History of the Meriden Historical Society, Inc.
The Meriden Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit corporation, acts as the official historian of the City of Meriden, Connecticut. The administrative body of the Society, its officers and directors, is composed entirely of unpaid volunteers. The Society maintains a close working relationship with the Meriden Public Library, the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, and local church historians. The Society is a member of The Connecticut Historical Society
1892, Dec 13The Society was organized by Levi Coe. 1896The Society became inactive. No building available. 1927The Moses Andrews homestead was acquired by the City of Meriden. 1933The Homestead was renovated as a WPA project and used as a kindergarten & museum. 1940The Moses Andrews Homestead Society was formed and the Historical Society was reactivated. 1943The Homestead was turned over to the city for use as a daycare center. 1952, April 3The Meriden Historical Society became active and the Homestead was restored. |
Meriden circa 1868
Broad Street looking north,
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1953, August 2The Society leased the Homestead from the City for $1.00 per year. 1979The Andrews Homestead was put on The National Register of Historic Places. 1984The International Silver Company collection of artifacts and publications was deeded to the Society. 1986The application to the City of Meriden to add an addition at the Society expense was denied. 1991A branch office building at 540 West Main Street was purchased from the Connecticut National Bank to house the records and publications used for historical research. 1998The West Main building was sold and a larger one at 1090 Hanover St. was purchased. 2004The barn at the Morehouse Research Center renovated for archival storage. 2021The Society purchased 39-41 West Main, now 41 West Main Street, downtown Meriden. 2022Meriden Historical society hired Michael J. Zaffino as their first paid administrator. 41 West Main Street is named Meriden Historical Society Museum & History Center and opened to the public with an April Grand Opening Event. |
