Page 14 - North Haven Magazine Issue 24 Summer 2022

The North Haven by Susan A. Iverson

Historical Society

Who We Are and What We Do

Almost every issue of North Haven Magazine has at least one article giving credit to the archives of the North Haven Historical Soci-
ety – but do you know anything about this organization? Let me introduce you to the people and the place; you might want to get to
know us a little better after reading about us!

Gloria Furnival conducting a tour of the museum. Volunteers Donna Dumelin and Prof. William Farley and students processing the Quinnipiac People
Tom Pearsall derusting tools
artifacts
he North Haven Historical Society has oner’s office), the Historical Society, and lat- sources of information about who lived
Tbeen around in one form or another for er the Art Guild. Other than accumulation where and when! We also have information
almost one hundred years. Sheldon Thorpe, of more material, nothing much changed in about the local churches, government, post
a prominent member of the North Haven the building – all the town offices had moved offices, and industries. We recently had a vis-
community from the Civil War era, was ex- out, leaving most of the building occupied itor to the Cultural Center with an interest
tremely interested in all that occurred in this by the Society. It started to look a little “down in the Cedar Hill Railyards – we had lots of
sleepy town (I wonder if he was also a little at the heels” as some old-timers might say. information to share with him. One of our
too nosy at times). He spent many years writ- In 2019 the Town agreed to a major reno- more impressive collections is the Quinnip-
ing essays, speeches, and later books docu- vation of the space – and work began. The iac Collection – these are artifacts donated
menting North Haven’s families, buildings, lower-level housing the museum was paint- by various people over the last two centuries
prominent citizens, and growing industries. ed and reorganized, and the main level was related to the Quinnipiac People. The Soci-
He was a proponent of civic engagement and painted and refloored. The pandemic slowed ety is presently working with Southern Con-
organized a celebration bringing together the progress of the renovation, but it is com- necticut State University to identify, catalog,
those citizens most involved with town ac- plete and ready for our community to visit! and digitize this collection. It promises to
tivities by holding a banquet, eventually be- provide a significant resource for research-
coming the Mayflower Society Banquet. The ers wishing to learn more about the prehis-
historical theme led to the establishment of toric period of North Haven and the people
the Historical Society. A group of Mayflower who lived here. It is also fascinating to know
members interested in local history came to- that the array of points (arrowheads), stone
gether to document North Haven family his- tools, and other implements dating back
tories, buildings, and events. These dedicat- thousands of years were found right in our
ed individuals saved artifacts in their attics own backyards!
and basements and kept records in boxes
and filing cabinets wherever they could find The ”regulars” at the Historical Society are
a little spare space in their homes. Thanks to volunteers who are dedicated to keeping
Thorpe and the early members of the Society the place open, running, and accessible to
we have “memories” of our town as a com- Cultural Center the community. When you visit you will be
munity before highways, housing develop- greeted with a smile and a willingness to an-
ments, and shopping centers. When you visit the Cultural Center, you can swer your questions or simply satisfy your
access all kinds of information about North curiosity about what’s in the building next to
Of course, North Haven grew and pro- Haven’s past – there is a comprehensive col- the library. Right now, we are busy planning
gressed into the twentieth century, and the lection of documents describing the histo- a “Grand Re-Opening Celebration” on the
members of the Historical Society continued ries of many older buildings in town; they afternoon of July 17; look for more informa-
to collect documents and artifacts. Home are organized by address and easy to access. tion in the local papers or on our Facebook
storage of these things became impossible, If you would like to learn more about your page. If you would like to contact us, we can
and so the Town eventually granted use of older home, it is worth checking with us. be reached at 203-239-7722 or by email at
a portion of the building at the corner of Genealogists regularly visit us to learn more [email protected]. Operating hours are
Broadway and Elm Street. This building be- about families who have resided in North 1 – 4 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by
came the Cultural Center and was home to Haven. We keep old telephone directories, appointment. Stop in soon!
some town offices (one of them was the cor- for instance – they are surprisingly reliable

North Haven Magazine - Summer Issue 2022
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