Windsor Historical Society’s For the Common Good: 250 Years of Windsor Civic Life celebrates the bold, creative, and determined ways residents have shaped civic life in Windsor over the last 250 years. Visitors will discover how generations of Windsorites have worked, protested, volunteered, and celebrated together to build a stronger, more inclusive community and be inspired to be more civically engaged themselves.

Opened February 7, 2026. Free admission made possible through a grant from lead business sponsor Windsor Federal Bank.

This program is part of Windsor Historical Society’s WindsorCT250 commemoration activities.

(Open through December 2026)

Nancy Toney

Nancy Toney is often regarded as the last enslaved person in the state of Connecticut. She was born in Fairfield in 1774 and brought to Windsor at age 11 in 1785, when her enslaver’s daughter, Charlotte Bradley, married Hezekiah Chaffee, Jr. As the couple’s North Meadow Road home was not finished at the time, it is likely that both they and Nancy lived at the Chaffee House with Hezekiah’s parents until construction was completed in 1789.

Nancy lived in Windsor for the rest of her life. When the practice of slavery was finally abolished in Connecticut in 1848, Nancy was among the small number of people still enslaved in the state. She died a free woman in 1857 and is buried across the street from the Chaffee House in Palisado Cemetery.

The Chaffee House kitchen retains its c.1780s historic appearance to reflect Nancy’s time there and provide an opportunity to share her story, as well as the stories of the other men and women enslaved in the house: Jack Japhet Pell, Sarah, Elizabeth Stevenson, and Sarah (Elizabeth’s mother).

Medical History

Dr. Chaffee’s medical office was attached to his home, and it is a rare architectural survival. There, see historic medical instruments, encounter some shocking medical treatments of the 18th century. You will leave feeling fortunate that you live in the 21st century!

The doctor’s office features reproduction furniture you can sit on and touch, as well as hands-on activities. Open drawers in the apothecary chest and desk, make your own herbal remedy to take home, page through medical texts, and look through copies of actual receipts made from Dr. Chaffee’s practice.

Note: this 18th-century house has steps, thresholds, and narrow doorways, and is not wheelchair accessible. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.