Thursday, June 26 6:30 – 7:45
Monthly Lecture Series The Black Experience in Meriden: A Story Worth Telling
Join us for another chapter in our ongoing lecture series sharing the stories of the diverse communities that made Meriden. This evening, Erika Slocumb from the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center focuses on African Americans as they arrive in the New World. By 1775 Connecticut had roughly 5100 slaves. Wallingford, which included Meriden and Cheshire at the time of the Revolutionary War, had many enslaved people. Often overlooked stories of African -Americans in early Meriden will be shared. Reserve you seat HERE.
Thursday July 24 6:30-7:30
Monthly Lecture Series Witamy W Meriden: The Polish Immigration Story
xplore the rich history and enduring legacy of Polish immigrants who begin settling in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We will discuss why they come to Meriden because of the opportunities in the booming silver and manufacturing industries, taking on physically demanding jobs while forming tight-knit communities centered around churches such as St. Stanislaus. The lecture also emphasizes the role of Polish cultural traditions, language, and mutual aid societies in preserving identity and fostering resilience amidst discrimination and economic hardship. Through personal stories, and historical documents, the presentation paints a vivid picture of how Polish Americans helped shape Meriden’s cultural and economic landscape. Reserve your seat HERE.
Kitchen Chronicles: Storytelling Through Food
Collecting until August 31 We invite you to share a family recipe along with the story behind it. If you have a handwritten recipe, feel free to take a photo of it, and of the finished dish. Those would be great added bonuses!
To help minimize labor, we kindly request that, if at all possible, you send your recipe in a word-processed document, so we can easily copy and paste it without the need for transcribing handwritten notes. Click HERE to see an example.
You can submit your materials in one of 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 figural drop box next to the front door if we are closed.
- Mail them to Box 3005, Meriden, CT 06450.
We look forward to hearing your stories and recipes!
Hours at Our Main Location, 41 W. Main Street, downtown Meriden.
The Meriden Historical Society’s Museum and History Center, located at 41 West Main Street, is open to the public at the following posted times. Please call us (203-639-1913) when you arrive so we can greet you at the door.
- Tuesday By appointment only. (203-639-1913)
- Wednesday 9:00-3:00. No appointment needed. Guided tour is at 11:00.
- Thursday
- 1st Thursday of each month ( June 5) Closed
- 2nd Thursday of each month ( 6/12) 12 – 6 No appointment needed. Guided tour at 2:00
- 3rd Thursday of each month (5/15, 6/19 1 – 7:30 No appointment needed. Guided tour at 6:00.
- 4th Thursday of each month (5/22, 6/26) 2-6 By Appointment
- Friday 9 – 3 By appointment only
- Saturday We are open the following Saturdays of each month 6/14, 6/28, 7/12,7/26, 8/9, 8/23) 9:00-3:00 No appointment needed. Tours of exhibits are scheduled at the following times.
- Quills to Clicks: How News Has Shaped Meriden and Beyond Guided tours begin at 11 and 1 through July 31 when this exhibit closes
- Innovation & Industry begins at 2 on Saturday and Sunday when open
- Polished Perspectives begins at 12 on Saturday and Sunday when open.
- Sunday We are open every Sunday in October. 11-3 No appointment needed. Tours as listed above
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 must call ahead and book a time in order for us to make sure we have a guide available for you.
Lecture Series: Join us on the 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm for our regularly scheduled lecture series.
Andrews Homestead The newly interpreted Andrews Homestead will reopen on June 21st from 11-3 with scheduled tours at 11:30 and 1:30. There is an ice cream social as well. 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 hours.
To set up a visit, please call our main office number: 203-639-1913.
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