The Bethany Historical Society, Bethany CT
Our Team
Our History
Our History
Our amazing team of part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Our volunteers have spent countless hours creating a museum of life in Bethany in our main building. Many more hours have been spent in organizing our archives of records, photographs, diaries and other memorabilia
Our amazing team of part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Our volunteers have spent countless hours creating a museum of life in Bethany in our main building. Many more hours have been spent in organizing our archives of records, photographs, diaries and other memorabilia pertaining to the people of Bethany through the years. At the Russell farm, volunteers have been working for over ten years on both the house and barns, cleaning out, fixing roofs, replacing timbers, painting siding, etc. Much work has been done, and a faithful group of volunteers continue to work at the farm. In good weather, you will find them there every Saturday morning. You will also find us at the Bethany recycling center--the revenue from cans and bottles helps to keep us going.
Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
Our History
Our History
Our History
The Bethany Historical Society was incorporated on August 2, 1993. Our main building, housing our archives and museum, is located at the former Bethany Town Hall at 512 Amity Road, built in 1914, and now known as the Stanley Downs Memorial Building to commemorate a former First Selectman of that name
Ten years later, Ernie and Mary Russ
The Bethany Historical Society was incorporated on August 2, 1993. Our main building, housing our archives and museum, is located at the former Bethany Town Hall at 512 Amity Road, built in 1914, and now known as the Stanley Downs Memorial Building to commemorate a former First Selectman of that name
Ten years later, Ernie and Mary Russell approached the Society about donating the Russell Homestead on Round Hill Road, which had been occupied by members of the Russell family for 200 years. The Russell family donated the house, barns, and their contents to the Society, along with over 3 acres of land.
The BHS maintains a continuing program of annual events for the public, including Open House days at the Museum and at the Russell Homestead, and programs for school children to show and teach them some important facts about early life in Bethany. We also regularly publish books about various aspects of Bethany history.
Our Mission
Our History
Our Mission
The mission of the Bethany Historical Society (BHS) is to preserve the records and artifacts, and to educate the public about the history of Bethany from its agricultural beginnings to its present day status as a semi-rural commuter town. We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community in the believe that embracing divers
The mission of the Bethany Historical Society (BHS) is to preserve the records and artifacts, and to educate the public about the history of Bethany from its agricultural beginnings to its present day status as a semi-rural commuter town. We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community in the believe that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as organizational values is a way to make space for positive outcomes to flourish, and we stand with others for equity and justice and in denouncing racism, intolerance, and exclusion. It is a high priority for us to foster and maintain an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and realized to the benefit of everyone in our community. The Bethany Historical Society isn't just about the distant past; history is an ongoing process that includes all of us. What's your story? We'd love to hear about it.