About Kent Historical Society

Our Mission and Legacy

The Kent Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Kent, Connecticut. Our mission is to engage the community with the stories of the past, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our shared heritage. Through our collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, we strive to connect people with the history that has shaped our town and its people.

Founded with a commitment to historical preservation, the Kent Historical Society houses an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and archival materials. Our exhibits showcase the diverse history of Kent, from its early settlement to its development as a vibrant community. We invite you to explore our resources and participate in our events to learn more about the fascinating history of our region.

Board of Trustees

Deborah Chabrian, President

Roger Gonzales, Vice President

William Watts, Treasurer

Carolyn Casey
D. Kent Freeman
Debbie Shiflett-Fitton

Christine Jewell

Executive Director Christine is a dedicated and innovative administrator and educator with over 20 years of non-profit experience developing, teaching and promoting programs in the arts, education, history and culture. She has worked at the Mattatuck Museum, Fairfield Museum, and at Westport Public Schools. She has worked on countless projects that support diverse expressions of the arts and culture. Currently she works with the Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford, CT and Kent Historical Society in Kent, CT.

Marge Smith

Curator / Archivist Marge Smith grew up in Kent and moved back permanently after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in history from Lafayette College. She joined the Kent Historical Society as a collections volunteer in the mid-1990s, and was hired as its first executive director in 2001. She stepped down from that position in 2014 in order to focus her attention solely on her archivist and curator responsibilities. She is a graduate of CT Humanities’ Professional Basics program, and has won awards for several history exhibits at both the Kent and Sharon Historical Societies. Her passion is the history of the Northwest Corner’s iron industry, and its remaining evidence in the woods in the area. To that end, she is a proud member of the board of the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area.