With a newly expanded campus and a variety of programs and activities, the Greenwich Historical Society is making history accessible to every generation.
“With the grand opening of our new campus this past October, the Greenwich Historical Society ushered in a new phase in our 87-year history and the proud
378-year history of Greenwich,” says Debra Mecky, executive director and CEO of the Greenwich Historical Society.
“Our larger and more accessible campus enables us to showcase a much broader collection of art, archival materials and digital collections to give visitors a better understanding of how Greenwich was, and continues to be, intertwined with the nation’s larger narrative.”
The new campus, designed by David Scott Parker Architects, was a $12-million project that took two years to complete. The organization, which was established in 1931, is located in Cos Cob and the campus now includes the Bush-Holley House—a designated national historic landmark originally built in the early 1700s—as well as museum galleries housed in a newly restored railroad hotel, a library and archive with some 40,000 pieces of Greenwich history, vegetable and flower gardens, plus a cafe and shop.
“We will be able to engage the public in a much richer exploration of our
cultural heritage and encourage active participation in the preservation of our history through dynamic cultural and educational programs that will strengthen our connection to the past, to each other and to the future,” says Mecky.
Making the past accessible
For students, visiting is a chance to learn about history outside of the classroom. While there, a variety of topics are discussed, from the American Revolution to American Impressionism. “Our interactive and inquiry-based programs allow students to investigate our collection, library, Bush-Holley House and historic site. Each program connects with state frameworks and curricula and allows students to creatively explore topics and sharpen their critical thinking skills,” says Anna Greco, the director of education at the Greenwich Historical Society.
And along with visiting the site, there are lots of events catered specifically to adults, including book readings, wine tastings and those like Coffee with the Curator, where guests take a personalized tour of the new galleries with Karen Frederick, the curator of Museum Collections. And for those outside the area, there are online exhibitions, like “Greenwich Faces the Great War,” which highlights the town’s role in World War I, complete with historical documents and audio clips.
Giving Back
As a nonprofit, the Greenwich Historical Society hosts the popular fundraiser
Antiquarius every year, which treats guests to an antique show, house tours and more. And for those interested in giving back, the organization welcomed about 300
volunteers last year. This year, along with visiting the Bush-Holley house and the campus as a whole, guests can take in the latest exhibit, “History Is…,” which will run through September.
Bonus: $1 from each subscription purchased in March & April goes to the Greenwich Historical Society.
