Stamford Streetscapes

Stamford Streetscapes is a pop-up exhibit located in the lobby and first floor of the Ferguson Library Ernest DiMattia Main Building that features historic information and artifacts about the various neighborhoods and streets in Stamford.

The Stamford History Center presents images and Streetscapes of the city over time, and the many neighborhoods that are part of our community.

Stamford was known as Rippowam by the Siwanoy Native American inhabitants to the region, and the very first European settlers to the area also referred to it that way. The name was later changed to Stamford after a town in Lincolnshire, England. The deed to Stamford was signed on 1 July 1640 between Captain Turner of the New Haven Colony and Chief Ponus.

In 1641, Rippowam was settled by 29 Puritan families who had chosen to leave Wethersfield. The small colony thrived despite many challenges and the city grew through centuries into the diverse and rich community we know today of approximately 129,000 residents – and growing.

Our Stamford Neighborhoods

Below are some of our more well-known neighborhoods. Do you know where each neighborhood area is located? Can you name more that are not on this list?

Belltown	Palmer's Hill
Cove	Research Park
Downtown	Ridgeway
Glenbrook	Riverbank
Harbor Point	Roxbury
Hunting Ridge	Shippan
Hubbard Heights	South End
Long Ridge Village	Springdale
Mid Ridges	Turn of River
Newfield	Waterside
North Stamford	West Side
Westover

Some of Our Noteworthy Attractions

Stamford has many points of interest including those listed below, as well as many unique and interesting dining options, stores, educational programs, marinas, beaches, athletic venues and other activities.

• Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
• Stamford Museum & Nature Center, and Observatory
• Cove Island Park
• Mill River Park, Playground, and Carousel
• The Stamford Dog Park
• The Palace Theatre
• The Ferguson Library
• Mianus River Park
• The Stamford Art Association
• Landmark Tower
• First Presbyterian Church of Stamford (The "Fish Church")
• Fort Stamford Park - Goodbody Garden
• Ukranian Museum and Library
• Sterling Farms Golf Course
• Harbor Point Commons Park
• Stamford History Center and Hoyt Barnum House
• Avon Theatre Film Center
• Veterans Park
• Loft Artists Association

Photos of Stamford Through Time

We are highlighting many of our neighborhoods with pictures from the past, from the archives of the Stamford History Center in collaboration with the Ferguson Library. We hope you enjoy them and can guess where and when they were taken.

Preserving the past is an important part of our organization’s mission. The Stamford History Center, the municipal historian of Stamford, is an educational and research institution whose primary functions are to collect, conserve, interpret, and share artifacts and information relating to greater Stamford, to engage citizens in the telling of their stories. We provide opportunities for our community to understand and experience the past through our library, the presentation of exhibits and displays, lectures, demonstrations, special events, participatory programs, and tours of the unique Hoyt-Barnum House, built in 1699 and moved to our site in 2016.

Please take the time to visit us, to learn more about the city’s past, view one of our upcoming exhibits or attend an event.

Stamford History Center
https://stamfordhistory.org
1508 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06903
203-329-1183
info@stamfordhistory.org
Hours: Thursdays - Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

3rd Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence, July 4 at 11

Our own board member Rick Peterson will read the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, complete in his colonial attire. This important document set forth the view of our early American forebears that we should not be subject to a country thousands of miles across the ocean. Come enjoy the event which will include some other exciting surprises.

Flax in the 18th Century Colonial Home, July 1 at Hoyt Barnum

Flax was a staple crop in colonial America as it was a product that could be turned to clothing and textiles manufacture, rope and sails, but was also processed into linseed oil for furniture. Learn how flax and wool were an integral part of the Connecticut home and economy, and view some of our early flax and wool production implements.

The Freemasons in Stamford, September 2021

Coming soon! The Freemasons are an important fraternal organization in Stamford where there are two chapters. They have had a presence since colonial times. View some of the special and rare artifacts on loan from the organization and learn about their history in the city.

The Boomers Generation, Fall 2021

Are you a boomer? If you were born between 1946 to 1964, you are a member of this fun and eclectic generation. Explore the themes and experiences of the Boomers, including pop culture favorites, social movements, important events, celebrations, fabulous fashions, and fun - Boomer style!