Local History

About the Farmington Room

The Farmington Room is the library’s research collection of primary sources related to local history and genealogy. Included in the collection are histories of Farmington and other area towns (particularly Farmington’s seven daughter towns:  Southington, Berlin, Bristol, New Britain, Burlington, Avon and Plainville), genealogies of major Farmington families, and library archives and scrapbooks. 

Highlights of the collection include the Klauser Photographs (1855-1905); original diaries, essays, letters and other documents of local historian Julius Gay (1834-1918); records of the “Town Farm” and other Farmington welfare (materials from 1787-1899); Farmington town selectmen’s records (materials between 1797-1940); and “Grand Lists,” listings of all taxable property located within Farmington and daughter towns, (1750-1829).

For more information on what is included in our local archive, see Farmington Room Collections below.

The Farmington Room is open to the public by appointment, and to walk-ins 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Wednesdays. Call the Adult Information Desk at 860-673-6791 or email flref@farmingtonlibraries for more information.

 

Farmington Room Archives

Upcoming History & Cultural Events

The Farmington Canal: How It Split Connecticut Physically and Politically

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Jay Johnston Community Room
Age Group: All Ages, Adults
Program Type: Lecture, History, & Culture
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 38
Event Details:
Noted storyteller and former journalist Mike Allen narrates amazing tales about people, places, and events from Connecticut history. His style and enthusiasm make history relatable, interesting, fun, and informative. Allen will discuss why the canal ...

Fun Team Trivia with Dober

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Main Library
Room: Jay Johnston Community Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Lecture, History, & Culture
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 24
Event Details:
Join our team trivia event! Put your knowledge to the test and compete with other teams for prizes and bragging rights. Our trivia questions cover a wide range of topics, so there's something for everyone! This year's trivia is being hosted by the in...

History & Genealogy Resources

Connecticut Digital Archive

CT Digital Archive Logo

The CTDA is part of the Digital Preservation Repository Program at the University of Connecticut.

Access Anywhere

Enslaved

Enslaved: Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade

A public free databases recording 500,000 named captive people, designed by data scientists at Michigan State University and distinguished historians and researchers.

Access Anywhere
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Request Information

To request more information about the Farmington Room’s collections, please contact the library.

By Phone: (860) 673-6791

By E-mail: flref@farmingtonlibraries.org

By Mail:

The Farmington Libraries
Attn: Information Services
6 Monteith Drive
Farmington, CT 06032

Please supply a mailing address when requesting photocopies or extensive information. Genealogical queries are best handled by email or letter. Please note that extensive reference and genealogical queries are subject to a $25 per hour fee.

Digital photography of archival material is generally permitted and duplication of materials, with some restrictions, can be requested; there may be a small fee for duplication services.