Manuscript Collection

Our archives include personal papers, organizational papers, family papers, and business records. Some collections also include photographs, memorabilia, and oral histories. See our Topical Guide to Manuscripts for a list of topics that can be researched using these collections.

The family papers housed at FMHC include some long-standing and influential families in the history of Fairfield. Among them is the Burr family, whose mansion the Burr Homestead, the site of John Hancock’s wedding to Dorothy Quincy, still stands on Old Post Rd. Other family papers help to document ordinary life in the past, from farming and schooling to medical care and travel.

The collections of business records at FMHC reflect the changes in Fairfield’s industries. The Bullard Company Records trace this Fairfield business from its founding years in the late 19th century up to its closing and demolition in 1983 through annual reports, personnel files, and photographs. It is complemented by personal collections such as John Camarra’s papers containing union documents that speak to the union activities at Bullard Company. Other businesses represented in our collection include the Fairfield Rubber Company, Kennel Food Supply, and McKesson & Robbins.

Several collections illustrate the history of local politics and government, such as the John Sullivan Collection and the Roger Minott Sherman Collection. We hold some town records, including real estate tax records dating back to 1890, which offer insight into the development of Fairfield properties over the last century.

See our Topical Guide to Manuscript Collections page for a list of topics that can be investigated using our manuscript collections.

Click on a link below to download a finding aid describing each collection.