Kitchen Chronicles: Storytelling Through Food

We are preparing to publish a cookbook. This book focuses on the history behind a dish. To that end, we are asking to you to send us a family recipe along with the story behind it. If you have a hand written recipe you can take a picture of it or if you have a picture of the finished dish, those would be great added bonuses. In order to keep labor to a minimum we would prefer it if you sent us the recipe in a word processed document so we can copy and past it and not have to worry about correctly transcribing handwritten notes. Click HERE to see an example. You can get your materials to us in one fo three ways:

Email the recipe and any pictures to info@meridenhistsoc.org

Drop them off at our building at 41 West Main St in Meriden. There is a drop box next to the front door if we are not open.

Mail them to Box 3005 Meriden, CT. 06450

The Making of Meriden: Our Colonial Past

Thursday January 23rd at 6:30 at 41 Main Street

Step back in time to uncover the origins of Meriden, Connecticut. This compelling lecture from the Wallingford Historical Society  takes you on a journey through the town’s earliest days, revealing how its Colonial roots shaped the vibrant community we see today.

Discover the stories of the settlers, the challenges they faced, and the spirit of innovation and perseverance that built Meriden from the ground up. Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this event offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of a remarkable town. Register here. As an added bonus, we will have a sneak preview of our new West Gallery, Polished Perspectives: The Art of International Silver, for all those who attend. The new gallery is truly beautiful.

Office Hours at Our Main Location, 41 W. Main Street, downtown Meriden.

We are closed for the winter holidays beginning December 21st and will reopen on Tuesday January 7th. Wishing you all love, life and laughter, however you celebrate!

We are open to the public during the winter at our Museum and History Center at 41 West Main Street at the following times. When you arrive please call 203-639-1913 to let us know you are here so we can greet you at the door.

Tuesday By appointment only. (203-639-1913)

Wednesday 9:00-12:00 no appointment needed.

Thursday 12:00 – 8:00 on the 3rd Thursday of the month. 12:00 – 6:00 on 2nd and 4th. Closed first Thursday, Jan 2, Feb 6, and March 6. No appointment needed.

Friday 9:00 – 2:00 by appointment only (203-639-1913)

Saturday 9:00-3:00 . We are open the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. January 11th and 25th, February 8th and 22nd and March 8th and 22nd. No appointment needed.

Research: We are open to researchers at our Museum & History Center, 41 West Main Street, during our regular office hours (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) by appointment only. To schedule your research visit, please call at least 24 hours in advance. 203-639-1913.

Tours: Those who wish to tour with a guide at the Museum at 41 Main Street should call ahead and book a time.

Lecture Series: Join us on the 4th Thursday of the month for our regularly scheduled lecture series at 6:30 pm. There is no lecture in December.

Andrews Homestead The newly interpreted Andrews Homestead will reopen in the spring. Stay tuned for details.

Supported by its volunteers, the Meriden Historical Society operates at two locations

The Meriden Historical Society’s Museum & History Center is our main office and research center. Located at 41 West Main Street, in the heart of Downtown Meriden. This historic building’s size and central location allows us to expand our public programs, exhibit more of our collections, welcome more researchers and visitors, and better tell the story of our community! To read more details about this location click HERE . To schedule a visit to our History Center, please call 203-639-1913.

The Andrews Homestead, 424 West Main Street, is one of the oldest homes in Meriden.  The all new Andrews will open to the public for special programs and events in late spring and by appointment. Young and old (and in-between) are welcome! 

We share a parking lot with the Benjamin Franklin elementary school. You may enter the parking lot through the do-not-enter entrance as long as it is not during school opening or dismissal time.

To set up a visit, please call our main office number: 203-639-1913.

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We’d like to thank the CUNO Foundation, the Meriden Foundation, the Napier Foundation, the State Historic Preservation Office, and CT Humanities for their support.