Avery Memorial Association facts for kids

The Avery Memorial Association is a special family group in Groton, Connecticut. It was started in 1895 after a very old family home, the Avery Homestead, burned down. The group became an official non-profit organization in 1896.

The main goal of the Avery Memorial Association is to collect and protect important items, papers, and places connected to the family of Captain James Avery of Groton. They especially work to take care of the land where the first Avery home stood. This house was built around 1656 and was lived in by Avery family members for many years. It was sadly destroyed by fire on July 20, 1894. The Association also looks after a monument on that site. They also help preserve other important buildings, like the Ebenezer Avery House, which is now at Fort Griswold in Groton. The Association also shares information about Connecticut's history, especially in New London County, to help people learn more about their local heritage.

The Avery Memorial Association has two main projects. The first is keeping the Avery Monument safe. The second is restoring and running the Ebenezer Avery House, which is a historic house museum.

There are two ways to join the Association. Regular Members are people who can show they are related to the Groton Avery family. Friends are people who support the Association but may not be related. The Association holds a meeting or reunion every year in the Groton, Connecticut area.

History of the Avery Family

The old Avery family home was built around 1656 at a place called Poquonnock Plains. People often called it "The Hive" or "Avery Hive." The second Captain James Avery made improvements to the house in 1684. Seven generations of the Avery family lived in this house for over 230 years. Sadly, on July 20, 1894, the house was completely destroyed by a fire. A spark from a passing steam train caused the fire.

After the fire, the Avery family in Groton formed the Avery Memorial Association in 1895. They wanted to remember the beginnings of their family in the Connecticut Colony. The next year, in 1896, the group became an official non-profit organization. It was set up for charity, culture, education, and to preserve history.

Leaders of the Association

The Avery Memorial Association has had many presidents over the years, guiding its work to preserve history.

• 1895–1896 James D. Avery
• 1897–1899 Allyn Avery
• 1900–1935 Elroy M. Avery
• 1936–1955 Christopher L. Avery
• 1956–1967 Deane Avery
• 1968–1975 Amos G. Avery
• 1976–1983 Catherine B. Avery
• 1984–1992 Peter Schellens
• 1993–1995 Catherine Leary
• 1996–2006 Peter Schellens
• 2006–present Stephanie Lantiere

The Avery Monument

James Denison Avery gave the land where "The Hive" once stood to the Association. This is where the monument is now located. The monument was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, an American sculptor and also an Avery family member. It has a tall granite stone and a statue of a "typical Puritan, magistrate and Indian fighter." The monument stands right in the middle of where the old Avery home used to be.

On July 20, 1900, the monument was officially dedicated. About 600 Avery family members were there for the event. Dr. Elroy M. Avery, who was the Association's President, led the ceremony. Helen Morgan Avery revealed the statue, and Frank Montgomery Avery gave a speech. The monument was dedicated again on its 100th anniversary by Cooper Avery Johnson. About 100 Avery family members attended that event.

The Ebenezer Avery House

The Ebenezer Avery House was first located at the corner of Latham and Thames Streets in Groton, Connecticut. Ebenezer Avery was a tailor. People believe his house was built in the 1760s. This house became very important during the Battle of Groton Heights on September 6, 1781. After the battle, British soldiers brought injured people to this house for care.

In 1971, the house was moved from its original spot. It was moved closer to the site of the Battle of Groton Heights at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton. The house was then restored to its historical appearance. Even though it is in a state park, the historic house museum is still cared for by the Avery Memorial Association.