Haddam Historical Society

The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show is currently on hiatus while we re-evaluate the ever changing world of collecting, antiques shows, and purchasing platforms.

“One of the most important authentic American antiques shows in the nation” - Antiques and the Arts Weekly

The Connecticut Spring Antiques Show was founded in 1973 by the late Frances Walker Phipps, who with Betty Forbes was responsible for establishing it as one of the country's most important venues of authentic early American furniture. A long time Higganum resident, Miss Phipps wrote about antiques for The Hartford Times and New York Times and published many important works including "The ollector's Complete Dictionary of American Antiques" and "Colonial Kitchens, Their Furnishings and Gardens." Miss Phipps was also a founding member of the Haddam Historical Society and was instrumental in the restoration of the Thankful Arnold House Museum.

Miss Phipps chaired the show from its inception in 1974 until her death in 1986. When she started the show she stipulated that furniture shown must be American made prior to the year 1840 (prior to the age of mass production). It was said she had sole and absolute right to decide who could exhibit, and what and how, which at times generated controversy. However, it was her sharp-eyed supervision that kept the show unparalleled.

For the first 19 years, the show was housed at the Connecticut State Armory in Hartford. Between 1993 and 1996 the Armory underwent an extensive restoration and the show was moved to the University of Hartford. In 1997 the show returned to the Armory for a five- year stay, however following the events of September 11, 2001, the Armory was closed to public events for security reasons. Between 2002 and 2011 the show was held at the Expo Center just north of downtown Hartford. In 2012 we traveled to West Springfield, Massachusetts to celebrate our 39th year at the Eastern States Exposition.

The show triumphantly returned to the Hartford Armory in 2013 and is thrilled to host this important venue of American furniture, folk art, fine art, and other decorative arts in this architecturally beautiful building.

The show continues to have exacting standards and is recognized as one of the finest exhibitions of early American made furniture and accessories. For further information please call 860-345-2400.