06/25/2023 –
9:30am
- 3:00pm
Beckish Senior Center Columbia
June 25,2023 Farm,Stable and Garden Tour. A limited number of tickets will go on Sale May 15th-June 20th Purchase electronically at this site.
This year’s tour is being held on SUNDAY, June 25th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There are 6 diverse properties. Visit two of Columbia’s oldest farmsteads dating back to the early 1800’s: one is being lovingly restored by its new owners and the other is now a CT certified organic vegetable, herb and flower producer partnering with a pasture to table provider who also grows mushrooms. You won’t want to miss Bellfree Farm, a private equestrian stable and riding ring or a home gardener whose Thuja Green Giant privacy hedge is the backdrop for multiple raised vegetable beds, berry bushes and unique plantings around large boulders excavated on the property. A total of 6 unique properties will be available to visit.
The tour is held rain or shine. Ticket sales will be limited to 75 so as not to overcrowd our special properties located within a 15-minute drive from the center of Columbia.
Advance ticket sales of $20.00 per person are now on sale now.
To purchase Advance tickets electronically, go to the Society’s ewebsite at www.columbia-history.org. Click on SUPPORT US and follow the prompts.
Tickets may also be purchased by mailing a check (on the memo line please indicate farm/garden tour tickets) to: Columbia Historical Society P.O.BOX 551 Columbia, CT. 06237 ATTN. GARDEN TOUR. Download the flyer below to print mail in orders.
04/28/2023 –
6:00pm
- 9:00pm
Columbia Congregational Church
The Columbia Historical Society is hosting our annual meeting on April 28, 2023 at the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rte. 87 in Columbia. The hours are 6:00pm-9:00pm. It is a pot luck appetizers event. After a brief business meeting, author and historian, Marty Podskoch will give a power point presentation entitled “The 90th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camps and its work in Connecticut”. Please contact Judy Ortiz at 860 208-9881 if you have any questions
10/22/2022 –
9:00am
- 12:00am
Yeomans Hall
America’s First Peoples Archaeology & Living History
Archaeology & Living History
October 22nd
9-12 AM Artifact Identification Session & Stone Tool-Making Demonstration
12:30-2 PM 17th Century Native American Life in New England
To register or for more information contact Joan Hill at 860 228-2849 or jmhill003@gmail.com
Yeoman’s Hall 323 Rt. 87 Columbia, CT
America's First Peoples Archaeology & Living History Archaeology & Living History
08/21/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
08/07/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
07/17/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
07/09/2022 –
8:30am
- 3:00pm
Beckish Senior Center Columbia
The COLUMBIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2nd GARDEN TOUR
Fundraiser
SATURDAY, JULY 9 ,2022 | 10:00 -3:00
ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY BEGINNING JUNE 1ST-25TH.
FOR GARDEN DESCRIPTIONS AND TO PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS VISIT THE SOCIETY’S WEBSITE AT WWW.COLUMBIA-HISTORY.ORG
PRE-PURCHASED TICKETS AND GARDEN LOCATION INFORMATION MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE BECKISH SENIOR CENTER, 188 CT – 66 COLUMBIA, CT. BETWEEN 9:30-10:30AM THE MORNING OF THE TOUR.
HELD RAIN OR SHINE.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL MILLIERAMZ@GMAIL.COM
07/03/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
06/19/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
06/05/2022 –
10:00am
- 12:00pm
Wells Woods Trail
A Walk in Wells Woods, Columba’s Ghost Town.
https://trailsday.org/events/wells-woods-columbias-ghost-town/
For information: Joan at jhill003@charter.net or 860 228 2849
06/05/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
05/15/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
05/13/2022 –
6:00pm
- 9:00pm
Yeomans Hall
Connecticut’s Past as Revealed Through Archaeology
Scott Brady of FOSA (Friends of the State Archaeologist)
will give an illustrated talk about sites in Connecticut, from Paleo-Indian through 19th century historic, that have been explored by avocational archaeologists and members of the public with guidance from FOSA.
