The Colebrook Historical Society was founded in 1953 by a group of dedicated individuals who realized the benefits that such a society could make to the community. The collections housed within the museum in the center represent various aspects of life in Colebrook from the mid-1700’s to the present. Virtually every item was used or made in town, or has been donated by a Colebrook resident.
The building itself was built as an inn in 1816, and was so used until the early 1940’s. The Colebrook Town Hall was located on one half of the first floor from 1953 until 2003, when the new buildings centered on the old Gray Barn were occupied. The Historical Society is now the only tenant.

The Society owns the Rock Schoolhouse, located at the intersection of Sandy Brook Road and Colebrook Road. This building, erected in 1779, and used until 1911, is perhaps the only colonial schoolhouse in the state that is essentially in its original state; it has never been electrified, nor has it ever had running water or indoor plumbing. It is used as a learning facility by the Colebrook Consolidated School, and is open to the public on selected weekends or by request. Our season begins on Memorial Day.

Originally situated in front of its namesake rock across the road, where it served as a schoolhouse from 1779 until 1911, it was moved to its present location in 1971. To our knowledge, it is the only Colonial schoolhouse in Connecticut never to have had either electricity or running water. It is an active museum, open to the public, and owned by the Colebrook Historical Society. It is used as a learning tool by Colebrook school children.