Derby Historical Society

David Humphreys House Public Tours
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | David Humphreys House
In celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the City of Derby, we will be offering public tours of the David Humphreys House on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. No registration necessary. Just swing by and a costumed docent will teach you all about David Humphreys and life in pre-revolutionary Derby while giving you a tour of this 327 year old home, featured on the National Register of Historic Places. There is no cost to visit us but donations to maintain the house and continue opening it to the public are always welcome.

Questions? Call or email us at 203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org

Humphreys House around 1997. The Elm Tree in front was removed in 1998.

Derby 350th Anniversary Weekend
2025-05-30 17:30 - 2025-06-01 17:00 | Derby Green, Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT, United States
Come Celebrate Derby’s 350th Anniversary!
The Historic Derby Green, Elizabeth Street, Derby
Friday, May 30th 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, May 31st 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, June 1st 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Stop by the Derby Historical Society Booth to learn about Derby’s History and to purchase our books “350 Years of Derby History” and “More 350 Years of Derby History”. We’ll also have copies of our book “The Sterling Company” – perfect for before or after your tour of the Sterling Opera House.

The weekend’s events include Bands, Beer Garden and Foods Trucks on Friday night; Bands, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Community Vendors, Craft Vendors and Children’s Activities on Saturday; and Bands, Food Trucks, Community Vendors, Craft Vendors, Children’s Activities and Lawn Games on Sunday. For a more detailed scheduled, visit the Derby 350th Facebook Page.

Memorial Day Parade
2025-05-26 09:00 - 11:00
The Derby Historical Society and the 6th CT Regiment will be marching in the Derby-Shelton Parade. The parade kicks off at 9am at Howe Avenue and Coram Avenue in Shelton and ends on Elizabeth Street in Derby.

Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Presentation
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Payden Field House, 45 Chatfield Street, Derby, CT, 06418, United States
You are cordially invited to
The Derby Historical Society Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Presentation
Sunday, April 27th
1:00pm – 4:00pm
J.R. Payden Field House
75 Chatfield Street, Derby CT

This year’s award recipients are:

Dorothy Larson Award
Thomas Baklik

David Humphreys Service Award
Cynthia Poppa

Dr. John I. Howe Award
TEAM, Inc.

Tickets are $45 per person
Please send checks made payable to Derby Historical Society to:
Derby Historical Society, 37 Elm Street Ansonia CT 06401
or pay using the link below.

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To make the Derby Historical Society’s Annual Program memorable for all of our honorees, we are producing a keepsake Annual Report and Program Book. Don’t miss your opportunity to be included as a supporter of our honorees for their contributions. You are invited to place a congratulatory message, advertisement or memoriam in our program by filling out the form below by April 18, 2025 . Please mail your ad, message and check to: Derby Historical Society, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia CT 06401. Photos must be in .jpg format and can be emailed to kellie@derbyhistorical.org.

Annual Meeting Ad Book 2025

Book Signing and Author Presentation - MORE 350 Years of Derby History
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street, Derby, 06418, United States
Join Dr. Joseph DiRienzo and the Derby Historical Society for the release of their newest book “More 350 Years of Derby History”.

Saturday, April 26th
10:00am
Derby Public Library

Dr. DiRienzo will give a presentation on the History of the Sterling Opera House and will be available to sign copies of his new book after the presentation.
“More 350 Years of Derby History” will be available for purchase.
Copies of “350 Years of Derby History” and “The Sterling Company”, Dr. DiRienzo’s previously released books will also be available.

Spector Furniture 135th Anniversary Celebration
2025-03-29 12:00 - 15:00 | Spector Furniture, 385 Main Street, Ansonia, CT, 06401, United States
SPECTOR FURNITURE CELEBRATES 135 YEARS
Join us for a Grand Opening Reimagined

12:00pm –
Mingle with Simon Spector and other guests portrayed by the Derby Historical Society
12:30pm
Welcome from Simon Spector
1890 Press Conference with The Evening Transcript
Words from:
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, Rep. Kara Rochelle, Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell and other local dignitaries
1:00pm
Cake Cutting
Enjoy foods from the 1890s while mingling with characters of the Valley’s past

