Hartford History Center
Introduction
The Hartford History Center is home to the Hartford Collection, a non-circulating, multi-media collection comprised of more than 50,000 books, trade publications, directories, postcards, photographs and memorabilia that convey community life in Hartford spanning nearly 300 years. Officially named in 1945, the archives and special collections of Hartford Public Library date back to the 18th century, to the library's own beginning.In 1774, the Library Company, a private subscription company where members bought and borrowed books, was started by a group of city leaders. Incorporated in 1799, the Library Company changed its name to the Hartford Library Company and occupied space at various locations throughout the city.
In 1838, the Hartford Young Men's Institute was organized, drawing from members in the city's financial community. The institute loaned books, scheduled lectures, and developed a collection that absorbed the Hartford Library Company's volumes. Former library company members were granted privileges within the new institute. Approximately half of the Library Company's original collection, cataloged in 1797, exists today as part of the Hartford Collection. In 1843, the institute accepted Daniel Wadsworth's invitation to move into the newly constructed Wadsworth Atheneum at 624 Main Street. The move was made in 1844 and the museum served as the library's home for the next 113 years.
In 1878, the Hartford Young Men's Institute changed its name to the Hartford Library Association. At that time, there were 643 members, and about half its membership included older men and women. In 1892, with taxpayer support, the library association was opened to the general public. By a special act of the Connecticut General Assembly on May 9, 1893, its name was changed to Hartford Public Library. Noted librarian Caroline M. Hewins, hired by the Hartford institute in 1875, became Hartford Public Library's first librarian. Hewins' career at the city library spanned 51 years. She was an active participant in the newly formed American Library Association, helped found the Connecticut State Library Association in 1891 and opened one of the first children's libraries in the country in 1904. In recognition of her contributions, she was the first woman to receive an honorary Master of Arts degree in 1911 from Hartford's Trinity College.
Hartford Public Library was and remains a private corporation, supported by the city. Today, the collection includes first edition volumes of Hartford authors Mark Twain, Lydia Huntley Sigourney, Thomas Tryon, Noah Webster, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Chuck Stone and Wallace Stevens as well as material from Dr. Horace Wells' estate. In addition, the collection holds an inscribed copy of Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin and the complete 90 volume bound collection of the Noah Webster pamphlets.
Formerly established by Chief Librarian Magnus Kristofferson in 1945, the Hartford Collection is divided into three sections: Hartford subjects, Hartford authors, and Hartford imprints. The archive is housed in the Hartford History Center, located on the third floor of the downtown library at 500 Main Street.