7 PM Friday May 13
This free talk will be preceded by a 6 PM pot luck appetizer/dessert social hour with short Historical Society business meeting. All are welcome.
Location: Yeomans Hall 323 Rt. 87 West Columbia
05/01/2022 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY Digging the Past.
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history. Archaeology Exhibit reopens May 1, 1-4 PM , and every other first and third Sunday through August, 2022.
At the History Place, 310 Rt. 87 West, Columbia CT 06237
02/10/2022 –
7:00pm
- 8:00pm
Zoom
Historical Society Monthly Board Meeting.
Board Members, Check your email for details.
10/05/2021 –
9:30am
- 10:30am
Hop River Road Trail Parking Area
“Hop River Village and Its Industries” Tuesday Oct. 5 9:30 AM; Tour meets and starts from the Hop River Road Rail Trail parking area.
10/05/2021 –
10:30am
- 11:30am
Hop River Road Trail Parking Area
“Hop River Village and Its Industries” Tuesday Oct. 5 10:30 AM; Tour meets and starts from the Hop River Road Rail Trail parking area.
10/02/2021 –
9:00am
- 10:00am
Hop River Road Trail Parking Area
“Hop River Village and Its Industries” Saturday October 2, @ 9 AM (rain date Sunday 2 PM); Tour meets and starts from the Hop River Road Rail Trail parking area.
10/02/2021 –
10:00am
- 11:00am
Hop River Road Trail Parking Area
“The Railroad Comes to Hop River” Saturday October 2, @ 10 AM (rain date Sunday 3 PM); Tour meets and starts from the Hop River Road Rail Trail parking area.
09/18/2021 –
4:00pm
- 6:00pm
The Beckish Senior Center
The Columbia Historical Society Presents an Archaeology Movies fest
Become an armchair archaeologist as you watch the Story of the discovery and conservation of the Qin Emperor’s Terracotta Army. Followed by archaeologist researching the proof of trade routes between Europe and the Far East.
Admission is limited to 15 people, reserve your spot now by contacting: Judy Ortiz at 860 208-9881 or jortiz6151@gmail.com
Click on link below for more details
08/22/2021 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
ARCHAEOLOGY: Digging the Past
A free interactive exhibit about how the science of archaeology studies evidence to learn more about human history.
You must have a reservation to attend this event.
To reserve your time contact:
Judy Ortiz at 860 208-9881 or jortiz6151@gmail.com
06/26/2021 –
10:00am
- 3:00pm
Beckish Senior Center
GARDEN TOUR: BACK TO OUR ROOTS
6/26/2021
10:00am to 3:00pm
Start at the Beckish Senior Center to pick up a registration bracelet and garden brochure. Choose to visit all ten gardens or just a few. Held rain or shine. The tour is self-guided with most gardens located within 10 minutes of the Town Green. Registration is required and limited to 50 people. Social gathering guidelines from the CDC will be adhered to. For more information or to register for the tour contact Millie Ramsey at millieramz@gmail.com or 860-729-5472.
05/22/2021 –
2:00pm
- 3:00pm
Columbia's Old Yard
You may have heard of the Collins family of 18th century gravestone carvers, but what do you know of their personal story? Get the scoop while visiting the gravestones they were famous for in Columbia’s Old Yard. Bring a seat if prolonged standing is an issue. Masks and social distancing required. Registration required and limited to 12 people. Hosted by Columbia Historical Society.
For more information or to register contact Joan Hill at: jhill003@charter.net or 860 228 2949
06/14/2020 –
2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Saxton B Little Library
This event is currently cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Classes will be held at 2 PM on May 3, May 31, and June 14
at the Saxton B. Little Library 319 Rt. 87, Columbia
Enrollment is limited to twelve persons and pre-registration is required.
