Stamford History Real Time

Come and shop at The Shop Downstairs for the holidays!

Bring Your Friend and Shop With Us!

There is plenty to choose for the holidays!

The Shop Downstairs
at The Stamford Historical Society
1508 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Fridays & Saturdays 12 noon-3:00 p.m.

The shop represents a continual fund raiser. All sales generate a 100% profit to the Society.

More images

News from the Hoyt Barnum House; fund-raising appeal

Sadly, due to lack of interest, we have discontinued our recently instituted regular hours for the summer and return to "open by appointment" only again.  (Call 203-329-1183)

Editor's note:  It was also conveyed to me that passers-by who stopped in to investigate lost interest when they found they would have to pay for a tour. That is a very sad sign of the times!

Repairs

The Hoyt Barnum House, the oldest preserved residence in Stamford, will be closed for repairs soon. Every conservation effort aims to conserve, preserve and strengthen the house while maintaining, as much as possible, its early 18th century appearance inside and out. In 2004, we replaced the over 40 year old roof. Now, age has caught up with the heating system of the house. Our old cast iron pipes are leaking and have, in the process, caused damage to the floors and interior and exterior walls. The Society must replace the pipes as soon as possible as well as address the damage to the structure.

Fund-raising needed

The Society is grappling with how to address the House's current needs in light of depressed economic circumstances. This year, the City of Stamford cut its support to the Stamford Historical Society by 43%. We are making efforts to close this enormous gap by modifying programming and reducing our hours of operation. Most of our previous sources of income have been reduced or eliminated.  We are relying on the generosity of our community to help us preserve one of Stamford's greatest treasures. We are fortunate to have found an angel who has agreed to match every dollar we raise for the first $1,500.

This means we need to raise $3,000 in additional funds to reach or goal of $4,500, which will go along way toward addressing the needs at the Hoyt Barnum House.  All those who contribute $250 or more will have their names put on a plaque that will reside at Hoyt Barnum as a permanent reminder of those whose efforts have helped secure the house for future generations. In addition, these donors will be invited on an “insiders” tour of the house after completion of the repairs.

Any dollar amount, and be it the smallest, will help. You may call 203-329-1183 for more information, or mail a check to

The Stamford Historical Society
1508 High Ridge Rd.
Stamford, CT 06903

Your generosity is greatly appreciated!