1775 Avon Comes Back to Life

From Northington to Revolution: Avon’s Road to 1776

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.

Exhibit at the Avon Library History Corner

The Marion M. Hunter History Room

The Marian Hunter History Room is dedicated to Marian M. Hunter, long-time librarian and historian of Avon. The collection was formed when the Library and the Avon Historical Society combined their archives and dedicated the room on February 4, 1989. Researchers and interested residents may find information on the general history of the town, original old homes and buildings in Avon, and genealogies of original families.

Access Avon’s history online

Over 30,000 items from the our history room collection are available online as part of the Connecticut Digital Archive.

Some Finding Aids for this collection are available here.

Connect with the Avon Historical Society here.

Avon records prior to 1830 are at the Farmington Town Clerk’s Office and the Farmington Room at the Farmington Library.

Visiting the History Room

Volunteers and reference staff staff the History Room. Please contact the library before visiting to ensure materials will be accessible when you arrive! You will be asked to complete a researcher request form when you arrive.

For hours and information:

Treasures within the History Room

Book Collections

  • Local History of Avon and neighboring towns
  • Book Collection of Northington Library
  • Genealogy of selected Avon families
  • Genealogical reference materials

Serial Collections

Manuscript Collections

Maps

  • The map cabinet inventory is available here.

Photographs & Visual Materials

Microfilm Resources

Newspaper Collections

  • The Avon Library has copies of Avon News, 1981-1995. View digitized issues here
  • The Farmington Library maintains a collection of the Farmington Valley Herald from 1894-1986.
  • The Connecticut State Library maintains a collection of Avon News (1987-1996), Avon Life (2001-2013), Valley News (1996-2004)
Learn more