At House to Home Organizing one of the habits we encourage is a switch from focusing on stuff towards experiences. We spoke with Stasha Healy from the Greenwich Historical Society about their mission and why you should stop in for a visit.
For the busy person, what is the Greenwich Historical Society?
We connect the community and the world to the important history of Greenwich by telling its stories through items in our collections, lectures, museum exhibitions, educational programs for school children and teachers, championing historic preservation, media outreach, and more. We are the stewards for the circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House, which survived the American Revolution and became the site of America’s first American Impressionist art colony from 1890 to 1920.
What was the recent renovation?
We restored a former hotel and saloon that had been used more recently as a residence, back to its former architectural integrity and seamlessly added a new building to it that is home to new state-of-the-art, climate-controlled library and archives and museum galleries. One gallery presents rotating exhibitions relating to Greenwich’s history and art; the other gallery has a short film and timeline that explain the history of Greenwich at a glance as well as an area that showcases some of the beautiful works of the former residents of the Cos Cob art colony.
The GHS conducts many programs what are some of your favorites?
Candlelight is a wonderful, free event where the community gathers for live music, a visit from Santa, treats, and seasonal crafts for kids. People can also take tours of Bush-Holley House decorated for the holidays. I also really enjoy the Landmarks Recognition Program: Every year we identify buildings with historic value and tell their stories. This past year my favorite was a home on North Street that was built nearly as an exact replica of the Petit Trianon of Versailles!
What are the archives?
The repository for documents and items relating to Greenwich history.
If someone has something they want to donate, what is the process?
If people have documents to donate they should contact Christopher Shields. If they have items other than documents they should contact Karen Frederick.
