Visit Jillson House Museum
Supported by the Windham Historical Society
What's New
We keep growing and improving!
01
Fire & Theft Protection
02
Upgrades & Repairs
With the help of the Pageau Foundation and Fire Alarm Specialty Design, we have installed a new fire, smoke, and heat alarm system throughout every room of our house, as well as a security system both inside and outside to protect our valuable collection.
The comfort of our guests is our highest priority so we have remodeled our bathrooms, installed period lighting, created a small kitchen garden, made repairs and upgrades to our stone building with help from CT Humanities and the State of Connecticut.
03
Protecting Our Collection
With help from the CT League of History Organizations we received the Museum Makeover Grant which has allowed us organize, properly store and maintain our valuable collection, as well as make it available for some to find and view online.
04
Exhibit "Family"
Our museum was home to the Jillsons and adding life size "family members" has made our guests' experience much more engaging. It is easy to imagine what life was like so many years ago. We thank the Pageau Foundation and the CT Humanities for this investment.
Our Current & Upcoming Exhibits
Experience Windham CT from 1600's to present
"Windham Inventors"
COMING SOON!
Did you know that the mustache mug was invented in Windham, CT? There are many amazing inventions from a biscuit maker to the corset that were created right here. Windham has many famous inventors that you will be amazed to discover. Our exhibit showcasing these inventors and their creations will open January 1.
Manning Gravestone Carvings
The Manning family were talented and popular artists who carved many of the beautiful headstones in the region, in particular in Windham cemeteries. Learn about their family, their craft and what the symbols carved into the stones signified.
Made in 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 different historic figure who was transformational in the making of our amazing country. You will learn about their contributions, 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, President John Adams, Edgar Allen Poe, Julia Child, President Ronald Reagan and President & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln (photo).
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.
