Open House at Derby Historical Society

 

Open House - Derby Historical Society

 

Event Name:  Open House at the General David Humphreys House

Date:  Saturday, September 19, 2020

Location: David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT

Time:  11 am - 3 pm

Admission: $5.00 per visitor

Contact:  203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org

Ansonia – Saturday, September 19, 2020.  Please join us for Derby Historical Society’s Open House on Saturday, September 19th from 11 am to 3 pm. Our talented Docents will be pleased to lead small groups through a tour of the House. While visiting, take a look in our Gift Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items! Szabo’s Seafood will be on-site! Parking is available in our lot and on Thomas Street.

Thank you for your support and for helping us preserve our place in history. Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website www.derbyhistorical.org

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT.  For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org

Historical Society Postpones Training Event

Derby Historical Society

Friend on Facebook   Forward to a Friend The Derby Historical Society was founded April 18, 1946 to serve the Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Daniel L. Bosques, Executive Director Office and Museum Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am - 1 pm By Appointment Only 37 Elm Street Ansonia, CT 06401 (203) 735-1908 info@derbyhistorical.org www.derbyhistorical.org  Saturday's Training Day is Postponed We will be Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day   Volunteer Docent Training Day NEW DATE is Saturday, January 25, 2020, 11 am - 2 pm The Derby Historical Society is looking for passionate history fans to volunteer at our Open Houses and events. The Volunteer Docent Training Day will be led by Dawn Sotir, Lead Docent for the David Humphreys House. We will show YOU how to lead a tour in our circa 1698 David Humphreys House! Index tour cards, pizza, and refreshments provided! Adults only. Free! Space for this is limited to 10 people, so you must pre-register by calling 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org

Autumn Open Hearth Event Nov. 9 in Derby

DERBY - Please join us for Derby Historical Society’s Autumn Open Hearth event on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  We will be raffling off an American Girl Wellie Wisher, courtesy of Heather’s Korner, and a set of four tickets to the Friday, November 22 Huskies vs Providence Hockey Game at the XL Center in Hartford! 

There will be tours of our circa 1698 museum house, Dutch oven baking, and we have a great gift shop filled with little treasures, including handmade clothes for all of your American Girl Doll needs. 

Suggested donation is $5 per adult/children under the age of 5 are free. Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website at www.derbyhistorical.org Program made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Valley Community Foundation. 

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 1/2 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT.  For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org

(This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society)

Derby Historical Society Gets New Leader

DERBY- The Derby Historical Society announces the transition of leadership from Paula J. Norton, who after serving the DHS for over 9-years is passing the baton to Daniel L. Bosques. 

As executive director, Daniel, who has also been involved with the DHS for 9-years will continue in the legacy of serving the lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and  Shelton. 

Paula and Daniel are pictured here alongside some of the docents who help make the David Humphreys House come to life with their award-winning A Day in 1762 school program, as well as during numerous open houses and events; this will be the 39th-year that the Derby Historical Society offers this field trip to students from all over Connecticut. 

Stop by the David Humphrey House, located at 37 Elm St., Ansonia, CT on Saturday, July 20^th from 10 am – 1 pm for an Open House. You can reach the DHS with inquiries at Dan@derbyhistorical.org or by calling 203-735-1908.

(This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society)

Derby Historical Society to host 27th Annual Silver Tea

Event Name:  Derby Historical Society’s Twenty-Seventh Annual Silver Tea

Date:  Monday - July 10, 2017

Location: LaSala Banquet Hall (Sons of Italy), 73 High Street, Derby, CT

Time:  2:00 – 4:30 pm

Admission:  $30.00 per ticket

Contact:  203-735-1908 or 203-676-0324

Ansonia – Monday, July 10, 2017:  Please join us for our 27th Annual Silver Tea on Monday, July 10th, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm.   This year Sheryl Faye will present “Eleanor Roosevelt – The First Lady of the World”. 

