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Derby's long history and contributions, from the town's beginnings in the 1600s to 1950, is revealed in this fascinating history.
Here is the first pictorial history of Derby, a community with a glorious Colonial past, a manufacturing era that spurred development throughout Connecticut's lower Naugatuck Valley, and a strong and enduring interest in its heritage. Derby traces the community from its early beginnings in the 1600s to 1950. Derby is unique in many ways. It has what is probably the oldest public burial ground in the country. It operated the first electric railway in New England at a time when there were only 12 others in the entire land. And today, it has the distinction of being the state's smallest municipality, with an area of only 5.4 square miles.
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To illustrate the rich history of this community, the Derby Historical Society combines some of the best photographs from its own collection with those from a variety of local sources. Other sources include local public libraries, local police and fire departments, the Osborne Homestead Museum, and numerous private collections. Derby will provide residents with not only a visual link to their community's past but also a greater appreciation and understanding of this vital yet sometimes overlooked part of Connecticut's history.
