Office, Gift Shop & Museum:
Tu.-Fri. 10:00 - 4:00
Sat. 1:00 - 4:00
Sun. Dec. 4 -Jan. 16:
1:00 - 4:00
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The History Room and Architectural Surveys
Wilton before subdivisions and second growth of trees. You can find this along with other historic photographs, ledgers, daybooks, maps, diaries, books and deeds in the History Room located at the Wilton Library
The History Room
When the Wilton Historical Society was organized in 1938, the collection of historical documents, books, maps, and photographs began to be accumulated. The Society met and kept the archives in the basement of the old Library. However, the flood of ’55 filled the basement with water and damaged some of the early material.
Later the historical material was moved to the Society’s newly established headquarters in the Fitch house. Because of limited space and restricted hours, the archives were largely inaccessible and underused. In 1981, a decision was reached to move the archives back to the Wilton Library into a small unused office space and became the Wilton History Room.
In 2006, the Society's large archival collection was moved into the expanded History Room at the Wilton Library. Now triple in size, it is located on the second floor of the new library, accessible by elevator and/or stairs.
Today the History Room houses our extensive historic house and neighborhood information, genealogical material, photographs, maps, manuscripts, diaries and scrapbooks, ledgers, rare books, newspapers, and the records of numerous Wilton organizations.
Originally organized and catalogued by Carol Russell, Town Historian and Archival Curator, the History Room is now staffed three days a week. Carol volunteers on Thursday, and W.H.S. Archival Curator, Scotty Taylor, on Monday and Friday afternoons, from noon until 5:00 p.m. The Library’s reference staff assists patrons during the Library hours. Go to here to read a more detailed list of archival materials.
We will assist you with information about Wilton, your neighborhood, your house or perhaps your ancestors. Second graders visit the History Room and are fascinated by things, such as the servicemen's letters from World War II, the "dog register" or the photographs of our one-room schools and their students. We also answer inquiries from as far away as California, Oregon and Texas. (Carol Russell & Scotty Taylor pictured at right in the Library’s Wilton History Room.)
Wilton's Cemeteries Web Site
This is a web site that lists all of Wilton's Cemeteries with a search feature to find individual information. It is a very useful genealogical source for researchers. To reach this site, click here.
The Architectural Survey of Wilton
In 1989, the Historical Society hired a certified architectural historian to prepare a cultural resource study of historic or architecturally significant Wilton buildings. More that 300 homes were documented but 150 – 200 homes should be added to the important inventory. This work is used as a preservation tool as well as providing information for Planning & Zoning, and historical house research. Those whose houses were surveyed are eligible for the historic plaque seen on many houses around town. The Society would like to document additional 18th and 19th century houses, if funds can be raised to do so. To view the current list click here.
Historic Districts & Historic Properties
In order to protect our historic and architectural heritage, Connecticut state law allows municipalities to designate local historic districts and historic properties by passage of a local ordinance. Wilton currently has five historic districts.
The Wilton Historic District & Historic Property Commission, a public agency whose members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, has the responsibility of overseeing historic districts through a review process as well as proposing other districts and structures for inclusion. Another important opportunity available to the commission is to educate the public of the value of preservation of our historic properties as an unparalleled resource for the study of local history.
The Wilton Historical Society, a private organization of volunteer members, has similar goals and works with the HD&HP Commission to preserve local architectural history. To learn more about Wilton’s historic districts including maps, photographs, and the functions of the commission, click here.
