Unionville Plans Oral History Project, One Story at a Time

FARMINGTON, CT – March 6, 2025 – History doesn’t just live in textbooks—it’s told in coffee shops, passed down at family dinners, and hidden in old photo albums in attics across Unionville. Now, the Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission (UHDC) is racing to capture those stories before they disappear.

At its March 6 meeting, the commission laid the groundwork for an oral history project designed to collect firsthand accounts, photographs, and documents from longtime residents.

Barbara Marsh, one of the commissioners leading the initiative, summed it up simply: “We’re looking for stories—real, personal, Unionville stories.”

How It Will Work

The plan is to host a three-hour session at the Farmington Library, where residents can sit down with volunteers to share their memories, bring in historic materials to be scanned, and participate in recorded interviews.

But there’s debate on whether the event should be a drop-in session or appointment-based.

“We don’t want people thinking they need to bring a full-blown research paper,” said one commissioner. “Just come tell us what you remember—no pressure.”

To encourage participation, the commission is considering launching the project with a high-profile community member like local historian Frank Sanford, whose knowledge of the town spans back to its earliest days.

“People might not think their stories are worth telling,” said one member, “but when they see an example, they’ll realize their history matters.”

Where the Stories Will Live

Once collected, the commission is considering storing the materials in multiple locations, including the Farmington Room at the library, the Unionville Museum, and possibly an online archive.

“There’s value in making sure these stories don’t just sit in a file cabinet,” one commissioner noted. “They should be accessible.”

Want to Share Your Unionville Story? Here’s How:

📌 Sign up: Visit the Farmington Library Website to register.
📌 Bring your photos and documents to be scanned and archived.
📌 Record your story on-site or schedule an at-home interview.

Seeking Volunteers and Support

The commission is looking for volunteers to assist with interviews, scanning, and organizing documents. They are also in discussions with the Farmington Historical Society to coordinate efforts.

“This is bigger than just one event,” said Matt Amundsen, who volunteered to help create a project timeline.

Reaching the Community

The commission is planning a full-scale promotional effort, including:

• Library & town websites with event sign-up links
• Social media posts from the town manager’s office
• Local news outlets & email blasts
• Flyers at Stop & Shop and other community spaces

“If people don’t know about it, they won’t come,” said a commissioner. “We need to get this out everywhere.”

The Name: “Unionville Storytelling”

After discussing multiple ideas, the commission tentatively settled on “Unionville Storytelling.”

“It’s simple and to the point,” said one member. “This is about people telling their stories.”

The next Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission meeting will take place in early April, where members plan to finalize details and move the project closer to launch.

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Jack Beckett: Powered by Coffee and Questionable Life Choices ☕

When Jack Beckett isn’t covering the inner workings of Farmington’s town meetings, he’s probably analyzing the historical significance of a 1962 diner menu or wondering why every town meeting starts exactly seven minutes late. Read more of his work, yell at him on X (Twitter), or explore Farmington’s best and most in-depth local coverage:

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