Prospect Historical Society  

Whoever said "The young kids of today sure don't work as hard as we did back in the day" hasn't met Prospect Historical Society outstanding youth volunteers, Christopher Lynch, Matthew Lynch, Elliott Via, and Ross Via. These 4 young men, ranging in age, 16,17,and 18, began volunteering at a very early age. 

Christopher Lynch and his brother Matthew, are the sons of Prospect residents George and Terry Lynch. Both young men have been active volunteers for the past six years and bring with them an outstanding work ethic, a wonderful ability to interact with and teach our third graders who participate in Prospect History Day,and are a marvelous addition to our volunteer staff. Of special note is the addition of Christopher to a postion on the Board of Directors of the Prospect Historical Society.

The Via twins, Elliott and Ross, are the sons of Greg Via, a former Prospect resident, and the grandsons of Prospect resident Nancy Via, former President of the Society. These brothers have been volunteering at the Hotchkiss House for the past 10 years and have shown their brain and brawn in helping with the many tasks involved in the operation of a museum. They also show an outstanding work ethic and a wonderful ability to embrace all projects of the Society including working on the membership drives, interacting with young folks who joined our digs and helping our encampment volunteers show youngsters about life in the good old days.

For those folks who attended our two big fundraisers: The costumes of the Hotchkiss family and the quilts of the Hotchkiss family; they were able to see Chris, Matt, Elliott, and Ross displaying the clothing and showing the quilts, greeting them at the door, and serving them our luncheon and Victorian tea treats. The Society has been so forunate in having these wonderful young members.

Therefore, The Prospect Historical Society is pleased to announce that these outstanding and exceptional young men were in attendance at a luncheon on May 23,2018 and each were presented with a formal citation of appreciation and a check to be used towards their academic pursuits past high school.

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 UPDATES FOR 2019

This year was the 7th year for the 3rd graders History Day.

There has been several displays at the Prospect Library. the present display is of the Hotchkiss Barn.

Nickalos Santovasi with Troop 258 choose the Hotchkiss House as his Eagle Scout project. He and his troop cleaned the grounds at the Hotchkiss House Museum. The town crew rearranged the farm equipment on a nice clean area( no weeds, etc.).

On Nov. 23th The Prospect Historical Society displayed their quilts at the Prospect Congregational Church during their bazaar hours.

On Dec.6 & 7th we will have a table (selling items) at Saint Anthony's bazaar.

  

Check back often to see the upcoming events that we have planned for the Prospect Historical Society.  Also check our Facebook page to see other information about the events that we have planned.  Click here and fill out the form to send ideas and comments about the above events or suggestions for events that you would like to participate in.

Prospect History Day 

The sixth annual Prospect History Day was held on Wednesday, May 23,2018 at the Center School on the Prospect Green and at the Hotchkiss House Museum on Waterbury Road. Eighty two Prospect Elementary School third graders, their teachers and interested parents enjoyed an historical look at Prospect in years gone past.

Blanche Ranaudo, a former Matthew Street resident and second grade teacher at Laural Ledge School, Beacon Falls, came up with the idea of offering Prospect's  third graders a glimpse of our town's past history. Blanche is Secretary of the Prospect Historical Society and brought her outstanding organizational skills and diverse talents to the Board years ago. Her idea to educate our young students about what life in Prospect was like many years ago has now become an anticipated Prospect History Day and includes a staff of 15 volunteers who make this fact-filled and fun-filled day a delight for all.

The third gradres tour the one-room Center School House, hear about school life back in the late 1800's and early 1900's, get a chance to use quill pens (writing implements of their great-great grandparents), and put their athletic skills to use playing "old fashioned" games of Hoops, and Graces.

A short bus ride takes them to the circa 1818 historic Hotchkiss House and Museum  where they see artifacts about farming life in early Prospect and learn about members of the noted Hotchkiss family who played a pivotal role in  the history and development of our town. Touring the Hotchkiss House offers these students a look at a typical 1800's farmhouse with its antique furnishings and treasured artifacts. 

The Hotchkiss Barn, the picturesque red barn off to the side of the Hotchkiss House, is another treasure trove of information and tools and antique implements used by the Hotchkiss family members. The students take great delight in trying to identify old tools and other farming apparatus.

Of special interest to these information seeking third graders is 

the display of all the military artifacts housed in the museum. A showing of the firearms, soldiers' kits, battle material, letters, etc. lets each student see what Prospect's Civil War soldiers used in their regiments.

Prospect History Day ends with the students' visit to Town Hall and a question and answer session with Mayor Bob. Our Mayor explains the workings of our town government and the students are given a tour of Town Hall.

Special kudos are expressed to the volunteers who make this day happen: Carol Brooks, George Hughes, Bob Hiscox, Judy Zhitomi, Louis Zhitomi, Beth Whelan, Nancy Via, Betty Guevin, Chris Lynch, Matt Lynch, Terry Lynch, Marilyn Zera, Matt Buonaiuto, Patty Rinckel, and Blanche Ranaudo.