Rowayton dates its beginnings to 1651 with a transaction between European settlers and the local native Indians. Those original farmers and fishermen gave way to oystermen and sea captains, and then to our modern giants of industry.
The Society was founded in 1959 to preserve Rowayton's vibrant history by maintaining and exhibiting its archives, memorabilia and artwork. Membership and public meetings are held regularly during the year at the Seeley-Dibble-Pinkney house including special programs and speakers. Historic walking tours of Rowayton village are given annually. Displays and exhibits, addressing the history of our region are open to the public. We encourage researchers and other interested people to contact us with their questions.
Notable events hosted by the RHS over the past several years include a fascinating discussion of local and national politics led by guest speaker Don Irwin, a two-time former Mayor of Norwalk and member of Congress; an “Antiques Road Show” for members to bring their treasures in for evaluation; costumed Colonial re-enactors telling their stories in the refurbished Brookside Cemetery; a video the Society produced called “Time and Again,” a story of our immediate neighborhood and some of the colonial residents who lived here; a joint program with the Darien Historical Society showing “Yankee's Second World Cruise: November 1936-May 1938,” a compilation of Irving Johnson's movies of the schooner's incredible around-the-world voyage; numerous walking tours of historic neighborhoods; ghoulish gatherings by candlelight in the historic Pinkney House to hear real Rowayton ghost stories; and a lecture on the history of stonewalls in Connecticut. And for the youngest Rowaytonites, our annual American Girl Tea on the lawn of Pinkney Park with stories by Rowayton storytellers, as well as tours and lectures for school children.
The Society also publishes an Annual which goes out to all members in which we share our heritage with stories and remembrances from long-time residents.
The Rowayton Historical Society preserves one of the most important historic collections in the state of Connecticut. It is our mission to help our community discover the fascinating history of Rowayton, a small maritime village on the Long Island Sound.