March Family Workshop
2025-03-15 11:00 - 13:00 | David Humphreys House
MARCH FAMILY WORKSHOP
OPEN HEARTH COOKING
$10 per person (includes all adults who will be participating or eating)

Learn how food was prepared in the Colonial Time Period. Under the direction of a skilled docent, make your own lunch over an open hearth and sit down for a family style meal. If you’ve participated in our 4th and 5th grade Field Trip, “A Day in 1762”, you may recognize this menu.
The menu includes:

Vegetable soup
Apple Cinnamon Cake
Bread
Lemonade and Punch

All participants will receive a copy of our recipe booklet.
For safety reasons, space is limited but if there is enough interest, we will hold a second session.

To reserve your space, contact us at 203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org

February Workshop
2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | David Humphreys House
NEW FOR 2025 – MONTHLY WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES
February Workshop
Come visit the Derby Historical Society to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Make a valentine and a special gift while enjoying punch and sweet treats.
$7 per child includes all of your supplies and snacks.
Spaces are limited to 24 children so reserve your spot today by calling us at 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org.

January Family Workshop
2025-01-18 13:00 - 15:00 | David Humphreys House
Our January Workshop is SOLD OUT. Please check our calendar for information about upcoming workshops and events. Thank you.

NEW FOR 2025 – MONTHLY WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES
January Workshop
Come visit the Derby Historical Society to make your own Snowman Snow Measuring Stick. We will also be making our own snow so you can test it out!
$5 per child includes all of your supplies and a cup of hot cocoa.
Spaces are limited so reserve your spot today by calling us at 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org

Traditional 12th Night Celebration
2025-01-04 13:00 - 16:00 | David Humphreys House
Please join us at the David Humphreys House for a Traditional Twelfth Night Christmas Celebration featuring food, caroling and a reading of A Christmas Carol.

Old Fashioned Family Christmas Celebration
2024-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | David Humphreys House
SAVE THE DATE AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Tea with the Queen
2024-11-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street, Derby, 06418, United States
Join the Derby Historical Society and the Derby Public Library for “Tea with the Queen”.

This is a free event, open to the public, and features tea and finger foods while watching a presentation by historical performer Sheryl Faye as Queen Elizabeth II.

*Fancy hats and tea attire encouraged but not required!

4th Annual Historic Elm Street Lantern Tour
2024-10-25 18:00 - 21:00 | David Humphreys House
TOUR INFORMATION
Join the Derby Historical Society for a lantern lit walking tour of the Ansonia Historic District. But stay alert! You never know who you will meet along the way. When you return, join storyteller Carolyn Stearns behind the Humphreys House for a hot drink and more spooky tales by the fire. All tickets include a voucher for a free drink at The Quail & Ale on Derby Avenue in Derby.
TIMES
Tours depart at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm and are about 1 hour in length. Please choose a tour time when purchasing your ticket. Our storyteller will be performing from 6-9pm and you may join her at any time before or after your tour.
LOCATION
Tours depart from the David Humphreys House at 37 Elm Street, Ansonia. There is very limited parking in the lot behind the House but parking is available on Thomas Street and across the street from us on the cemetery side of Elm Street.

PRICE
Adults – $22
Seniors 65+ – $15
Children under 16 – $10

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear walking shoes. It will be dark but lanterns will be provided to light your way. No paper tickets will be issued. Just come to the back of the Humphreys House and check in at the Gift Shop when you arrive.

Valley History Bus Tour
2024-09-28 10:00 - 14:00
THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. NAMES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR OUR WAITLIST. IF THERE IS ENOUGH INTEREST, WE WILL SCHEDULE A SECOND EVENT AT A DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

Join the Derby Historical Society and your guide, local history buff Jack Walsh, on a bus tour of our remarkable Valley. Ride in comfort as Jack shares how the Valley secured its place in history and takes you to several local historical sites. A bagged lunch from Munch Eatery and bottled water will be provided.
Tickets are $45 per person. Tickets are limited to 25 people and must be reserved and pre-paid by contacting the Derby Historical Society at 203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org
This tour is four hours long (10:00am – 2:00pm) and will start and end at the Ansonia Commuter Parking Lot on West Main Street behind City Hall.

