CHS Events
On January 19, 2026, the Hitchcock-Phillips House was one of the stops on the Children’s March and Bell-Ringing Ceremony co-sponsored by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
Board Member Chris D’Agostino and Town Historian Diane Calabro provided brief remarks. Board Member Will D’Agostino helped unfurl the banner listing Cheshire’s documented enslaved population while some of the children helped to “Say the Names,” before the group moved on to the steps of First Church.
December 14, 2025, was a picture-perfect winter day for “A Norman Rockwell Christmas” Party at the Hitchcock-Phillips House. Our visitors enjoyed and appreciated the exterior and interior decor provided by The Suburban Garden Club of Cheshire.
Mitzi Romano, President of the Cheshire Historical Society and Jan Edwards, Society Board Member and member of the Suburban Garden Club decorating team in the Dining Room. Photo courtesy of Betsy Fox.
We temporarily moved a portion of our Ball & Socket display into the Meeting Room, so everyone could appreciate the Button Wreath!
On November 13, 2025, Ball & Socket Arts gave a presentation at the Cheshire Public Library about the collection of oral histories from former Ball & Socket Company employees. Several Historical Society volunteers participated in collecting these histories. “Pushing Buttons: Collecting Oral Histories About Ball & Socket Manufacturing“ was presented by Agnes Wnuk.
This project was made possible by funding provided by CT Humanities and is still ongoing. Any interested oral history subjects should contact Ball & Socket Arts at info@ballandsocket.org .
The Historical Society also provided several enlarged historical photos of Ball & Socket Company employees over the years for the accompanying display.
The two oral history highlight videos that were shown are available for viewing by those who would like to see them again, or who missed the presentation.
Barbara: https://youtu.be/yCSSa6PWgGk
On October 16, 2025, the 2025-2026 Third Graders from St. Bridget School took a walk up the street to visit the Hitchcock-Phillips House. Since our usual photographer was otherwise occupied helping with the tour, Mrs. Galipault was able to share a couple of her photos with us and one of our members shared the article from the St. Bridget's Newsletter. It is always fun to share our House with these well-behaved Third Graders, especially as we approach America250.
Board Member Jan Edwards demonstrating the fine art of Colonial bed warming!
On September 18, 2025, the Historical Society played host to a homeschool group. They were a bit younger than our usual school tour groups, but just as curious, as well as well-behaved. We hope they enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoyed having them!
Tour Guides: Mitzi Romano, Cara Luciani, Jan Edwards, Shirley Brady
Eric Nelson’s ever-popular Friction Firestarting demonstration.
The Keeping Room
The Dining Room
Trying out the Stereoscopes
June 14, 2025, was the Annual CT Open House Day. The purpose of this event is to inspire Connecticut residents to learn about all the experiences in their own backyard, anticipating that this will convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. As usual, this event coincided with the ever-popular Strawberry Festival, on the Church Green, in our “front yard!”
Our Vice President, Colleen Fitzgerald, outdid herself planning the activities and putting together the Flag Day display in the Meeting Room. As usual, Eric Nelson's friction fire-starting demonstration was a big hit with both kids and parents! And let's not forget the reimagined Keeping Room.
The Girl Scouts who debuted their Silver Project - the reimagining of our Keeping Room display.
Two of the young artists who tried their hands at the fireworks craft.
Eric Nelson's Friction Fire-starting Demonstration - the moment of truth!
On May 27, 2025, the Historical Society played host to the St. Bridget School Third Graders for a tour of the Hitchcock-Phillips House. The students, teachers and chaperones were welcomed by President Mitzi Romano and the volunteer tour guides were Diane Calabro, Cara Luciani, Shirley Brady, Jan Edwards, and Eric Nelson. Thanks to Cara for coordinating this effort.
From the cozy Keeping Room …
… To the formal Dining Room …
… To the Parlor, where we also set up displays illustrating the history of Cheshire, from the Farmington Canal to the Barite Mines to Ball & Socket Manufacturing.
The Bedroom
The Friction Fire-starting demonstration