Historic Preservation

Incorporated in 1719, Stafford is wrought with irreplaceable historic resources, well-preserved architecture, and unique cultural heritage. These resources serve as visible reminders of town history and help to maintain and enhance the character of our community. This connection fosters a sense of civic pride through shared heritage, and promotes quality of life factors such as culture, arts, entertainment, recreation, social understanding.

Integrating this vintage-built environment with modern-day town life is promoted actively in the Town’s economic development efforts and is at the center of place-based marketing to promote heritage tourism and authenticity. To learn more about programs and activities that support Stafford’s historical heritage and resources, please explore the FAQ dropdown list below.

Projects and initiatives are in coordination and collaboration with the Stafford Historical Society, Stafford Historic Advisory Committee, Stafford civic organizations, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)

Historic Preservation Resources

Active (2023): Proposed National Register Historic District for Stafford Springs

The Town of Stafford, Stafford Historical Society, and Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), invite residents to learn about a proposed National Register of Historic Places nomination in the Downtown-Hyde Park area. Stafford Springs has a wealth of historic resources, well-preserved architecture, and rich local history worthy of preservation. This project is funded by a Survey & Planning Grant administered by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The target area has been shaped by more than 300 years of history and was identified in the 1992 Historic & Architectural Resources Survey.

Community Information Meeting - Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6:00pm

On February 28, 2023, Jenny Scofield, National Register Coordinator for SHPO, and Andrew Roblee of Roblee Historic Preservation, LLC provided an overview of the National Register program, history of the downtown, and planned phases of completing the project. The hybrid meeting offered participants the opportunity to join in-person or online to view the presentation, with a subsequent Q&A session.

Research and an intensive survey of the proposed Downtown-Hyde Park area is currently underway. An additional Public Meeting is anticipated for Autumn 2023, where resident and stakeholders can review materials and participate in a 30-day public review and comment period.

Community Information Meeting Resources Recording

Project Resources & Links

SHPO Survey & Planning Grant Application - Proposal for Funding
Request for Proposal Document - CFR-Consultant Services
National Register Fact Sheet - CFR-Consultant Services

Background/Description of Project
Stafford Springs is fortunate to have a wealth of historic resources, well-preserved architecture, and rich local history worthy of preservation in our Downtown core. The project area has been shaped by more than 300 years of history and was identified in the 1992 Historic & Architectural Resources Survey. A joint effort of the Town of Stafford and Stafford Historical Society, this high-level study included field investigation, photography, archival research, and report preparation. While this study was initiated to provide historic data for the Borough of Stafford Springs, the study expanded in scope to include broader, unsurveyed portions of town. The resulting report recommended establishing six historic districts within the Town of Stafford, augmenting the existing Stafford Hollow Historic District. One of the identified districts was the Downtown/Borough area, but, because of its size, the 1992 Survey endorsed separating the Downtown area into seven separate historic districts. Two of these acknowledged districts were the Business District (Main Street vicinity) and Highland Terrace/Hyde Park District (adjacent to Main Street). The Historic Designation Report sought in this proposal combines these two areas.

The district area is bounded by Main Street (Route 190) to the north, Tolland Avenue and Hyde Park Road to the west, Highland Terrace to the south, and River Road (Route 32) to the east. This boundary creates a district that includes Hyde Park, Haymarket Square, Highland Terrace, Spring Street, Main Street to where it becomes West Main Street, and a small portion of River Road.

The project will ensure the preservation of Stafford’s history, the pursuant of a Historic District, spur economic development, bolster community pride, and encourage future preservation, while benefitting both residents and business owners.