Valley Heritage Driving Tour

Seymour Historical Society

At the top of the hill is a 4 way stop intersection. To the left is a large brick home, which is the Seymour Historical Society Museum and headquarters. (CAR STOP)

Founded as an off-shoot of the United States Bicentennial Committee in 1975, the Historical Society had its modest beginnings in a single room in the Center School on Bank Street. A dedicated group of citizens was determined to "preserve the history of the Town of Seymour; and to record and preserve current happenings of historical significance to the Town of Seymour. These continue to be the goals of the Society today.

In 1989, the Society had the opportunity to move into the Katharine Matthies house here on West Street. The home was built in 1940 as the private residence of Miss Katharine Matthies, daughter of Seymour industrialist, George Matthies. Katharine, who became a well-known philanthropist, supported many community groups, resided in the home until 1987, when she died at the age of 85. Miss Matthies was extremely patriotic, belonging to numerous patriotic organizations. Today her wealth, through the Katharine Matthies Foundation, continues to help many local non-profit organizations continue with the freedoms and beliefs that she believed America was founded upon.

In 1995, the historical society assumed the ownership as well as the responsibility for maintaining the Matthies house as its permanent home. Much is offered to the community by the Society. Of primary importance is its ongoing preservation of the history of Seymour as seen in its changing exhibits of town memorabilia and extensive collections of Seymour artifacts. In addition, there is a varied program of special events and seasonal openings. The society is especially proud of its educational program in which all third graders from the Seymour elementary schools participate in a hands-on course on the history of Seymour, with classroom activities as well as museum and cemetery visits.

Continue through the stop sign to the historical homes on West Street.

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