After suffering through an unhappy childhood, and losing her parents and one of her brothers, Eleanor figured out where she fit in and could make a difference.  She grew up and became an American politician.  The longest-serving First Lady of the United States, she was the first presidential spouse to hold press conferences, write a syndicated newspaper column, and speak at a national convention.  Eleanor advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II refugees.  She became one of the first delegates to The United Nations.

Refreshments will be served.  Raffle and door prizes are available.  Cost is $30 per person.  Please call (203) 735-1908 or (203) 676-0324 for tickets or more information.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT.  For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org 

(This is a press release from Paula Norton, Executive Director at Derby Historical Society)

Silver Tea in Ansonia features history lesson

Actress and history interpreter Judith Kalaora performs as Deborah Sampson Gannett, who served in the Continental Army pretending to be a man. In the performance Kalaora changes from a dress and petticoat and dons the uniform. 


ANSONIA - Those who attended the Derby Historical Society's 24th annual Silver Tea fundraiser Monday enjoyed lunch, tea, and punch served by docents in Colonial garb, and learned a slice of interesting history about the country's early years.

The annual Silver Tea drew a (mostly female) crowd of 165 to Molto Bene Italian Kitchen.

Please check out Register photojournalist Mara Lavitt's photographs of the event, and read more about Kalaora's performance here.

Actress to portray female soldier at Derby Historical Society event

Annual Silver Tea slated July 14

ANSONIA - Join the Derby Historical Society for its 24th Annual Silver Tea from 2-4:30 p.m. July 14.

Judith Kalaora as Gannett

Guest speaker will be Judith Kalaora who will portray Deborah Sampson Gannett in A Revolution of Her Own.

Gannett was the first woman to enlist in, fight in and to be honorably discharged from the American military.

Kalaora brings her to life through interactive storytelling and authentic attire.  Let her passion take you back in time. 

Refreshments will be served. Raffle and door prizes are available.   

Cost is $25 per person. Call 203-735-1908 or 203-676-0324 for tickets or information.

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org. 

'Twas a perfect day for Ansonia's Memorial Day Parade

All is quiet at the reviewing stand in front of Ansonia City Hall before the start of Sunday's Memorial Day Parade.

The Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps' Color Guard pauses in front of City Hall ...

as does the Ansonia High School Marching Band. At left is AHS music teacher Maria Tangredi.

 

Derby Historical Society docents represent the Ansonia-based organization.

 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, reads a proclamation on the steps of City Hall. Sixth Ward Alderman Patrick Henri, a Navy veteran, joins him. 

St. Peter's  Drum Corps of Torrington shows its colors in front of the reviewing stand.

 

This patriotic pony was a crowd pleaser.

Public works employees made sure Veterans Park next to City Hall was filled with red, white, and blue spirit.

 

Derby Historical Society to host open house June 14

ANSONIA - Step back in time and join the Derby Historical Society for CT Open House Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14.

Enjoy a tour led by costumed docents of the Gen. David Humphreys House and/or an outside walking tour of the historic Elm Street district. 

Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia

Colonial chores, activities, and demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. 

Be sure to stop by the gift shop.

Refreshments, including a cake to celebrate Ansonia 125, the city's 125the anniversary, will be served.   

This event is free; donations to benefit the Humphreys House Restoration Project are accepted and greatly appreciated.  

Parking is available in the lot behind the Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., and on nearby Thomas Street.   

For information visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

This post is taken from a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional organization dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Derby Historical Society focuses on heritage area

Seymour resident Marian O'Keefe addresses the Derby Historical Society annual meeting Sunday.

DERBY - Historian Marian O'Keefe and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell said Sunday the community needs to support the idea of having the Naugatuck River Valley designated as a National Heritage Area.
The two addressed the annual meeting of the Derby Historical Society at First Congregational Church.

O'Keefe said the 39-mile stretch would include 14 communities from Torrington in the Litchfield Hills to Shelton, where the Naugatuck River flows into the Housatonic River.

