LIVING IN BETHLEHEM, Connecticut
SINCE 1787
ABOUT BETHLEHEM
'The town of Bethlehem, located in Litchfield County, is in the north central part of the state and contains Bethlehem Village, the town’s historic district. Settled in 1734 and incorporated in 1787, Bethlem, as it was then known, was home to Joseph Bellamy, founder of the first theological school in America.
Mainly a farming community until the early 19th century, the town used its abundant water power to operate textile mills, a wagon factory, and a straw hat and bonnet factory. Today Bethlehem is known as Connecticut’s “Christmas Town” and is home to the Bellamy-Ferriday Home & Garden.
Learn more at: http://connecticuthistory.org
"A Primer on Ole Bethlem"
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden embodies the dramatically different passions of two extraordinary individuals: Rev. Joseph Bellamy (1719-1790) and Miss Caroline Ferriday (1902-1990). The Ferriday family updated the original house with modern amenities and Mrs. Ferriday began reshaping the outdoor spaces by designing a formal parterre garden, introducing a wide variety of fragrant trees, lilacs, old roses, shrubs and perennials, with sweeping lawns and evergreens. More information may be found at: http://www.cthistoricgardens.org/gardens/bellamy-ferriday-house-garden/
HISTORIC RECORDS
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Bethlehem is home to the The Abbey of Regina Laudis and its exquisite museum quality, 18th century Neapolitan Crèche. The Abbey was founded in 1947 from the Abbey of Notre Dame de Jouarre, a 7th century French abbey. A 1949 movie, "Come to the Stables", was based on the story of the nuns coming to Bethlehem, where they were taken in by Bethlehem artist, Lauren Ford, and eventually established the Abbey. For more information, go to: http://abbeyofreginalaudis.org/
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/ CHURCHES
Bethlehem's religious heritage may be seen in its many gatherings of worship: Christ Episcopal Church, Church of the Nativity and First Church of Bethlehem.
Old Bethlem Historical Society was established in 1968 to promote and preserve Bethlehem's history. The Old Bethlem Museum was established in 1976 when the society bought from the town the former town office building and fire department. This 1941 brick building was designed by resident George Hatch and built on the foundation of the Methodist Church built in 1840 (which was razed in 1929.) Totally refurbished in 1987 for the Bethlehem Bicentennial, the museum houses an assemblage of costumes, tools, and articles used during the late 19th and early 20th century. Of special note is the large church bell on the front lawn and the stones which edge the lower parking lot. Learn more at: http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/obhsi.htm
Geneological records are available through the Bethlehem Public Library, the Town Offices, Early Bethlehem Index and Old Bethlem Historical Society Inc. Other resources include: Brief History of Bethlehem (1935), Geneology from Litchfield Historical Society, Family History from the Connecticut Historical Society and History and Geneology from the CT State Library. Learn more by going to : http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/genealogy.htm
Cemeteries include: Bethlehem Old Cemetery, Bethlehem Cemetery and Carmel Hill Cemetery.
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Fascinating photos are available at the Old Bethlem Historical Society. A tour of the Museum may be pleasantly combined with a picnic on the Green, lunch at one of Bethlehem's restaurants, a visit to the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden (which is across the street) and a drive through the Litchfield Hills. Special Group Tours may be arranged in advance by writing to the Old Bethlem Historical Society, Inc. PO Box 132, Bethlehem, Ct 06751, or you may telephone 203-266-5196. Tours take approximately one-half hour.
Photos around town may be found at: http://www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/pictures.htm
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Adapted from Town of Bethlehem website.