Canaan Historical Society

The Canaan Historical Society was reorganized on October 10, 2019 at a meeting at the 1829 Meeting House. New Officers and Board were elected in October, 2019. Seven Outdoor programs with COVID Protocols were held in June, July, August and September of 2021, including four archaeological digs from the Warner’s Crossing Tavern artifacts. The Meeting House was open when programs were presented. There are currently 84 members, with 50 Life Members in 2021.

A new roof was completed on June 24, 2021. The belfry at the very top of the steeple was repaired and painted. The lintels, cornices and fascias were worked on under the eaves from an 80 foot lift. Sill work under the front door is yet to be completed.

A bit of history: Provisionally chartered in 1963, the Society received its permanent charter in 1971. In its first year under the provisional charter, in a quirk of history, The Echo newspaper noted that the Society’s board of directors was planning to meet on Friday, November 22. It was also in 1963 that the Society received the deed to the former Presbyterian Church for use as its home. At the same time, a gift of $125 was made for the repair of the window in the church loft. Officers that year were Mrs. Lawrence Dunton, president; Robert Wilson, first vice president; Archibald Ruether, second vice president; Mrs. John B. Mulligan, recording secretary; Mrs. William Stelling, corresponding secretary; and Franklin Gearing, Treasurer.