In 2004 Healthy Valley, a grassroots initiative, started a campaign to get the designation from the National Park Service.

Purcell quoted Healthy Valley co-chairs Judy Augusta and Pat Tarasovic whose mantra is "If you want to be a National Heritage Area, you have to act like one."

He said there are two National Heritage Area designations in Connecticut, The Last Green Valley in Eastern Connecticut and Weir Farm National Historic Site located in Wilton and Ridgefield.



For information on Healthy Valley, visit www.valleycouncil.org or call 203-926-9478.

Maple Festival slated Saturday at Ansonia Nature Center

Event to include tree-tapping demonstration

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. will host a daylong Maple Festival Saturday at the center, 10 Deerfield Road.

The running of the sap is one of the earliest signs that spring is on the way.

The day will start with a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m.

Other events scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. include a demonstration of how to identify and tap trees, and a live owl program.   

The Derby Historical Society will have early Colonial and Native American displays depicting how maple sugar was made during Colonial times.


Tim Sotir of Coon Hollow Farm in Oxford and Ansonia resident Greg Karas will demonstrate traditional and modern methods of making maple syrup.

Richard Feher from the Connecticut Maple Syrup Producers Association will give a lecture on equipment, collecting, and storing syrup.
He also will cover tools needed to tap your own backyard trees.

New this year will be Dad's Food Truck from Oxford. Food and beverages with a maple theme will be available all day.
For lunch, Dad will be serving a choice of maple pulled-pork sandwiches, maple butternut and apple soup, burgers with gorgonzola cheese and maple bacon and more.

Visit the Friends' Maple Bake Sale and purchase fresh syrup from Nil Guillet, owner of the Sugar Shack in Oxford.

Special programs for children will include crafts and Ranger Marty's popular pancake-eating contest.

Admission is free, but all proceeds will benefit the wildlife rehabilitation program.

For information call 203-736-1053.



This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Chamber of Commerce president to address Derby Historical Society

    DERBY - William Purcell, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce president, will discuss the proposed Naugatuck River National Heritage Area at the Derby Historical Society’s annual meeting March 9.

    The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 137 Derby Ave.
    Purcell will show a short film and power point presentation on the sites of the proposed Heritage Area.
    The Society will elect officers and members of its Board of Directors, and the David Humphreys Service Award will be presented.

    Board member Elaine Brandon will present the Society with a copy of a new book, “Anson’s Glory: Ansonia and Phelps-Dodge,” written by her aunt, Elizabeth Crossland Matricaria.
    Refreshments will be served.
    Admission is free; donations are greatly appreciated.
    For information call the office, 203-735-1908, or email info@derbyhistorical.org.
   
    This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
    Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia. For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

Derby Historical Society to hold Christmas fair

ANSONIA - Join members of the Derby Historical Society for a cup of hot cider at an annual “Christmas Fair” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

Docents will be giving free tours of the David Humphreys House.

New this year:  ribbon bookmarks and four separate children's workshops - potpourri sachets, paperclip and bead angel necklace, lemon pomanders and cinnamon ornaments.
Kits for each will be sold from $1 and up, instructions included. Items are suitable for stocking stuffers or grandparents' gifts.

The gift shop has unique toys, local history books, watercolor prints, and an exclusive Derby Historical Society ornament.
There will also be handmade doll clothes made to fit 18" dolls, such as "American Girl."
Purchase home-made Christmas cookies at a bake sale to save on baking time and trouble - buy individually or by the tray.
All proceeds from this event go to fund the Society's children's programs.

Limited parking is available in the rear of the building. Additional on-street parking is available on nearby Thomas Street. For information call 203-735-1908.



The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.
Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.


This post is taken from a press release from the historical society.

Derby Historical Society to hold Thanksgiving Reception, annual appeal

John Ireland Howe

DERBY - The Derby Historical Society will hold its 23rd Annual Appeal & Thanksgiving Reception from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at Grassy Hill Lodge, 77 Sodom Lane.

