Barkhamsted Historical Society
100 East River Road, PO Box 94
Pleasant Valley, Connecticut 06063

Phone: 860 738-2456

email: bhs at barkhamstedhistory.us
replace the word "at" with @ symbol

Squire's Tavern Hours
Sundays 1:00 - 4:00pm
Wednesdays 9:00 - 12:00

Join the Barkhamsted Historical Society

Town History

Learn about and explore Barkhamsted's history.

Community

The Community section of this website consist of:

Forums - where you can post or read messages.
Journals - detailed entries on selected topics.
Newsletters - download BHS newsletters.
Photo Galleries - all of our selected photos are here.

Historical Tour

Short tour of historic sites in Barkhamsted.

Town Diary

One of our goals is to record current events, cultural happenings and what now may seem to be some of the more mundane tidbits of everyday life in this town of Barkhamsted, Connecticut. We feel that as time passes, the information preserved here will provide a fascinating glimpse of "the way things used to be".

Genealogy

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is an all volunteer organization with no paid employees. We accept genealogical inquiries but unfortunately we just do not have the resources to help you with more than just basic questions. Click here for information on how to contact us.

If you would like to volunteer to research genealogical inquiries, we would be most grateful! We desperately need help in this area. If you have any interest at all, PLEASE contact us!

Current Topics

Upcoming, recent and past activities of the Barkhamsted Historical Society (current and most recent stuff at the top). For additional information and photos involving work at the Squire's Tavern and other happenings and issues, please visit our Historical Society Log.

Maps Available

1874 Map of Barkhamsted

The Historical Society is selling reprints of the F. W. Beers 1874 map of Barkhamsted. This colorful map (shown above) shows the 12 old school districts and has most of the houses (with owners names) that existed at that time. The map is on heavy textured paper, measures 13.75 inches by 21 inches and is suitable for framing. It is available for $7 at Historical Society events such as the flea markets, annual meetings and open house days at the Squire's Tavern. It is also available by mail for the price of $12 including shipping. Proceeds from the sale of these maps help support Historical Society activities.

Books

	Barkhamsted Heritage We have a limited number of this comprehensive Barkhamsted History Book. First published in 1975 and reprinted in 1990. 345 pages (softcover). Price: $25 at the Tavern, or $32 by mail (price includes shipping).
	Purchase includes a 1 year BHS Membership
	Barkhamsted Schoolhouses The Early Schoolhouses of Barkhamsted written by Michael Day. 36 pages (booklet). With pictures and accompanying text we provide an introduction to the basics of 19th century education along with a brief history of the various districts that served the neighborhoods of Barkhamsted. Price: $7.00 at the Tavern or $10 by mail (price includes shipping).

Join the Historical Society

The Historical Society is always looking for the support of new members. If you want to become an active member and/or work on one of our projects or special committees, we definitely want to hear from you!

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Greetings:

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is working to preserve and share the history and culture of the Connecticut town of Barkhamsted. In these pages we hope to share with you information, sights and flavors of Barkhamsted, past and present.

BARKHAMSTED’S ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE WILL BE OPEN THIS COMING SUNDAY !

(The last time we’ll be open this season.)

Center School, circa 1911

The Barkhamsted Historical Society’s one room schoolhouse, the old Center School on Center Hill Road (Rt. 181) just north of the intersection with Beach Rock Road in Barkhamsted, will be open to the public this coming Sunday, September 30th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Come and find out what school was like in “the old days.” Ask questions; read the old books; review a high school entrance exam; try your hand at various toys and games, or do some arithmetic problems on a slate. All free of charge ! Children are especially welcome.

Barkhamsted Historical Society's Tavern Night October 13th 7pm

Fall is in the air and it’s time once again to head to the Squire’s Tavern for Tavern Night! Come meet your friends and enjoy good old fashioned food, drinks, games, music and Contra Dancing afterwards in the Ballroom at 8pm.

Cost is $15 per person, with children under 12 FREE and tickets may be purchased at the Tavern during our regular hours (Wed. 9-12 am and Sun 1-4pm). Tickets are limited to 50 so get yours EARLY! Come in period clothing if you dare and experience the Tavern all lit up , filled with people eating, talking and dancing just like it used to be long ago.

Questions call: Noreen 860 738 1152

A new publication is now available on the Walt Landgraf Soapstone Quarry located in Barkhamsted on Ragged Mountain in Peoples State Forest. The publication is written by archaeologist Dr. Ken Feder and was produced with funding from the State Historic Preservation Office, the Farmington River Coordinating Committee and the Barkhamsted Historical Society. This is a very nice summary of the soapstone quarry and nearby rock shelter that was utilized by native Americans thousands of years ago. The area is of such interest and importance that it was designated an archaeological preserve by the State of Connecticut in 2015. The 24-page booklet is available at the Squire’s Tavern for $5 or for $10 (to cover shipping) you can order a copy and we will mail it to you.

The 24-page booklet, Barkhamsted Lighthouse, by Dr. Ken Feder, tells the story of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse community, and the archaeological research by Dr. Feder and his team. Price $5 at the Tavern or $10 by mail (includes shipping).

Take a virtual tour of Squires Tavern

View Larger Map

Click in the image and drag to view in 360 degrees. Click the arrows to advance to next panorama.

The Squire's Tavern Store now has mugs,trivets and refrigerator magnets for purchase.The mugs come in 3 styles and cost $10 each,the trivets are $15 each and feature several scenes from Barkhamsted, and the magnets come in 3 styles and cost $5 each.Great ideas for gifts.Stop in and see!