South Windsor
Connecticut
Wood Memorial Library and Museum
Mission:
Wood Memorial Library & Museum is where history, nature and the arts come alive… and community thrives!
About Us:
Wood Memorial Library & Museum is located on South Windsor’s Main Street, first an Indian trail, then a busy colonial thoroughfare, today a reminder of Connecticut’s heritage, lined with historic houses of every era.
South Windsor philanthropist, William R. Wood, proposed building a library for the town as a memorial to his parents, Dr. William Wood and Mary Ellsworth Wood. In 1926 he chose Hartford architect William Marchant, who designed the Colonial Revival building, reflecting elements of Wood’s own house. It served as South Windsor’s public library for forty years, from its dedication in 1928 until the need for a larger facility in a more central location required the town to cease operation of the library.
A grassroots effort to keep book lending available at The Wood as a branch of the public library was abandoned after two years, but not willing to accept defeat, the group incorporated as The Friends of Wood Memorial Library in 1971. Since then they have overseen the management of the library as a privately funded institution, which has flourished under the guidance of a small part-time staff and a corps of dedicated volunteers. Keeping in mind the original charter, the Friends provide, in addition to the library, an environment where history, nature and the arts come alive.
Recent News
Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings From Main - Quock Walker - June 20, 2025
Quock Walker Yesterday, in celebration of Juneteenth, I researched Quock Walker, a former slave who was instrumental in advancing the freedom of slaves in Massachusetts. This Musings from Main shines a light on his contributions to history. We…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings From Main - Podunk Mill - April 4, 2025
Podunk Mill This week's Musings from Main takes a look at the history of one of the most iconic buildings in South Windsor, the Podunk Mill currently known as the Mill on the River restaurant. Don't miss our upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner to be…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings From Main - March 7, 2025
February 21, 2025 Frances Sheldon Bolton (1863 - 1936) This week's Musings from Main is inspired by the recent donation of a picture from 1940. The image is of a Mothers Club children's party at the Community House which is located at the former…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings From Main - February 28, 2025
Meet Prince, Flora and Sylvia This past week we offered two presentation sessions of 2024's exhibit on researching evidence of slavery in South Windsor. If there is interest, we're more than happy to offer a presentation again. Worthwhile…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Quarterly E-Newsletter - January 2024
2024 Winter E-Newsletter Changes in 2024 Best Wishes! At the end of 2023, retirement, new jobs and professional advancement claimed three Friends' staff members. As we reluctantly say goodbye to three amazing co-workers, Leith Johnson, Liz…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum News - January 12, 2024
Musings from Main- Bayard Rustin (1912–1987) Wood Memorial Library and Museum will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Explore our February 18, 2022 Musings from Main to learn about the two…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings from Main - January 5, 2024
Happy New Year Friends! There are some special biennial events that are scheduled to occur in 2024. We will be partnering with the Down to Earth Garden Club again for their "Pathways and Blooms" South Windsor Garden Tour and Plant Sale on Sunday,…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Calendar Of Events - January 2024
Vintage Book Club: The Narrows Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 1 PM Join our Vintage Book Club at Wood Memorial Library & Museum as they discuss Ann Petry’s The Narrows. This book club is open to new members. Feel free to BYO food/drink. …
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings from Main - December 29, 2023
December 29, 2023 Thanks for the Memories A look back at 2023! A big Thank You to everyone who supported the Friends of Wood Memorial Library & Museum during 2023! We wish you all a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you and making…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings from Main - December 15, 2023
In 2021, Musings from Main introduced readers to the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), an annual bird census organized by the National Audubon Society. Every year since 1900, birdwatchers across the Americas have taken to the field in late December-early…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Museum Musings from Main - December 8, 2023
The Gleam of Czech Christmas Trees Part of the "Shiny and Brite" of this year's Gingerbread House Festival comes from the mid-century Czech Christmas trees displayed on both fireplace mantles. This loaned collection belongs to Executive Director…
Read More »Musings from Main - 50s Christmas Music
December 1, 2023 Why is 1940s and 1950s Christmas Music so Popular? If you've already visited the annual Gingerbread House Festival this season, you may have noticed something a little different from previous years. Whether you haven't visited…
Read More »Wood Memorial Library and Museum Events - December 2023
13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival: Shiny & Brite The Friends invite you to explore their 13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival: Shiny & Brite. Stroll past fairy tale houses and fantasy trains all covered with bright, colorful candy. …
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