Video: First recorded use of slaves in Madison As part of St. Andrew’s series on Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation, Terry Roberts, President of the Deacon John Graves Foundation, shared his research about the first recorded use of slaves in Madison, CT, as taken from the journals recorded by generations […] Read more »
For These Strangest of Times
We decided to put up the Holiday wreath which gives our House a welcome and warm feeling in this strangest of times. So less strange now. Read more »
Members’ Annual Holiday Party

Members found the Deacon John Grave House warm and cozy for the annual holiday party, hosted by the Foundation to welcome 2020 and in appreciation for membership support during the past year. Everyone enjoyed a variety of beverages and appetizers, while listening to the fine music of Rick and Jim, […] Read more »
Holiday Lantern Night Tour 2019
The Madison Historical Society’s second Holiday Lantern Tour attracted an estimated 150 participants for visits to decorated homes around the Madison Green. This year the theme reflected the Civil War era in Madison, circa 1862. Groups of twenty departed every 30 minutes for the 90-minute presentation, featuring eight brief stops. Along […] Read more »
A Large Crowd Joined the Deacon’s Friends for Their Sixth Annual Children’s Holiday Event
Decorated for the season, the Deacon John Grave House set the perfect scene to create old fashioned winter memories. Children, parents, and friends enjoyed an afternoon of cookie making and chestnut roasting at the hearth. Live music and storytelling entertained visitors, while they savored holiday refreshment. Read more »
Deacon John Grave House Open Following Tree Lighting
Revelers were welcomed after the tree ceremony to a roaring fire and refreshments. Visitors toured the House and enjoyed hot cider and cookies. Read more »
A Colonial Holiday For Children 2019
Join us on Saturday, December 14th from 2 to 4pm for our sixth annual Children’s Holiday Open House. Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday afternoon full of cookie decorating, holiday crafts, roasting chestnuts, live music, storytelling and refreshments. Create winter memories with the whole family! Admission is free. Click here, here and here to […] Read more »
Madison Lyric Stage Ends their 2019 Season With An Original And Provocative Production
The performances of Hotel Fables: Episodes in a Life were sold out and received critical acclaim. Through music and drama, the production explored the complexities, struggles and humor of human relationships. The immersive piece was staged in one large room reflecting a single hotel room. The program featured music from […] Read more »
Country Day Second-Graders Visit Grave House
Following an annual tradition, two Country Day School classes of second grade students with their teachers and parents enjoyed a visit to the historic Grave property. Docents in period dress guided the students through the history of the House, asking questions along the way. Students showcased their knowledge from their […] Read more »
Colonial Gamers Gather at the Bauer Farm for the Fall Festival
DJGH board members in colonial dress hosted a play station at the Bauer Farm Fall Festival, exhibiting the Grave House collection of historic toys and games. Throughout the festival day, parents and children stopped at the Deacon’s play station to test their skills with a variety of vintage wooden toys […] Read more »