The Bethany Historical Society was incorporated on August 2, 1993. Our main building, housing our archives and museum, is located at the former Bethany Town Hall at 512 Amity Road, built in 1914, and now known as the Stanley Downs Memorial Building to commemorate a former First Selectman of that name.
Ten years later, Ernie and Mary Russell approached the Society about donating the Russell Homestead on Round Hill Road, which had been occupied by members of the Russell family for 200 years. The Russell family donated the house, barns, and their contents to the Society, along with over 3 acres of land.
The BHS maintains a continuing program of annual events for the public, including Open House days at the Museum and at the Russell Homestead, and programs for school children to show and teach them some important facts about early life in Bethany. We also regularly publish books about various aspects of Bethany history.