C.H. Pease Museum Shines a light on Canaan’s past

By Colleen Gundlach

Where in North Canaan can one find a moose, a fox, an eagle, a turtle and various types of winged creatures in one place? If you know, you know. It’s the C.H. Pease Museum of Natural History right in the center of Canaan and hidden in plain sight.

Start at the Douglas Library, located on Route 44 in the center of town. It is a small, unassuming building that contains more than 17,000 volumes and is one of the first public libraries in Connecticut. Take a short walk upstairs and you will be transported back 70 years or so, into the world of Charles H. Pease and his taxidermy collection. Despite the notation on the library’s signpost, many people don’t even know the museum is there.

Born in 1866, Charles H. Pease was a North Canaan businessman who was the editor of the Western Connecticut News, a weekly paper that was published for 75 years in the northwest corner. He was owner of Canaan Printing Company and, in 1919 started beekeeping as a hobby. He wrote a book and many papers on the subject and was known statewide as an expert on beekeeping. In fact, his writings on the subject are stored in the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Connecticut. 

Pease was also a naturalist who owned an extensive collection of preserved animals and birds, which he eventually donated to the Douglas Library. He stipulated that he could not be the only contributor to the collection and that others could donate their taxidermy collections. 

Touring the Pease Museum, it’s obvious that great skill went into the preservation of the specimens, some of which are almost 100 years old. Most are displayed in glass cases and have been well maintained, though some need restoration.  Laura Leifert, a library board member, wants to see the collection refreshed and to spread the word that the museum is open to the public.

“This is a part of Canaan’s natural history,” she said during a tour. “The museum offers a glimpse into Canaan’s past, and we want to let residents know that this collection is here. It’s unique and quirky.” The museum, through its collection of photographs, documents, and memorabilia, provides a glimpse back in time and an opportunity to experience Canaan’s past stories of Canaan. The C.H. Pease Museum of Natural History is open during regular library hours, welcoming history buffs and taxidermy fans alike. Visit https://douglaslibrarycanaan.org for more information.