350 Years of Derby History - Author Presentation and Book Signing
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street, Derby, 06418, United States
Join us at the Derby Public Library as we release our new book, 350 Years of Derby History, in honor of Derby’s upcoming 350th Birthday in May 2025.
Author Joseph DiRienzo, PhD will give a presentation on Derby’s rich history as well as take questions and sign copies of his new book.
Books will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served.

Tavern Night Fundraiser
2024-09-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Quail and Ale, 328 Derby Avenue, Derby, CT, 06418, United States
Join us for a Tavern Night Fundraiser at The Quail & Ale Neighborhood Pub.
Tickets are $60 per person and include a buffet style dinner with appetizers, salad , bread, and three entrees as well as a ticket for your first drink.
Entertainment will be a history based music program featuring sea shanties, drinking songs and other fun sing-a-longs courtesy of Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermeuhle of Catfeather Art and Music.
50/50 raffle and a prize for the best period costume!

2nd Annual Patriotic Essay Contest and Colonial Independence Day Celebration
2024-07-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Derby Green, Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT, United States
Join us on July 4th on the Derby Green for an Independence Day Celebration!

JULY 4TH 11:00 AM
DERBY GREEN, ELIZABETH STREET
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE LOCATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

11:00 AM – ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY
Preamble by the Magnificent Brass
Salute to the American Flag
Minister’s Blessing
Opening Remarks
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Introduction of the winners of the Patriotic
Citizens Student Essay Contest
Awards Presentation

12:30 PM – COLONIAL CELEBRATION
PICNIC LUNCH
Drills with the 6th Connecticut Regiment
Spinning and Weaving Demonstration
Colonial Children’s Games

Sponsored by American Legion Post 24, Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, Derby
Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary Post 1562, Derby, Cultural Commission, Derby Elks
Lodge 571, Derby Historical Society, The Derby Police Department and The Valley

Click the link below to view the event flyer
4th of July Flyer B 2024.ver.04

Kandie Carle as The Victorian Lady
2024-06-22 11:00 - 12:00 | David Humphreys House
Join us at the David Humphreys House for this FREE historical performance by actress and historical reenactor, Kandie Carle.
The VICTORIAN LADY
While dressing in actual vintage and authentically reproduced undergarments, clothing and accessories, Kandie Carle adds humor, history and intriguing anecdotes about fashion, home life and etiquette of men and women during the Victorian time period. The VICTORIAN LADY program brings to light some of the differences as well as some of the similarities between us and our victorian ancestors. A visual delight resplendent with wit and grace it is a refreshing view of a magnificent era in history.

The Great Give
2024-05-01 08:00 - 2024-05-02 20:00
Have you dreamed of making history? Of course, we all have. And now we have a chance to be a part of Greater New Haven’s day of giving – an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.
We need your help! Please join our campaign and help us reach our goal of $5,000. We need you to tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.
Get ready to give! On May 1-2, visit thegreatgive.org and make a donation to us. All giving will end at 8:00PM May 2, so make sure to get your gift in on time!
Questions? If you have any questions or would like more information, let us know. Email us at info@derbyhistorical.org.

Thank you in advance for your generosity to our organization!

Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Presentation
2024-04-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Payden Field House, 45 Chatfield Street, Derby, CT, 06418, United States
The Derby Historical Society Annual Meeting Luncheon and Awards Presentation
Sunday, April 21st
1:00pm
J.R. Payden Field House, 75 Chatfield Street, Derby CT
The William Payden Sports Memorabilia Museum will be open for viewing 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes following the event.

This year’s awards recipients are:
Dorothy Larson Award
The 6th CT Regiment
David Humphreys Service Award
Albert Misiewicz
Dr. John I. Howe Award
Quail and Ale

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online below or by sending a check to:
Derby Historical Society
37 Elm Street, Ansonia CT 06401

To make the Derby Historical Society’s Awards Program memorable for all of our honorees, we are producing a keepsake Annual Report and Program Book. Don’t miss your opportunity to be included as a supporter of our honorees for their contribution to keeping our history alive for future generations. You are invited to place a congratulatory message, advertisement or memoriam in our program. Please download the form below. All messages must be received by April 8, 2024. The program size will be 8.5″x 11″. Prices range from $25 – $100. Photos must be in .jpeg format and can be emailed to kellie@derbyhistorical.org.