To register or for more information contact:
Joan Hill 860 228-2849 or jhill003@charter.net
05/31/2020 –
2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Saxton B Little Library
This event is currently cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Classes will be held at 2 PM on May 3, May 31, and June 14
at the Saxton B. Little Library 319 Rt. 87, Columbia
Enrollment is limited to twelve persons and pre-registration is required.
To register or for more information contact:
Joan Hill 860 228-2849 or jhill003@charter.net
05/03/2020 –
2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Saxton B Little Library
This event is currently cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Classes will be held at 2 PM on May 3, May 31, and June 14
at the Saxton B. Little Library 319 Rt. 87, Columbia
Enrollment is limited to twelve persons and pre-registration is required.
To register or for more information contact:
Joan Hill 860 228-2849 or jhill003@charter.net
03/06/2020 –
6:30pm
- 8:00am
Yeoman's Hall
The Columbia Historical Society will be hosting a series of events in 2020 where we will learn the origins of different family traditions. The first event will be held on March 6th at 6:30 at Yeomans Hall. Ryan D. Mahoney, Executive Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University, will present a lecture on the museum’s assemblage of art focused on Ireland’s Great Hunger and how it is relevant to understanding the life, land, language and culture of Ireland, as well as a number of modern issues we face today. The museum contains the largest collection of Great Hunger related artwork in the world. From March 2018-March 2019, a major portion of its collection was exhibited in Dublin, Skibbereen, and Derry for its traveling exhibition Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger. The exhibition was viewed by over 110,000 visitors.
The percentage of Connecticut’s residents who claim Irish ancestry is roughly 18% which is nearly one out of five people in the state. The Connecticut county with the largest percentage of people claiming Irish ancestry is in Tolland County.
Learn more about the Irish at this event which is open to the public and a free will donation would be appreciated. Light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Judy Ortiz at (860) 208-9881.
10/20/2019 –
2:00pm
- 3:00pm
Yeomans Hall, 323 Route 87 Columbia, CT
Walk in the footsteps of Eleazar Wheelock and Samson Occom. Take a step back to the 1700’s while exploring the Historic Columbia Town Green and The Old Yard Cemetery. Learn about native American Samson Occom and “New Light” minister, Eleazar Wheelock. Meet us at the Yeomans Hall, 323 Route 87 in Columbia at 2:00pm for a one-hour walking tour on October 20, 2019. Please call Joan Hill at 860 228-2849 if you have questions.
10/05/2019 –
9:00am
- 10:30am
Yeomans Hall, 323 Route 87 Columbia
Walk in the footsteps of Eleazar Wheelock and Samson Occom. Take a step back to the 1700’s while exploring the Historic Columbia Town Green and The Old Yard Cemetery. Learn about native American Samson Occom and “New Light” minister, Eleazar Wheelock. Meet us at the Yeomans Hall, 323 Route 87 in Columbia at 9:00am for a one-hour walking tour on October 5, 2019. And again on October 20th at 2:00pm. Please call Joan Hill at 860 228-2849 if you have questions.
09/08/2019 –
10:00am
- 2:00pm
H.W. Porter School, Columbia CT. Rt. 66 across from the Fire Station
Join us for a great family event with food & beverages, 50/50 raffle, goodie bags, face painting & animal balloons. Sept. 8th from 10am – 2pm.
Spectators FREE with FREE parking. Show vehicles/motorcycles: $10 donation. Bring your cruise buddies & spread the word. Ten “Favorites” Trophy Categories. NO DOGS, NO BURNOUTS, NO ALCOHOL.
Vehicle registration starts at 9am. Rain date Sept. 15
Benefit for:
05/03/2019 –
6:00pm
- 8:00pm
Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rt 87, Columbia, CT
You are invited to the Columbia Historical Society’s Annual Pot Luck Supper on Friday, May 3rd at 6:00 for the supper and at 7:00 for the program. If attending the supper, please bring a dish to share.
