Our purpose is to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts about our town.  The Historical Society has a number of items (antiques, photographs, quilts, clothing, tools, theater curtain, etc) on exhibit at the Alice M. Ward Memorial Library in Canaan.  Perserving the Towns heritage and sharing information with future generations will enable them to appreciate the contributions their forefathers made to the community.  It also creates a sense of pride and togetherness in the community.  Working together to preserve the past enables people to learn from it and create a better tomorrow. The historical society's viability depends on its capacity to build community engagement.  Effective community engagement impacts on all elements of an historical societies' role, from the obvious measurables such as increased attendance.General office supplies and advertising our activities take a substantial, toll on our finances, but necessary.