Annual Meeting Ad Book 2024

Open Hearth Cooking Experience
2024-03-24 11:00 - 15:00 | David Humphreys House
Join Docent Maria Schreiner as she guides you through preparing a traditional 18th century meal over an open hearth. Participants will make a full meal including dessert and will participate in every step from starting the fire to enjoying your meal. (and bringing your leftovers home!)

This event is limited to 8 people. Tickets are $40 per person.
Reservations open on March 1st.
You can reserve your space by calling the Derby Historical Society at 203-735-1908. Reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. If there is enough interest, we will hold a second class.

Historical Performer Sheryl Faye as Susan B. Anthony
2024-02-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street, Derby, 06418, United States
The Derby Historical Society in partnership with the Derby Public Library is excited to announce this FREE community event. Join historical performer Sheryl Faye as she brings Susan B. Anthony to life.

Susan B. Anthony was a women’s rights activist, and she devoted her life to racial, gender, and educational equality. She is one of the most famous women in American history, she played a prominent role in the women’s suffrage movement; the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote and she also was in support of women’s labor organizations and for a woman’s right to own property.
In 2020 we celebrated not only 100 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment, we also celebrated Susan B. Anthony’s 200th birthday!
The show is 45 minutes plus questions.

12th Night Celebration
2024-01-06 11:30 - 15:30 | David Humphreys House
You’re invited to the return of our Annual 12th Night Celebration!
This traditional celebration of the last night of Christmas features food, music, caroling and a reading of A Christmas Carol.
$5 per person at the door.

An Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration
2023-12-16 13:00 - 16:00 | David Humphreys House

Open Hearth Day - POSTPONED
2023-11-18 13:00 - 16:00 | David Humphreys House
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR INFORMATION ON A RESCHEDULED DATE. THANK YOU.

Get in out of the cold and join us at the David Humphreys House for Open Hearth Day. Warm up by the fire, sip cider and watch our docents prepare traditional colonial dished over an open hearth. You’ll get to taste everything too!
This event is family friendly and free of charge.

3rd Annual Historic Elm Street Lantern Tour
2023-10-27 18:00 - 21:00 | David Humphreys House
Join the Derby Historical Society for a lantern lit walking tour of the Ansonia Historic District. But stay alert! You never know who you will meet along the way. When you return to the House, grab a cup of hot cider and join storyteller Carolyn Stearns out back for more spooky tales by the fire.
Click this link to view the full flyer. Lantern Tours 2023 Flyer

Tours depart at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm and are about 1 hour in length. Please select a tour time when purchasing your tickets. Our storyteller will be performing from 6-9pm and you can join her at anytime before or after your tour.

Tickets

Adult – 6pm Tour $20.00 USDAdult – 7pm Tour $20.00 USDAdult – 8pm Tour $20.00 USDChild – 6pm Tour $10.00 USDChild – 7pm Tour $10.00 USDChild – 8pm Tour $10.00 USDSenior – 6pm Tour $10.00 USDSenior – 7pm Tour $10.00 USDSenior – 8pm Tour $10.00 USD

Autumn Festival
2023-10-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Road, Ansonia, CT, 06401, United States
Come visit the Derby Historical Society at the Ansonia Nature Center’s Autumn Festival. Try your hand at spinning and weaving, test out colonial period toys or purchase something from our “Make Your Own” Table. Toys, crafts, books and other merchandise will be available for sale.

Rev. Mansfield's 300th Birthday Celebration
2023-10-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Mansfield House, Jewett Street, Ansonia, CT, 06401, United States
Join us for a sneak peek at the newly acquired Mansfield House on the day of the Reverend’s 300th Birthday.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON

Collection Donation Celebration
2023-09-30 13:00 - 15:00 | David Humphreys House
Lucinda Tomko and family will be making a donation of several Revolutionary Period documents and journals to the Derby Historical Society. Join us for a special celebration with the local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. Light refreshments will be provided.

Tavern Night
2023-09-08 18:00 - 21:00 | David Humphreys House
Tavern Night Tickets

1 Ticket $40.00 USD
