Patch caught up with Jan Franco, Meriden Historical Society Membership Chairperson, on Saturday at the group's High Tea fundraiser at the Andrews Homestead. (See the full video above.)
The event featured tea, scones, sandwiches and sweets among the multitude of Meriden artifacts housed in the West Main Street home that was built in approximately 1760.
The house holds a variety of items made in the Silver City during its boom era as a manufacturing center – like Bradley and Hubbard lamps, Napier Jewelry, and sets from International Silver.
The society runs three different buildings: the Andrews Homestead, a research center, and an annex for storage, Franco said. It uses donations for day-to-day operations, like heating the buildings, and taking care of the collections.
"You can imagine, it's expensive to keep three buildings going, so we're always looking for ways to raise money and get new members," Franco said.
For those who missed the event or would like another chance to see the society's collections, the homestead will be open each Sunday in October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tours.
"If you come in and see the homestead you'll get a good overview of Meriden History," Franco said.
