Though students stroll its sidewalks and spend mealtimes in its restaurants, there is still a great deal members of the Choate community do not know about the town of Wallingford. An organization just a few minutes walking distance from campus contains many interesting facts about Wallingford, such as how the namesake of a local public high school signed the Declaration of Independence. This place also exhibits a penny farthing bicycle, an antiquated version of the typical pedaled vehicle with an enormous front wheel.Though students stroll its sidewalks and spend mealtimes in its restaurants, there is still a great deal members of the Choate community do not know about the town of Wallingford. An organization just a few minutes walking distance from campus contains many interesting facts about Wallingford, such as how the namesake of a local public high school signed the Declaration of Independence. This place also exhibits a penny farthing bicycle, an antiquated version of the typical pedaled vehicle with an enormous front wheel.For over 100 years now, the Wallingford Historical Society has collected the treasures of the town and put them on display in its South Main Street location. In addition to its museum work, the Society also brings in speakers and hosts a celebration on Independence Day. The museum and headquarters are in the historic Parson’s House and soon will be expanded to a second building being built nearby.
The Wallingford Historical Society, described as “Wallingford’s Attic” by its Corresponding Secretary Laura Bertekap, is full of treasures. “Our town has a very rich history, dating back to at least 1670, and the Parson’s House has exhibits dating back to the 1700’s,” Ms. Bertekap recently explained. The artifacts displayed in the museum run the gamut in terms of time period. One of the parlors of the museum is dedicated to telling the story of Lyman Hall, who was born in Wallingford and signed the Declaration of Independence. The Society also has more modern items, including items from the recently closed Bristol Myers Squibb facility. From the very old to the modern, and the familiar to the undiscovered, the museum beautifully reflects Wallingford’s varying history.
The items in the building are not the only historical artifacts preserved by the Society. The building itself has great historical value. Built in 1769, it is thought to have been a horse changing station, where travelers could eat, drink, and rest. It was later owned by Fannie Ives Schember, who donated it to the society in 1920. “We’re still grateful for Mrs. Schember’s thoughtful donation and her love for her hometown,” Ms. Bertekap said. “We work to keep her house in good shape and be a place people want to visit and learn about their town.”
Over the years, the Wallingford Historical Society has accrued too many items to display in its single location. The society is now expanding, Ms. Bertekap explained. “We have been working towards building the additional display building for over 30 years and are very excited about it,” she said. This building will be constructed in the same style as a structure that once next to Parson’s House.
The Wallingford Historical Society is open on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day to Labor Day. “Our town is very fortunate to have such a vibrant historical society,” Ms. Bertekap said. “Take advantage of that and come visit!”
