Funding for Chatham Historical Society Approved

Local state legislators welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding for a major project in East Hampton. A state grant will provide funding for alterations, renovations and improvements to the Chatham Historical Society (CHS) building and grounds totaling $50,000.

“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for honoring my request for this project,” State Rep. Gail K. Hamm (D-East Hampton, Middletown) said in a press release. “The Chatham Historical Society is a non-profit icon in town and will continue to enhance the lives of residents and children thanks to this funding. Having worked five years on this issue, [Friday] is quite fulfilling.”

The Chatham Historical Society will use the funding for new siding and roof, ADA restroom compliance, replacement windows, tree work, security upgrades, lighting and repairing the historic Comstock covered bridge on display.

Organized in 1963, the Chatham Historical Society now operates a small complex including a one-room school house from 1840 and a museum, which opened in 2006. The museum boasts artifacts and memorabilia telling stories about East Hampton, Middle Haddam and Cobalt history. According to its web site, ‘the Chatham Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing knowledge about (the) community's extraordinarily rich but not always evident history.’

“I have long admired the mission of the Chatham Historical Society, to maintain a connection between current residents and the legacy of this part of the state, and I have always appreciated the volunteer efforts of its members who so painstakingly preserve this history,” State Sen. Eileen Daily (D-Westbrook) said in a press release. “I’m grateful to Governor Malloy and other members of the bond commission for their favorable consideration of this funding, which directly benefits East Hampton residents and all those who visit the this impressive facility.”