It’s that time of year again in Essex, time to celebrate with friends and neighbors at the annual Essex Historical Society (EHS) Strawberry Social and presentation of the 2015 Preservation Award. This year’s event, honoring 60 years of dedicated EHS service to the community, will be held on Sunday, June 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pratt House, at 19 West Avenue.

“The Essex Historical Society welcomes everyone to the Strawberry Social as we celebrate our diamond jubilee year. EHS strives to live up to our mission statement of ‘engaging and inspiring the community’ of all three of Essex’s villages—while having a marvelous time. Join in the anniversary celebration to see for yourselves,” said EHS Director Melissa Josefiak.

The family-friendly, outdoor event brings the delicious seasonal dessert together with fun games and musical entertainment. There will be guided tours of the historic 1732 Pratt House, for the first time opening up its oldest sections of the house, dating from the early 18th century, to the public in more than 30 years.

In addition to the festive activities, there will be themed displays highlighting the 1950s (EHS was founded in 1955) and there will be a special presentation of the EHS Annual Preservation Award, presented to a historic structure in town that has worked to preserve its historic nature and character. (Members of the general public voted online or in person to select the winner.)

This 60th anniversary celebration will also highlight the grand opening of new exhibit in the Pratt House Barn, an illustrated timeline of Essex history, funded by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.

“The historical society is a great organization, it has worked hard over the years to ensure the preservation of the history of Essex,” said First Selectman Norm Needleman. “This is a terrific event with excellent strawberry shortcake and it is a great opportunity to see the Pratt House. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the day.”

Needleman added, “The EHS is always in need of extra volunteers to help them with their mission, they are a wonderful group of residents that care deeply about our town and community, and they all work hard, year after year, to preserve our past and educate people about this special town we live in.”

The Strawberry Social event is free and open to the general public. For more information, visit www.essexhistory.org or call 860-767-0681.