Welcome to the Jillson House Museum, home of the Windham Historical Society. Please stop by any Saturday for a tour or attend one of our upcoming events that are listed below or on our events page.

Welcome!

Supported by the Windham Historical Society

The Town of Windham

The town of Windham, located in northeastern Connecticut, is in the southwestern corner of Windham County along the Natchaug River. Incorporated in 1692, Windham originally included the current towns of Mansfield and Scotland, as well as parts of Chaplin and Hampton. It was not until 1857, when the last of these areas incorporated, that Windham took on its current shape. The town of Windham includes the city of Willimantic, which consolidated with Windham upon the dissolution of the city government in 1983. Named after Wyndam, England, the town’s early industry included numerous mills that brought Windham renown as a leader in thread manufacturing. --CTHistory.org

Visit CTHistory.org

What's New?

We keep growing and upgrading.......

Anita Sebestyen Fashion Exhibit

In memory of our President, Anita Sebestyen, who left us way too early this past year, we have dedicated our front parlor to her with a new exhibit on fashion in the early 1900's. Please visit to enjoy the roarin' 20's and the flappers as well as WWI era uniforms. Hots, gloves and other beautiful accessories are on display. Admission is free.

New Storm Windows

This year we received a $10,000 matching grant from the 1772 Foundation to remove the old plexiglass from 1975 that was covering our windows with brand new glass storm windows. The old plexiglass was yellowed and scratched and did not allow us to look out our windows. It also made the beautiful building look run down. The transformation is amazing. Please take notice if you are driving by. Thanks to Pat Brady for his work.

My Town My Story

The Windham Historical Society and the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce partnered with CT Humanities, UCONN and CT Archives to create My Town My Story, a digital archive to record the personal and family histories of Windham residents. Upload your photos and write a brief description. Go HERE to add your history!

A New Skirt

We placed stone around our foundation to help push water away and preserve our building. Thanks goes to Dan McClintock of McClintock Roofing and Ernie Eldridge of E.S. Auctioneers for doing all the physical work in the rain!

Our Current & Upcoming Exhibits

Experience Windham CT from 1700's to present

"Portrait of a Town"

Art and Culture in Windham

Ongoing

This exhibit celebrates the arts and humanities throughout Windham's history including information about the Frog Bridge, artists Lou Frink, quilting, embroidery, music and other creative people.

The exhibit is free

Fashion in the Early 1900's

Ongoing

Learn all about fashion in the early 1900's, the accessories, the styles based on your social standing in the community, and what the Jillson's and their relatives would have worn. Beautiful dresses and accessories on exhibit.

We have exclusive items from the Jillson family, one of the founding families in Windham.

In Memory of Anita Sebestyen, President, Windham Historical Society

Windham Residents in the Miltary-Honoring our Brave

Coming in November

Join us in honoring those brave individuals who have served our country starting from our early settlers who fought beside George Washington and signed the Declaration of Independence. We have memorabilia and artifacts from each war with interesting facts and the names of those Windham residents who served.

This exhibit is our contribution to the 250th Anniversary of the USA and will open throughout 2026 as part of that celebration.

TAVERN NIGHTS

Are you a foodie? Like to eat? Like to sample new things? But most of all...... you LOVE history!!!

We have just the right night for you. Join us monthly at our Tavern Nights where our guest of honor for the evening is a famous person (well, actually an actor portraying them). You will learn about their contributions to their community, their family life, their oddities and quirks, but you will also learn about what their favorite food and beverage was. Not only learn...but you will get to sample their favorites. Stop by after work with friends or make it a midweek date night. The more people the more fun! Featured guests so far have been: Teddy Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Elvis Presley, Paul Revere Julia Child, President Ronald Reagan and President & Mrs. Abraham Lincoln (photo).

Download a schedule of Tavern Nights guests

President Abraham Lincoln and his wife , Mary Todd Lincoln shared stories about their family and life in the White House. Mrs. Lincoln shared her terrible experience being committed to a mental institution because doctors did not know what "anemia" was at the time.

Upcoming Events:

Ride The East Bicycle Ride

Saturday, May 16, 2026

7:00 AM Check In, 8:00 AM Safety Meeting, 8:30 AM Ride Start

This year we will start at the Jillson House Museum in Willimantic and ride the Air Line Trail north 20 miles to Pomfret. Riders will be given a map, indicating special features and locations along the trail. Trail guides will be on the ride. Each rider can ride with a guide or at their own pace and their own distance. Stay tuned. More details to follow. Ride The East Facebook

East Coast Greenway Alliance, Trust For Public Land, Air Line Trail,

Windham Region Chamber of Commerce