Waterford Historical Society to hold ‘Second Saturdays’

After so many visitors turned up to April’s “ART IN WATERFORD: Past + Present + Future” to tour the historic buildings on Jordan Green, the Waterford Historical Society, Inc., decided to opening those doors to visitors on a regular basis, starting on Aug. 10.

On the second Saturday of seasonally warm months, the general public may tour the Beebe-Philips House (1838), the schoolhouse (1740) and the Margaret Stacy Barn and Miner Educational Center to see their contents and observe the architecture. The decaying roof on the old schoolhouse was recently renovated in keeping with its historical roots. Members of the Society will be in each building to answer questions and to explain what is there.

The initial “Second Saturday” will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 10, with the next 10 a.m-1 p.m. Sept. 14.

Parking will be in the Waterford Community Center parking lot on Rope Ferry Road. Only handicapped parking will be allowed on the Jordan Green lot.

For more information, check the website www.waterfordcthistoricalsociety.com or call (860) 389-7529.

The blacksmith shop will be operating each of the “Second Saturdays,” and items may be available for purchase. For safety reasons, the public will be allowed only to observe the professionally trained blacksmith in action, operating the forge area.

Some Saturdays, a fire truck from one of the town’s fire departments may be on site and available to explore with a member of that fire department. And each “Second Saturday,” there will be activities for people of all ages, such as pitching horseshoes, bobbing for apples or creating an old-fashioned craft like a tussie-mussie.

Donations for maintenance and repairs are welcome.

Years ago, this historical society held similar tours on Jordan Green. More recently such tours have been available only by personal appointment.