Founded in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) originated as an institution focused on preserving and sharing Connecticut’s history. Over the next 190-plus years, the institution’s focus evolved from collecting to educational programs, research, exhibitions, and community engagement. As a result of this change in focus, the CHS’s Board of Trustees debated for several decades whether we should retain “historical society” as part of our name because the phrase may appear dated to newer audiences and often can imply an organization that one must be invited to participate in.  

In 2020, during an intensive strategic planning process, the CHS recognized that its name should better reflect our current focus on the connections between history and culture, both from the past and to the present. From there, the process to develop a new name and brand identity began.  

Beginning in 2020 to 2022, the CHS solicited feedback from stakeholders including: members, donors, staff, current and former trustees, and community leaders on both the direction of our strategic planning effort in 2020 and the possibility of a name change. The Board of Trustees carefully reviewed and assessed the feedback and came to a final decision to rebrand the organization.

No. Our mission remains the same as the one approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2020. 

CMCH’s Mission:
We cultivate deep understanding of the history and culture of Connecticut, and its role in the United States and the world, through reflection of the past, active engagement with the present, and innovation for the future through our collections, research, educational programs, and exhibitions. 

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s mission is even more relevant to the emergent world we live in today.  

The new name and brand identity was developed by experts in the field to better reflect the mission and vision of our institution today. The museum continues to explore both what Connecticut used to be, and its impact on our nation and the world today—and the new name reflects that. By spotlighting the many cultures that influence the past and present of our state, CMCH is building upon its core work rooted in the history of Connecticut.  

The new name and logo were unveiled on June 22, 2023. Watch the brand reveal video here.

A set of stylized brackets artfully frame the state of Connecticut. This frame symbolizes a focused experience that brings to life the many events that shape our state’s culture and history, and its role in the United States and the world.  

Additionally, the new logo, in its simplicity, is a more modern look which represents the CMCH’s mission to cultivate a deep understanding of the history and culture of Connecticut.

No. Your membership to the Connecticut Historical Society will transfer over to CMCH and all current benefits will remain valid through its expiration date. CHS Life Members will be converted to CMCH Life Members.  

To become a CMCH member today, please visit our membership page.

You can support the CMCH by making a gift online at donate to CMCH or by mailing a check payable to: Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, 1 Elizabeth St. Hartford, CT 06105. Contributions, like yours, make our ongoing work possible through providing support for exhibitions, collections, programs, and events throughout the year. As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, we depend on the generosity of our donors to sustain our work. Please give generously, your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law! 

To learn more about the supporting CMCH, please visit Way to Give or contact Jamie O’Brien, Chief Advancement Officer at (860) 969-6089, ext 1.  

CMCH’s collection includes more than 4 million manuscripts, books, paintings, photographs, clothing and textiles, furniture, and other historical and cultural material. The collection is enormously important in helping to tell the story of the land we now call Connecticut.  

 As an institution that has been actively collecting for almost 200 years, CMCH must be selective with any new material it accepts for the collection. We ask that you please read the information about making an object donation.

Due to the volume of offers the CMCH receives, it cannot accept donated materials unless you first submit a completed donation form online or send one by fax or regular mail. We kindly ask that you do not drop items off at the front desk, as we may not be able to accept them into the collection. 

Yes. The Connecticut Historical Society d.b.a. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Our EIN: 06-6026012. 

For our complete list of our current board and officers, please visit Board of Trustees.  

connecticutmuseum.org

For general inquiries, please email: askus@connecticutmuseum.org

CMCH is active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our handle is @thectmuseum