Welcome to the Jillson House Museum, home of the Windham Historical Society. Please stop by any Saturday for a tour or attend one of our upcoming events that are listed below or on our events page.

Welcome!

Supported by the Windham Historical Society

NEW!! "MAKING" Workshop Series

Download schedule of workshops

Thank you to all of our guests to our many programs at the Jillson House Museum. We have been listening to you and have put together a year long series of hands on workshops about making things that you normally buy at the store. For those folks who are interested in "homesteading" skills, 18th c. skills, or just like to make things this is for YOU!

Workshops are on the second Saturday of the month from 10 AM-Noon (with one exception). This is what makes these workshops special:

1. You have talented presenters who will demonstrate how to make things

2. You get a free history lesson about the topic!

3. You will enjoy a homemade treat and beverage at every event.

4. You make things at the workshop and take them home.

5. Your take home items are your inspiration for a new hobby.

6. Your packet contains instructions, recipes and resources.

There is very limited space so please register early. Cost is $30 per person and includes instruction, food and your own handmade gifts. We need to know who is coming to order the appropriate supplies so please register at least one week before the class. Supported in part by the Leo J. & Rose Pageau Trust.

The Town of Windham

The town of Windham, located in northeastern Connecticut, is in the southwestern corner of Windham County along the Natchaug River. Incorporated in 1692, Windham originally included the current towns of Mansfield and Scotland, as well as parts of Chaplin and Hampton. It was not until 1857, when the last of these areas incorporated, that Windham took on its current shape. The town of Windham includes the city of Willimantic, which consolidated with Windham upon the dissolution of the city government in 1983. Named after Wyndam, England, the town’s early industry included numerous mills that brought Windham renown as a leader in thread manufacturing. --CTHistory.org

Visit CTHistory.org

What's New?

We keep growing and upgrading.......

Anita Sebestyen Fashion Exhibit

In memory of our President, Anita Sebestyen, who left us way too early this past year, we have dedicated our front parlor to her with a new exhibit on fashion in the early 1900's. Please visit to enjoy the roarin' 20's and the flappers as well as WWI era uniforms. Hots, gloves and other beautiful accessories are on display. Admission is free.

Ride the East

In 2024 the Jillson House Museum was made an official Hospitality Center by the East Coast Greenway. We are open on Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall so that guests on the trails will have somewhere to go for information, first aid, bicycle repair, snacks and beverages.

My Town My Story

The Windham Historical Society and the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce partnered with CT Humanities, UCONN and CT Archives to create My Town My Story, a digital archive to record the personal and family histories of Windham residents. Upload your photos and write a brief description. Go HERE to add your history!

Brochures

With several grants from the Eastern Region Tourism District we have partnered with Windham Arts and the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce to produce several brochures promoting our region: Museums in Windham, Historic Homes Throughout Eastern CT and the Jillson House Hospitality Center.

Our Current & Upcoming Exhibits

Experience Windham CT from 1700's to present

"Made In Windham"

Patents & Inventions That

Changed the World

June 2024-June 2025

Did you know that the mustache mug was invented in Windham, CT? There are many amazing inventions from a cracker maker to the corset that were created right here. Windham has many famous inventors that created machines that changed the world, like the paper making machine or the cotton making machine. Supported by the CT Humanities.

The exhibit is free and is open

every Saturday from 10 AM-4 PM.

Fashion in the Early 1900's

Ongoing

Learn all about fashion in the early 1900's, the accessories, the styles based on your social standing in the community, and what the Jillson's and their relatives would have worn. Beautiful dresses and accessories on exhibit.

We have exclusive items from the Jillson family, one of the founding families in Windham.

History of Windham

Ongoing

Join us for this fascinating trip through time and discover the many inventions, clothing, instruments, and gadgets created in our own Windham, CT. Meet the people born here who were instrumental in the progress and growth of our town: farmers, business owners, mill workers, immigrants, women leaders and slaves. Enjoy the nostalgia of early photos of town, schools, churches and the mills. The best part is the stories, the folklore that helped define who we are! Free admission.

TAVERN NIGHTS

Are you a foodie? Like to eat? Like to sample new things? But most of all...... you LOVE history!!!

We have just the right night for you. Join us monthly at our Tavern Nights where our guest of honor for the evening is a famous person. You will learn about their contributions to their community, their family life, their oddities and quirks, but you will also learn about what their favorite food and beverage was. Not only learn...but you will get to sample their favorites. Stop by after work with friends or make it a midweek date night. The more people the more fun! Featured guests so far have been: Teddy Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Elvis Presley, Paul Revere Julia Child, President Ronald Reagan and President & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln (photo).

Download a schedule of Tavern Nights guests

President Abraham Lincoln and his wife , Mary Todd Lincoln shared stories about their family and life in the White House. Mrs. Lincoln shared her terrible experience being committed to a mental institution because doctors did not know what "anemia" was at the time.

Upcoming Events:

Jillson House is a Hospitality Center!

This spring the Jillson House Museum became an official "Hospitality Center" on the East Coast Greenway, open to the public every Saturday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Bikers and hikers can stop in to warm up, get cooled off, evade the rain, use the restrooms, get a snack or hydrating beverage, repair their bike, use our basic first aid kit and, most importantly, park their bikes and take a trip into Willimantic's historic downtown for lunch, dinner or a homemade brew. Free tours of the museum are also available for any visitor, as well as maps and biking information and events. Please stop in and see us!

Thanks to our partners and sponsors: East Coast Greenway Alliance, Trust For Public Land, Air Line Trail, Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, Willimantic Rotary and American Savings Foundation.