Welcome to Durham, CT
Welcome to the official website of the Town of Durham! Our town, nestled in the heart of Middlesex County, is a tapestry of scenic beauty, historic charm, and community spirit. Durham, with its serene landscapes and deep-rooted history, offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy, embodying the essence of a quintessential small town.
This website is your digital window into Durham, providing a wealth of resources, latest updates, and a peek into the aspects that make our town extraordinary. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore, connect, and discover all that Durham has to offer.
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You are Invited! | America 250
ART CREATIVES 250
Friday, June 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Durham Community Center
An inspiring exhibition of Durham historic and patriotic art-
Featuring works by talented local artists including the
Durham Bicentennial Quilt and select William Kent pieces.
There will be a Mini-Lecture at 6:15 p.m., by Alicia Miller about local artist William Kent followed by a Town of Durham Proclamation naming June 5th ‘William Kent Day’.
Local Artists or Art Collectors: Please contact Carolyn Havrda (860-894-7837 or chavrda@townofdurhamct.org) by May 15th if you are interested in showing your Historic Durham or Patriotic Art.
Star Spangled Town-Wide Picnic
Saturday, June 6, 2026
2:00 p.m. at the Durham Community Center and Allyn Brook Park
Join us for town wide picnic honoring America 250. Activities will include:
- Durham Patriotic Artists Exhibition & Old Fashioned Fun and Games
- An All-American Picnic (picnic foods available for purchase)
- Apple Pie Eating Contests
- America250 Birthday Song/Cake
- Patriotic Concert at Allyn Brook Park featuring The Middletown Symphonic Band
- Coginchaug Little League Majors Baseball, Finale played ‘under the lights’
Community Organizations: Please contact us to volunteer or donate toward the day's activities!
Old Fashioned Games: Brian Medeiros (860-894-7836 or bmedeiros@townofdurhamct.org)
Food & Supplies: Carolyn Havrda (860-894-7837 or chavrda@townofdurhamct.org)
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America 250 | Art Showcase & Star Spangled Picnic!
America 250 Committee
The Special Town Meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026, voted to adopt an Ordinance Establishing the Use of Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) .
To view the approved Ordinance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), plus additional information including Durham Speed Studies, and the CT DOT ATESD Manual Guide use the links listed under Resources on this page.
To hear more from the First Selectman on these devices, please view -->>Update from First Selectman Brendan Rea - April 2026
To view the approved Ordinance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), plus additional information including Durham Speed Studies, and the CT DOT ATESD Manual Guide use the links listed under Resources on this page.
To hear more from the First Selectman on these devices, please view -->>Update from First Selectman Brendan Rea - April 2026
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Approved: Ordinance Establishing Speed Cameras in Durham
First Selectman
Click below to view the links:
- The Town of Durham Annual Budget Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., at the Durham Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane. Click here for more information.
- 2026-2027 Digital Book
- 2026-2027 Annual Budget Hearing Proposed Budget
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2026-2027 Budget Information
Finance Department
Applications are now being taken for the State Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Programs, the Town of Durham Senior Tax Relief Programs (Freeze or Deferral), and the Additional Veterans’ Exemption Program.
To qualify for the State Elderly/Disabled or the Town Senior Tax Relief Programs, applicants must be at least 65 years of age OR be classified as totally and permanently disabled (regardless of age) and meet state and local income requirements.
This year’s state income requirements are shown below:
The state tax relief application form is here: M-35H Owners Application.pdf
Do not complete the qualifying income portion of the application or return it to the State. It is to be completed in your appointment with the Human Services Department or the Assessor’s Office.
The municipal income requirements and applications can be found here: Senior and Disabled Tax Relief
Applications are by appointment only. To arrange a time, once you’ve filed your 2025 income tax return, call:
Morgan Perry, Social Services Coordinator, at (860) 349-3153
Note: The Human Services Office has moved and is now located on the 1st floor of the Durham Community Center at 144 Pickett Lane.
Lynn Riotte or Barbara Hammarlund, Assistant Assessors, at (860) 343-6709 or (860) 343-6723
The Assessor’s Office is located on the 2nd floor of Town Hall at 30 Town House Road.
You must bring your filed 2025 IRS TAX RETURN (if applicable) and ALL INCOME STATEMENTS, including W-2 forms, Social Security Statements (SSA-1099), dividend and interest statements, pension statements, Veteran’s Disability Payment letters, etc. to your appointment.
For those already enrolled in a program, failure to re-file will result in benefits being removed from the July tax bill. Late filing is not allowed by ordinance.
For the Additional Veterans Tax Relief information and application, please click this link: Additional Veterans Tax Relief Program
For the Additional Veterans Tax Relief information and application, please click this link: Additional Veterans Tax Relief Program
January 29, 2026 Press Release, Middletown Press:
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Assessor's Office Applications for State Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Programs
Assessor's Office
Upcoming Meeting & Events
Economic Development
We can't spell Durham without U
Durham is a town with a rich history and strong agricultural roots. This video takes you through our tight-knit community, where every resident contributes to the unique fabric of Durham. Our story is as diverse and enduring as every individual who becomes a part of it. This is your invitation to dive into the narrative that makes Durham a charming and vibrant place.
