A Brief History

The Willington Historical Society, organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1977, is a non-profit group dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of records, facts and materials concerning the past and present relating to the history of the town. It is also part of our mission to provide educational programs in the form of exhibits, publications and talks as well as working with the local schools in making available any resource materials and historical research to students who wish to participate in National History Day or related activities. 

A comprehensive genealogical file on the early families of Willington including several family histories is maintained by the Society. Although these files are not available electronically nor open to the public, personal inquiries are welcomed by contacting the Society by email. Our genealogist will attend to all requests as time allows.

While we do not have an active museum at this time, our ‘home’ at the Glazier Tavern, on the west end of the Town Green, is undergoing stabilization and restoration for future educational and display use.

The Society’s extensive collection of Willington artifacts and memorabilia are currently stored in a humidity controlled vault and selected items are displayed each Fall in a one-day exhibit in conjunction with the annual Flea Market sponsored by the Federated Church of Willington. It is the Society’s hope to have on-going exhibits and a place where children, as well as the general public, can learn about the town’s rich history.

Programs with a history theme are held several times a year, at either the Town Office Building or at the Willington Public Library, and are always open to the public.

Our newsletter, The Hourglass, is published several times a year, prior to each meeting which keeps the membership informed of on-going activities as well as interesting historic events of the past. It is also sent to other local historical societies and interested organizations.