As part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee invites the public to view a new exhibit in the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library entitled “From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice,” open now through August.

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Step back in time and discover the spirit of revolution in your own backyard. The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This special exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. Visitors will learn about local militia members, community leaders, and the role our town played in the broader fight for independence.

Through personal stories, original documents, and engaging visuals, the exhibit connects Avon’s quiet farms and fields to the roar of revolution. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, this is a chance to see how history happened here.

For those who can't make it in person, a summary of the exhibit is also available online at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon .

Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover Avon’s revolutionary roots. The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Rd.

“History of the New Haven Railroad from Steam to Electric” exhibit open from July through August

The Avon Historical Society announces the new exhibit in the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library is entitled, “History of the New Haven Railroad.” Located on the first floor of the library at 281 Country Club Road in Avon, CT, it is curated by retired RR employee and historian Rick Abramson. It is available for viewing through August.

Rick Abramson began a 44-year railroad career beginning in February 1968 on the New York, New Haven & Hartford RR in Devon, CT and retired in September 2012 as Superintendent of Operations and Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers for The Housatonic Railroad in Canaan, CT. In those 44 years, along with the New Haven and Housatonic, he worked in various capacities for Penn Central, Amtrak, Connecticut Central, NY Cross Harbor RR, and the New York & Atlantic RR. His big goal was to become a locomotive engineer which he eventually achieved. Along with working for the real railroad, he is also an avid modeler of the New Haven RR on the HO scale.

Earlier this year Abramson gave four presentations at the Avon Library on various modes of 19^th and 20^th century transportation to a very enthusiastic audience. This exhibit is a follow-up to those presentations.  On display in the History Corner are several of Abramson’s model trains with full descriptions, posters, artifacts, and more.  As a more than 50-year modeler of all modes of transportation, trains are the most personal having had a career on the railroad.

Photos attached are of a 1943 poster showcasing New Haven’s new electric locomotives, a brochure featuring New Haven’s new steam locomotive in 1937, and an equipment trust plate from a New Haven electric locomotive in 1955.  These are just samples of the types of items on display through August during regular library hours.

Photos courtesy of Rick Abramson.

On display November through December 2021 just outside the Marion Hunter History Room at the Avon Free Public Library

Take a break from the hectic preparations of this holiday season to view “Santa through the Ages,” a whimsical, fun, and colorful exhibit perfect for the whole family at the Avon Free Public Library from November through December.

The display, on loan from the Joyce and Jim Baldwin Christmas Collection, features objects dating from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Visitors will view many postcard images of Santa in a number of guises, including the jolly fellow flying in an airplane, riding a donkey, and driving a car. Book lovers will also enjoy an array of illustrated children's books, including an 1893 edition of "The Santa Claus Story Book," and 1900 editions of "The Night Before Christmas" and "A Visit from Santa Claus."

Rare antique die cuts or "scraps" of the jolly fellow will also be on view. The nickname, “scraps,” is a nod to the custom of pasting these cutouts into scrapbooks. An antique sled reminiscent of the "Rosebud" sled that appeared in the Orson Welles' 1941 landmark movie "Citizen Kane," will be included together with a feather tree decorated in early 1900s ornaments.

These are only some of the delightful surprises that surely will enchant all ages, so plan to bring family and friends for a fun and nostalgic time.
Joyce and Jim Baldwin have shared their interest in Christmas memorabilia with many community groups, including libraries and local historical organizations in Connecticut and New York.

The "Santa through the Ages" exhibit will remain until the end of December and will be available for viewing during regular visiting hours of the Avon Free Public Library, https://www.avonctlibrary.info/hours/

For more information please contact Joyce Baldwin, joycecyb@aol.com , phone 516-434-8747