Christmas Fair CANCELLED

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The Killingworth Historical Society Christmas Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 5, at the Parmelee Farm has been cancelled due to the pandemic.  While we will miss all our shoppers, safety remains our top priority.

The raffle of the farmhouse painting by local artist Sandy Smith will take place as scheduled.  The winner need not be present to win.  Raffle tickets will be available at the Black Rock Schoolhouse on Route 80 and Recycle Way on December 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10.  Proceeds benefit the Historical Society's ongoing preservation efforts.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!

KHS Raffle:  Parmelee Farmhouse Painting by Local Artist Sandy Smith

Award-winning Killingworth artist Sandy Smith has generously donated a beautiful painting of the Parmelee Farmhouse in the twilight of winter, which the Society will raffle as part of our Christmas Fair fundraiser.  The drawing will be held at the Fair on Saturday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m. at the Parmelee Farm; winner need not be present.  Proceeds from the sale of tickets will be used for the Society's preservation efforts and projects.

Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10.  The painting will be on display and tickets available at the Black Rock Schoolhouse on Recycle Way Saturday, November 7, 14, and 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and during the Christmas Fair.  You may also purchase tickets from any Historical Society Board Member or by contacting Donna Dupuis at 860.663.2223.

Thomas Lentz receives CLHO
​Award of Merit for Latest Book

The Connecticut League of History Organizations has recognized Thomas Lentz as a 2020 Award of Merit recipient for his book The Early Gravestones of a Colonial Town: Killingworth, Connecticut.

Although many stones have been worn away or lost to time, Lentz has documented hundreds of remaining markers in Killingworth, Clinton, and Durham, preserving images of the early gravestones in this part of the state, including those of first settlers, clergy, and patriots.  Early Gravestones also examines causes of death and burial practices, as well as changing styles, symbolism, and iconography from the 17th through early 20th centuries.
​"Images of more than 450 gravestones form an impressive catalogue that is also a field guide to Connecticut cemeteries more generally, replete with information about changing styles, iconography, symbolism, causes of death, widespread maladies, and meanings of burial practices. After photographing 18th-century gravestones in the oldest cemetery, the project was extended to all seven town cemeteries and a private one; many gravestones were cleaned, repaired, and reset. This book is an invaluable documentation of the gravestones, which inevitably wear over time, and an important historical record of the area’s early residents."
- Connecticut League of Historic Organizations

​A great resource for genealogists and history buffs, treat someone to a unique gift or add one to your own library.  ​Books are $25 and can be purchased from the Killingworth Historical Society at the Parmelee Farmhouse, at Killingworth Town Hall, and at RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, or purchased online from Amazon.com or Pathway Book Service.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES
​Living Through a Historic Event:
The ​2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

The Historical Society would like you to help us document this unprecedented time in the lives of Killingworth’s residents and the world.  Many residents have done so much during this trying time, going above and beyond to assist family members and neighbors.  We invite you to share how you, your family, relatives, or friends coped during the COVID-19 pandemic through stories, pictures, and videos.

Perhaps you have a funny story or know of someone that was instrumental in assisting others.  Did you experience hardships?  Were you a first responder or essential employee?  How did you spend your time?  Has this event changed you?  Did you miss a milestone like a graduation or wedding?  We want to gather your personal experiences and archive them so those in the future can discover what life was like during the pandemic.
The Killingworth Krier and The Source ran some wonderful stories about residents that we’ve already added to our collection.  If your family participated in the Killingworth Front Porch Picture Project, we would like to include these pictures, too.

​Please spread the word and help us to record Killingworth’s memories.  In time, we hope to look back on this period in history with thanks for all the benefits we have, and to share it with others who were not yet born or not old enough to remember.

Please send your submissions to our dedicated email address: HKhistorical@gmail.com.