Hello and welcome to the website of the New England Hebrew Farmers of the Emanuel Society!
We are exceptionally proud that our NEHFES Synagogue and Creamery site was named Connecticut's 24th State Archaeological Preserve in 2007! (photo, right)
The NEHFES, our rather prestigious name is close to one suggested by Arthur Reichow, an agent of the Baron de Hirsch Fund in New York City in 1891, to replace "Society Agudas Achim" (A Community of Brethren), the name taken by a small group of industrious Russian Jewish immigrants who found their way to Chesterfield, Connecticut in 1890. Certainly Reichow thought that a more sophisticated name would better position their efforts in "Yankee" and New England society.
Currently, our dedicated descendant/members reside in 11 states, plus Canada, and represent 14 of the 30 - 50 NEHFES families that lived in Chesterfield and flourished - as a vibrant "American" shtetl
from 1890 until the late 1920's.
Please read our history and look at the NEHFES names page. gleaned from the Town of Montville land records and from our precious hand-written Yiddish Ledger and Minutes Book. Perhaps you'll discover your great-great-grandfather's name and join us in our efforts to preserve our precious historic legacy - a special chapter in Connecticut and American Jewish History - for future generations!
Nancy R. Savin, President
NEHFES
March 18, 2012
Dedicated on September 29, 1986. our historic bronze and granite monument is located at the intersection of Routes161 and 85 in Chesterfield, Connecticut.
See New York Times article on links page.
FLASH!!
On February 28, 2012, The New England Hebrew Farmers of the Emanuel Society Synagogue and Creamery Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
Thank you all, especially Historical Perspectives, Inc. of Westport, CT ( Cece Saunders, Faline Schneiderman-Fox RPA and Julie Abell Horn RPA ) who brilliantly researched and prepared our nomination!
Mazel tov!!
