Society’s Touch-A-Truck
Location: The Stamford Historical Society, 1508 High Ridge Road
Time: 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 3rd

On Saturday, October 3rd the Stamford Historical Society will be hosting its 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck Day from 1 – 4 PM in the afternoon. In addition to the trucks, there will be free face-painting for the children. Drinks, healthy snacks, and baked goodies will be available for purchase. Admission is $5/person and children under 4 are admitted free.