East Haven Historical Society
Explore Artifacts from the East Haven Historical Society Museum
Museum Location: Old East Haven High School Tyler Ave. East Haven, CT.
(Next to East Haven Academy). Enter using the center doors on the oldest section of the building.
Hours: Museum open Wednesdays from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Phone: 467–1766. Mail: P.O. Box 120052 East Haven, CT 06512
Membership: Edith Karlowich at 467–2654.
Meetings: 4th Tuesday bi–monthly at 6:30 P.M. at the Senior Center.
Stop by to meet and talk with East Haven’s Town Historian Cliff Nitchke.
Join today and help us to preserve the past for future generations.
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The Lafayette Teapot.
This teapot was used by Rev. Nicholas Street during the American Revolution to serve General Lafayette tea during his stay in East Haven in July of 1778.
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Lafayette Memorial.
Located on the East Haven Town Green the inscription reads:
Marquis de Lafayette 1757 – 1834
General in the Continental Army camped here with 2800 troops enroute to Rhode Island July 26 and 27, 1778.
Dedicated here by the CT Sons of the American Revolution, General David Humphreys Branch and the East Haven Historical Society 1996.
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"In 1778 East Haven Green became a memorable place in the annals of the Revolution. When the army under General Sullivan in Rhode Island was transferred to New Jersey to strengthen Washington in operations against the British under General Howe. Lafayette with his regiment encamped on the Green and river bank for a few days. Rev. Nicholas Street, the East Haven minister, a firm patriot, invited the marquis to enjoy the hospitalities of his home during his stay, which he very willingly accepted."
Note: Per Cliff Nitchke, Town Historian, this account of Lafayette’s journey is not correct.
Lafayette was actually heading north to Rhode Island.
"In 1824, East Haven had occassion to again display its patriotism and gratitude to Lafayette when he rode from New Haven to visit the place of his encampment. He was warmly welcomed by the townspeople. A large concourse gathered, speeches of welcome were made, and a liberty pole erected in his honor, which was the first one raised on the Green.
In his speech he stretched forth his hand and , pointing his finger in the direction of the parsonage, said ‘Yonder is the house where I stayed.’ The house was still standing, but the good minister had passed to his heavenly home eighteen years before, but Lafayette was able to shake hands with the sons of so noble a father. This time he was claimed as the guest of Capt. Daniel Bradley, himself a Revolutionary veteran."
Quotes above from Sarah E. Hughes History of East Haven, published in 1908. Pages 177-179.
Another source for East Haven history is The East Haven Register By Stephen Dodd, Pastor of the Congregational Church in East Haven, Published in 1824.
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Updated April 3, 2008.