The program will be Collonel Katz, a WWII veteran who will introduce us to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
To find out more please click on the Annual Columbia Historical Society Pot Luck Supper below.
Library of Congress Veterans History Project & Annual Columbia Historical Society Pot Luck Supper
03/31/2019 –
2:00pm
- 3:30pm
Yeomans Hall, Columbia CT. Rt. 87
Samson Occom, Connecticut Native American Preacher
Please join us on March 31 at 2:00pm at Yeomans Hall where Tom Berrill will discuss how Samson Occom helped to make Columbia what it is today.
This eloquent Minister preached Christianity to thousands in New England and New York, as well as England. He was a member of the Mohegan nation and was exemplar in his loving attitude towards all including his prejudicial detractors.
Samson Occom was descended from Sachem Uncas. At the young age of 19, in 1742, he converted to Christianity while working with Reverend James Davenport.
To find out more please click on the Samson Occom link below.
10/28/2018 –
2:00pm
- 3:30pm
Yeomans Hall, Columbia CT. Rt. 87
The Columbia Historical Society is pleased to have Ben Cooper, a WWII veteran, with family ties in Columbia, as our guest speaker on Sunday, October 28th at 2:00 PM in Yeomans Hall on Rt. 87.
Ben Cooper’s Infantry division liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Cooper was so traumatized, so heartbroken, over what he had witnessed that it took him 45 years to talk about it. Once he did, he found that sharing his experience was a healing process for himself and an eye-opener for those who listened. “Telling my story continues to be my mission. It is crucial to preserving history,” Cooper says.
For years Cooper didn’t tell his wife or children what he saw at Dachau. He didn’t tell anyone. He couldn’t.
“I had it hidden here,” Cooper says. “And it bothered me. It just, like festered there all the time. and I couldn’t talk to anybody about it. There was no one to talk to, you know. That’s why I didn’t talk for 45 years.”
“But now I do. Now I want people to know it happened.” Ben has told his story numerous times – to high schools, colleges, civic groups and to historians at the Veteran’s History Project. (Excerpts from HEARTBEAT Nov/Dec Issue 2017)
Light refreshment will be served. An afternoon not to be missed.
09/29/2018 –
10:00am
- 12:00pm
The Pavilion at Rec. Park, Hennequin Rd. Columbia, CT
Registration starts at 9:30. The Dog Show starts at 10
All Friendly Dogs and Owners Welcome or just Come and Have Fun.
Enter your dog in one or more categories:
Best Personality Most Peculiar
Bravest Best Nose
Best Tail Happiest
Most Beautiful Best Ears
Cutest Best Trick
Best in Show
$2.00 for one category, $8.00 for five categories, $13.00 for 10 categories.
The winner of each category will compete in best in show.
Rain Date – Saturday, September 30th 9:30 – 12
Presented by the Columbia Historical Society
09/09/2018 –
10:00am
- 2:00pm
Horace W. Porter School Rt's 66 & 87 (Across from the Fire Station)
Sunday, Sept 9, 2018 10:00am – 2:00pm
Vehicle Registration Starts at 9:00am. Rain Date: Sept 16 Motorcycles are Welcome.
Join us for a great family event with Food & Beverages, 50/50 Raffle, Goodie Bags, Face Painting & Animal Balloons.
Spectators – Free Admission & Parking
Show Vehicles & Motorcycles: $10 Donation.Bring Your Cruise Buddies & Spread the Word.
10 “Favorites” Trophy Categories.
NO DOGS, BURNOUTS or ALCOHOL.
Benefit for:
Columbia Recreation Field Fund
Columbia Volunteer Fire Department
Columbia Historic Preservation
For Car Show Information: RecDirector@columbiact.org or 860 228-8513 ext. 17
Facebook: ColumbiaCTClassicCarShow
08/12/2018 –
1:00pm
- 4:00pm
The History Place
On May 20th, the Columbia Historical Society will open it’s first exhibit in its new home, The History Place (Across Rt. 87 from the Library). On Selected Sunday afternoons through October, the exhibit will be open to the public at no cost.
