Welcome to Canterbury
The Canterbury Historical Society seeks to promote appreciation and interest in the history of our beautiful little New England town. We collect and preserve materials that illustrate and document Canterbury history, and encourage the preservation of our historic sites and assets. Please accept our invitation to attend any of our free public events, become a member, or enjoy a walking tour of the Canterbury village center.
Picturing a Moment in Time
Canterbury Green Churches
Four successive Congregational church buildings have stood on the same spot on the Canterbury Green for three hundred years. The church in Canterbury was established in 1711 and work then began on the first meeting house at the Green’s highest point. The second meeting house was built in 1735 and the third in 1805. When it was destroyed by fire on December 23, 1963, the current church was constructed the following year.
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Latest News
Canterbury Old Home Day 2023 Still Seeking Participants
It won’t be long before Canterbury’s Old Home Day will be returning to the Town Green (aka the front lawn of the First Congregational Church) on Saturday, September 30th from 10 am to 3 pm and there are still openings for those who would like to participate as a...
Applications Now Being Accepted for Canterbury’s Old Home Day 2023
The Canterbury Historical Society is currently taking applications for exhibitors and vendors for Old Home Day which will be held on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 10 am to 3 pm on the town Green. If you'd like to be a part of this fall favorite, please download,...
Canterbury Historical Society Receives CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities
We are pleased to announce that CHS was recently awarded a $5,100 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities (CTH). CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to...
Save the Date for the Return of Canterbury’s Popular Old Home Day Event!
For those wondering if it was ever coming back, we are pleased to announce the return of Old Home Day which is set to be held Saturday, September 30th on the town green - aka the lawn of the First Congregational Church. For those who have missed it, we look forward to...
CHS Marks the Passing of a Longtime Canterbury Resident and Friend
Valentine Galasyn, a longtime Canterbury resident and beloved friend of the Canterbury Historical Society, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Val was married to Aili (Hakkila) Galasyn, a lifetime member of the CHS, for 67 years and was a decorated war veteran...
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Featured Project
Green (Centre) Schoolhouse Restoration
The Green (Centre) District Schoolhouse on Canterbury green is the last one-room district school in town that is open to the public. A volunteer committee of the Canterbury Historical Society began restoring the Green School in 2002, and their work, other than ongoing maintenance, is now complete.
