The Wallingford Historical Society was founded in 1916. Originally housed in the Judd Mansion, it relocated to the Parsons house in 1919, the same year of incorporation . The purpose of the society was, and still is, to collect and preserve whatever may serve to explain or illustrate the archaeology, the art and literature, the history of the State of Connecticut, especially that part thereof, known as the Quinnipiac valley, including the town of Wallingford and the parts adjacent thereto, as deemed advisable; to provide in a suitable manner for their care, preservation and exhibition, to hold such meetings and provide and conduct such lectures as may aid in the scientific, literary and benevolent education of the community; to print or furnish such publications as may be thought desirable, also to do such things as may be deemed proper, and to receive, invest and care for any gift of money or other property which may be made to such society.

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The Society remains headquartered at the Parson House located at 180 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT. In 2022, the WHS purchased the old Yalesville library located at 400 Church Street, with plans to provide storage, display of Yalesville memorabilia, and as a research facility . The building is not currently open to the public.

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