The Berlin Historical Society Museum showcases the history that has defined our town. Located on 305 Main Street in Kensington, CT, it is open Saturdays, April – December, 1-4 or by appointment. Admission is free; donations appreciated, accessible to all.

The Berlin Historical Society Museum opened in December 1993. Housed in the historic Peck Memorial Library building on 305 Main Street, Kensington, exhibits showcasing Berlin’s rich history abound.

The building itself is part of Berlin’s history. The Kensington Library Society incorporated in 1901. They built the Peck Memorial Library, opening in 1902. It served as a town library until 1989. Beautiful features in the building, as the walnut woodwork and large fireplace still grace the interior.

The Museum houses the Berlin Historical Society’s collection of early tin, brick and Berlin related artifacts. Among the permanent exhibits are:

• A tin maker’s corner made up of a reproduction tin maker’s bench with an assortment of original tin maker tools. Berlin’s history is intertwined with tin, and as early as the 1740s, Berlin was home to the original Yankee Peddlers, the Pattison brothers.
• Simeon North, the first official pistol maker of the United States Government is showcased.
• A brick display with bricks, brick molds, signs and terra cotta pieces from Berlin’s many brick manufacturers. Berlin was prominent in the brick market even as late 1963.

New displays are created annually. This year the 75th anniversary of D-Day is highlighted, featuring the story of Al Pegolo, a Berlin resident who was there.

The acquisition of the property was made possible by the generous bequest of Myrna Pauloz in honor of her mother, Ruby Nye Morse, a founding member of the Berlin Historical Society.

The 1771 House is situated on 1.4 acres. The property was purchased by Eben Coe Woodruff in 1880. Research is underway to determine the original builder of the house and use of the property. There are stories of the house having been moved from “..up the street…” but little is known beyond that. Recent restoration has shown very early architectural features probably dating to the mid-1700’s. The property was purchased from the Woodruff family in 2017 after having been in their family for 147 years.

The location of the 1771 House, right behind the Worthington Meetinghouse, provides potential for additional open space functions and parking for future Meetinghouse events. Further attractions and programs at the 1771 House are planned.

The 1771 House property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

For more information and appointments to use the Research center, please see Contact Us.

The garden is named in memory of Esther Windom Woodruff (1933 – 2017). She married Willis Woodruff in 1954 and together they raised their four sons in the little house with the magnificent grounds.  Esther, a second grade teacher, would collect monarch butterfly chrysalises and share them with her classes and neighborhood children. It was a wonder for all to see the butterfly emerge from the chrysalis, pump up its wings and begin to fly. In 1989, Esther visited the monarch butterfly Mexico migration destination, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Preparation and planning for “Esther’s Garden” was led by Society member Heidi Kropf. It required tree removal, soil amendment and edging. Within a week, the newly planted butterfly garden was filled with dozens of Monarch caterpillars.

The garden is edged with brick salvaged from the Kensington Grammar School demolition. The center pump is a donation from Kensington Congregational Church. It had sat on the front lawn of KCC’s parsonage for many years in the 20th century.

This spring, a woodland garden was planted adjacent to the butter garden providing a shady retreat to watch the many pollinators at work in “Esther’s Garden”.

On June 1, the “Esther’s Garden” sign was unveiled.  Shown with the sign is Heidi Kropf, the lead gardener.

Exhibits: Each year, the Society prepares special exhibits for the Fair. 2018 featured a recreated Beckley Tavern.

The Gallery: A collection of pictures and topics that change yearly. Featured have been famous Berlin people, trains, then and now pictures among many others.

Slide Show: A new show has been created each year. Ranging from 20 – 30 minutes, visitors get to sit and enjoy historic Berlin.

Country Store: Our store features Berlin inspired items as crockery (exclusive to the Society), Berlin literature, branded spices, local honey, and crafts. Of course, our famous homemade confections are available, as well as Berlin made jams and jellies.

2019 Exhibits include:

• The Fuller Tavern: a recreation of this tavern on Worthington Ridge. George Washington visited here.
• World War II Exhibit: Berlin Brothers In Arms, honoring Berlin residents that served.
• The Gallery: World War II memorabilia
• Slide Show: based on our popular story share of Worthington Ridge.
• And, a special children’s exhibit to be announced!

The Berlin Historical Society Museum’s 2019 premier exhibit commemorates the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. It honors one of Berlin’s own, Alphonse “Al” Pegolo, who served in the invasion. See more…