The exhibit will trace the history of the Columbia Lake Watershed from its early use by Native Americans, to its industrial uses during the 18th & 19th centuries, and its recreational use since the early twentieth century. It also examines the more recent history of stewardship by the town and private groups, to ensure that it provides scenic and recreational resources for humans and important habitat for wildlife well into the future.
A special “Go Fish” game will be offered to children twelve and under who visit the exhibit and learn about the fish who live in the lake. Participants will be entered into a free drawing with the chance to win fishing equipment prizes.
EXHIBIT OPEN HOURS:
Sunday May 20, 1-4
Sunday June 3, 1-4
Sunday June 17, 1-4
Wednesday July 4, 9-12
Sunday July 22, 1-4
Sunday August 12, 1-4
Sunday August 26, 1-4
Sunday September 16, 1-4
Saturday October 20, 12:30-4
Associated Activities:
Sat. June 2, 1-3pm – Utley Mills & Lake Watershed walk. Leaders – Joan Hill & Ann Dunnack. Meet at rear of Recreation Park (60 Hennequin Rd) at 12:45
July 15 & August 19 3PM & 4PM, Historical Float trips on Columbia Lake. Prior registration is required at millieramz@gmail.com or 860 729-5472.
Sat. October 20, 11-12am – Lake Brook Ravine Walk. Details will be published in Walktober brochure.
04/27/2018 –
6:00pm
- 8:00pm
Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rt 87, Columbia, CT
Potluck dinner starts at 6:00pm followed by the meeting. Please bring a dish to share.
Taylor McClure will present information about Katherine Hepburn, from Hartford to Hollywood. Program starts at 7:00
03/11/2018 –
2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Beckish Senior Center, 188 Rt. 66, Columbia, CT
The documentary tells the stories of Jewish farmers who came to eastern CT from the 1890s to the mid 1900s. Open to the public. Light refreshments.
09/24/2017 –
2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Yeoman's Hall, Columbia
Dr. Ben. Franklin – entrepreneur, printer, author, scientist, inventor, statesman, ambassador and one of America’s Founding Fathers – was an extraordinary man in any century. To call him a “Renaissance Man” is an understatement. Join us to discover:
Why he became the most famous American in the 18th Century.
Why he never patented his inventions.
His ways to wealth and success as a businessman.
How he eliminated his competition.
His 1764 connection to Columbia, Ct.
09/23/2017 –
10:00am
- 12:00pm
Pavillion at Rec. Park, Columbia CT.
All Friendly Dogs and Owners Welcome or just Come and Have Fun.
Time 10:00 – 12:00, Registration is at 9:30
Enter Your Dog in one or More Categories:
Best Personality
Bravest
Best Tail
Most Beautiful
Most Peculiar
Best Nose
Happiest
Best Ears
The winner of each category will compete in best in show.
$2.00 for one category, $8.00 for Five categories, $13.00 for 10 categories.
Rain date – Saturday, Sept. 30th, 9:30 – 12
09/10/2017 –
11:00am
- 3:00pm
H.W. Porter School, Columbia CT. Rt. 66 across from the Fire Station
Join us for a great family event with food & beverages, 50/50 raffle, goodie bags, face painting & animal balloons. Sept 10th from 11am – 3pm.
Spectators FREE with FREE parking. Show vehicles/Motorcycles: $10 donation. Bring your cruise buddies & spread the word. 10 “Favorites” Trophy Categories. NO DOGS NO BURNOUTS or ALCOHOL.
Vehicle registration starts at 9am. Rain date Sept. 17
Benefit for: Columbia Rec Program Assistance Fund
CT Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Columbia Historic Preservation