Help us to preserve and share Georgetown's past with a special film.

These are just a few of the fascinating tales to be told in a 30-minute documentary combining interviews, artifacts, photographs, music, and recreations to depict highlights of Georgetown's history to date. And you can take part by supporting the Georgetown History Project!

…Now, as the center of town faces transformation, we have a chance to come together, to celebrate our past and capture it for future generations-while we still can. With the backing of Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc., and your help, we at the Georgetown History Project will collect the colorful strands of the past, weave a mesh of the stories that make up Georgetown, and portray it all in a film for everyone to discover and enjoy.

"Georgetown's story deserves to be told, and retold. Through this film, its rich history will come alive and be preserved for generations to come"-Redding First Selectman Natalie Ketcham

Gilbert & Bennett
With imagination, hard work and waterpower, Benjamin Gilbert turned leftover horsehair into a thriving industry that built and dominated this hamlet for 170 years. The legacy of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Co. is written in the factory complex that is about to be transformed-as well as the memories of generations whose lives revolved around it. A Georgetown Story will ensure that none of this is lost.

Village Life & Lore
Georgetown is rich… in the remembrances of flood survivors and factory workers… in the remnants of the Industrial Revolution and the opulence of Victorian architecture…and in the rare commingling of both. With a National Register historic district at its heart, this former company town has a story to tell that is unique yet universal. Despite division by the river, roads and politics,our diverse community retains a hard-won sense of identity and pride.

Take Part In Our History
We have already contracted John Maher and his multiple-award-winning production company, JEM Films, to direct and produce. Research is fully funded and underway with help from the Georgetown Fire Department, Meadow Ridge, local historians and librarians. Contributions are mounting.

Here is how you can help:

Donation Levels and Benefits

• Contributor: $1 to $49.
• Supporter: $50 to $99. Receives a GHP T-shirt.
• Patron: $100 to $499. Receives a GHP T-shirt and a DVD of the movie.
• Benefactor: $500 to $2,999. Receives the T-shirt, the DVD, a photo with the director and a film credit.
• Producer's Circle: $3,000 and up. Receives a DVD of the movie, a photo with the director and VIP invitation to visit a closed set and a producer credit.

Please make your check payable to the Georgetown History Project and send with this form to P.O. Box 347, Georgetown, CT, 06829, call Lynn Hyson at: 203-431-0613.

Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Any excess funds raised will remain with GVR to make the film available to a wider audience and to promote Georgetown history.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

Upcoming Events
Our next fundraiser will be a Walking Tour of Georgetown (View Tour Map). Make-up Date is Sunday, July 9th, 2pm. Local historian Brent Colley, archaeologist Kathleen von Jena and others will lead a tour that reveals the past of Portland Avenue, Main St. and a surprise finale at the site of the old bank. The $15 charge will help support the Georgetown History Project. Please meet us at the Georgetown Bible Church, dressed to walk. For more information, call Bonnie at 203-938-2169.

"Georgetown is an unconventional village and I don't know anyone better to portray it than Redding's imaginative John Maher."-Helen Hermes.

Download Georgetown History Project PDF