Local caterer and community leader David M. Grant Sr. will be honored with the John Ireland Howe Award.

Donors of $40 or more to the Annual Appeal will receive a complimentary ticket to attend this program.
For information contact 203-735-1908.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.
For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society. 

Derby Historical Society to host 'Taste of the Past'

ANSONIA – The Derby Historical Society will host “A Taste of the Past” from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 16 at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 

It will be held in lieu of the historical society's annual Open Hearth Cooking event, due to ongoing renovations at the David Humphreys House.

There will be samplings of traditional holiday favorites, including, but not limited to, baked ham, Brunswick stew, plum pudding, and pumpkin pie. 
Docents and junior docents will demonstrate Colonial tasks and give house tours. 
The gift shop will be open during this event. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children under 12.

Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 



This post is taken from a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Derby Historical Society slates Legends by Lantern tours

DERBY - The Derby Historical Society will host a return of its Legends by Lantern tours on Oct. 18 and 19 on the Derby Greenway.

The presentation will feature “The Revolutionary Robbery of 1780.” 

Tours begin at 6:30 and 8 p.m. 
Please arrive at the partking lot on O'Sullivan's Island 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. 

Reservations are required; tour sizes are limited.

The cost is $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 8-16.  

Call 203-735-1908 for ticket information or e-mail www.derbyhistorical.org.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.
For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

  

Derby Historical Society to hold Silver Tea fundraiser

ANSONIA - Historical interpreter Tammy Denease will portray Elizabeth Keckley in a program, "A Letter to Frederick," July 8 at the Derby Historical Society's 23rd Annual Silver Tea.


Keckley was a former slave who became seamstress and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln. She wrote a book about her experiences.  

The event will run from 2-4:30 p.m. at Molto Bene restaurant (formerly John J. Sullivan's), 557 Wakelee Ave.

Donation is $25 a person.
To make a reservation, call 203-735-1908 or 203-676-0324.

Derby Historical Society ready for CT Open House Day

ANSONIA -  The Derby Historical Society will participate in CT Open House Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8.

Come and enjoy a tour of the Gen. David Humphreys House and/or an outside, walking tour of the Historic Elm Street district, led by costumed docents. 

Humphreys House

While touring the house, be sure to check out a display of antique tools and the newest addition to our museum collection, a portrait of Commodore Isaac Hull (c. 1798-1804).
Colonial chores and activities will be performed throughout the day.

Refreshments will be served. 
This event is free to the public; donations are accepted and always appreciated. 
 

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs. 
Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 
For information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.
  

Derby Historical Society dedicates Hull portrait at Humphreys' House

Derby Historical Society President Tim Dillon, right, speaks Sunday with Melissa Coury, an art and antique appraiser, at the dedication of a portrait of naval hero Commodore Isaac Hull.
The oil painting now hangs in the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.

Humphreys was a Revolutionary War hero, aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington, ambassador to Spain, and later a successful businessman in what is present-day Seymour.


An anonymous donor presented the portrait of Commodore Hull to the Derby Historical Society, which is based at the Humphreys House.

Dillon said the historical society thrives because of the "many, many generous donors," and volunteers who make it a success. We're gratified (the donor) has donated the painting to us."


Coury, a New Haven resident, said, "I was very pleased to work with this painting."
She talked about a variety of "clues" she found in the portrait that have led her to believe it was painted in 1805-1806.

"This is what (Hull) looked like when he left town for the Navy," Coury said.

Close-up of the oil painting

The portrait was professionally cleaned, Coury said, and the gold-leaf frame was touched up. The artist is unknown.

Hull was born in Derby in 1773 and learned nautical skills from his sea captain father.
Read more about the background of the portrait it in an article on the Electronic Valley.

Commodore Hull commanded the U.S. frigate, the Constitution. He and his crew were victorious over the British frigate, the Guerriere, in a major battle during the War of 1812 and Hull was hailed as a hero.