Annual Fund

Read our Annual Fund Letter and see what your contributions helped us do in 2020

Donate Today!

History is all around us and at the Litchfield Historical Society we work every day to bring a sense of place, pride, and contemplation to our community. Through your generosity we continue to thrive and fulfill our mission of illuminating the rich history of Litchfield, enabling each of us to construct meaning from the past for today and tomorrow.

As the newcomer to our team, I am personally asking for your support as the Historical Society looks to our future. In June, Cathy Fields retired as Executive Director after thirty-six years of immeasurable leadership. Through the positive impact she had on our organization, we are now poised to look ahead, and your gift will play a pivotal role.

Whether you are a recurring donor or someone who has recently discovered the organization, your commitment to our work is indispensable. At the Litchfield Historical Society we present a broad range of offerings to meet the interests of all our visitors. Here are just a few examples of the initiatives your support made possible this year:

Compelling Exhibits

To Come To A Land of Milk And Honey explores Connecticut’s establishment of the Western Reserve and the experiences of the men, women, and children affected by westward migration.

Ready for the Call draws on our rich collection to tell the story of the Red Cross and community service in Litchfield.

The Tapping Reeve House and Law School continue to draw visitors from around the country. Visitors step into the shoes of those who attended the Litchfield Law School and Litchfield Female Academy and walk away with a deeper understanding of our young nation.

Impactful Programs

As part of our commitment to serving the Town of Litchfield, we provided curriculum-based programs for all students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and High School grades at no cost to the schools.

To allow for deeper exploration of the themes presented in our Western Reserve exhibit, we hosted a series of in-person and virtual lectures by scholars from across the country.

Families, children, and adults took part in educational programs and activities in the Tapping Reeve Meadow, creating a stronger connection between history, the natural world, and our lives today.

Anticipated Events

On July 4th, the 25th Annual Pet Parade drew nearly 300 visitors and their beloved animal friends to the Tapping Reeve Meadow for a day of community connection.

Scarecrows in the Meadow were back this Fall, demonstrating the range of creativity found in Litchfield.

Walking Tours drew new and return visitors all year, allowing participants to walk on the streets where history took place and dialogue with their neighbors about the importance of the past.

Accessible Collections

Staff continued to add to our world-class and locally significant holdings of historical collections, looking to expand materials documenting people, groups, and local history previously underrepresented in our collection.

Visitors to the research library experienced the power of working with authentic historical materials. Guided by our expert staff, numerous patrons discovered new pieces of their family stories.

Through continued processing and creation of finding aids, our collection databases continue to make materials available to researchers, anytime and anywhere.

By supporting the Litchfield Historical Society, you are not only enriching the lives of those who visit our sites, but you are also taking an active role in preserving and telling the important stories of our community. Your donation says, “history matters.”

As we look to the future, your continued support is essential in allowing us to dream big, innovate, and create an organization that is for you—our community. Together, we can continue to provide opportunities for community, connection, and lifelong learning. With your generosity, we look forward to continuing to engage and inspire.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jessica Jenkins
Executive Director

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The Litchfield Historical Society is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.