The Hampton Antiquarian and Historical Society (HAHS) has begun its annual membership and donations appeal, however this year we are making a special appeal for donations. Recently the HAHS experienced problems with the Burnham-Hibbard House’s boiler. Upon further inspection, we have been informed that the boiler needs replacement. The cost for the new boiler and associated work will be approximately $10,000.

As the case with many organizations, the HAHS has been closed to the public over the past 18 months due to the COVID pandemic. However, during this shuttered period the members of the Society’s Board of Directors have begun a complete assessment and cataloging of the many papers, photographs, and objects in the HAHS collection. This is a large undertaking and will continue for a considerable period of time. It is important to remember that the items held at the HAHS are the collective memories of the town and provide us with tangible connections to our past.

Considering this year’s special appeal, we find it appropriate to share a small work held by the Society which has been liberally modified from the 1969 original by Leila Ostby, a founder and past president of the HAHS.

A Letter to Santa, From the Historical Society

Dear Santa,

Our Museum, Santa, is in such a state,

The walls and the ceiling are in need of paint.

We need a few archival folders and cases

For research, and to put things in their places.

We fixed up the apartment

with paint and floor treatments

And now we must worry when we meet

Whether or not we shall have any heat.

Our emergency funds are running low.

So, Santa , we’re asking for people to help us grow.

Please consider becoming a member of the Historical Society, or making a donation.  Both are tax deductible.  A single membership is $10 per year and a family membership is $25 per year. Checks may be made out to HAHS and mailed to: PO Box 12, Hampton, CT. 06247.  Thank you.