Barkhamsted Historical Society
PO Box 94, Pleasant Valley, CT 06065. The Barkhamsted Historical Society has leased the building known as the Squires Tavern located in Peoples Forest at 100 East River Road, Barkhamsted. Squires Tavern was constructed prior to 1801, and possibly as early as 1795, making it the earliest existing tavern/hotel in Pleasant Valley and one of the oldest in Barkhamsted. It their goal to preserve this building and implement a plan of restoration. Ultimately they would like to utilize the building as the headquarters for the Historical Society.
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden
9 Main St. North, Bethlehem, CT 06751. (203) 266-7596 or (860) 247-8996. 1754 home of Bethlehem's First Minister transformed into a 20th century country estate with antiques, a formal garden of historic roses, lilacs, and peonies and an orchard. May-Oct. Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sun. 11-4. Adm. Group tours maybe scheduled for other days and times by appt.
Colebrook Historical Society
Center, Colebrook, CT 06021. Municipal Historian: (860) 379-3614. Museum located in 1816 former Inn. Collections include china, clothing, documents, glass, tools, uniforms, and genealogy. Memorial Day-Columbus Day, Wed. 10 - noon, Sat. 10-1.
Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum
Rte. 7, (next to Sloane-Stanley Museum), Kent, CT 06757. (860) 927-0050. This industrial museum has the largest display of steam and gas tractors in the state. A working narrow gage railroad, industrial hall with working steam engines, mining exhibit building, and the Cream Hill Agricultural School on grounds. May-Oct., Wed.-Sun. 10-4.
Double D Living History Farm
102 Painter Hill Rd., Roxbury, CT 06783. (860) 354-0649. Displaying over 100 antique farm tractors (1903 - 1954), 50 garden tractors, old trucks and farm equipment on a 650-acre farm. Group or individual tours available by appt.
Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society Office
The Depot, 44 Railroad St., P.O. Box 206, Falls Village, CT 06031. (860) 824-8226. Death records, maps, local history, family histories and notebooks, house studies, and iron industry information. Records and copies available Thurs. 1-4 or by appt.
Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
49 Hollow Rd., (off Rte. 6) Woodbury, CT 06798. (203) 263-2855. Architecturally interesting, this 1750's minister's farmhouse, or glebe, was where the first American Bishop of the Episcopal Church was elected in 1783. The house has fine period paneling and furnishings from the area and a gift shop. Site of only garden in the U.S. designed by Gertrude Jekyll. May-Oct., Wed.-Sun. 1-4; Weekends only in Nov., Sat.-Sun. 1-4; Dec.-Mar. by appt. Adm.
Goshen Historical Society
21 Old Middle St., Rte. 63, Goshen, CT 06756. (860) 491-9610. The Academy Building (1824) exhibits emphasize the history of Goshen and showcase collections of former citizens. Open Tues. 10- noon April-Sept., and by appt. Free.
Gunn Historical Museum & Library
Corner of Rte. 47 and Wykeham Rd., On the Green, Washington, CT 06793. Museum (860) 868-7756. Library (860) 868-7586. Local history museum in 1781 house with changing exhibits. 1908 public library with ceiling mural by H. Siddons Mowbray. CT. Reference Room. Free Internet Service. Museum Thurs.-Sat., 10-4 and Sun. 12-4. Other times by appt. Library Hours: Mon. 9:30-5, Tues. 9:30-8, Wed. closed, Thurs. 9:30-8, Fri. 9:30-5, and Sat. 9:30-3. Free.
Harwinton Historical Society
Litchfield Rd., Rte. 118, Harwinton, CT 06791. (860) 482-7978 or 485-0610. Restored 1840 schoolhouse and a replica 19th c. barn displaying an extensive collection of farm tools. Open 1st Sun. of Aug. 2-4, or by appt. Ice Cream Social, always 1st Sun. of Aug.
Hotchkiss Fyler House Museum
192 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790. (860) 482-8260. Victorian Mansion c. 1900 remains elegantly furnished as the family lived in it; parquet floors, mahogany paneling, Louis XV parlor, glass, porcelain and painting collections. Apr. 15-Oct. 31. Tues.-Fri. 10-4; Sat.and Sun. 12-4. Victorian Christmas starting mid-Dec. Closed Mondays.
Hurd House, Old Woodbury Historical Society
Old Woodbury Historical Society, Hollow Rd., Box 705, Woodbury, CT 06798. (203) 263-2446. A fine example of an early home, circa 1680 and colonial herb garden. Jun.-Oct., Sun., 2-4, or by appt. Free. District 2 one room schoolhouse open one Sun. each month or by appt. Open house Thanksgiving morning 10-noon, and Christmas Festival 1st Sat. in Dec.
Institute for American Indian Studies
38 Curtis Rd., off Rte. 199, Washington, CT 06793. (860) 868-0518. The Institute is a museum and education and research center dedicated to the study of the indigenous peoples throughout the western hemisphere, particularly those of the Eastern Woodlands. Longhouse Room with mural depicting village life, permanent exhibit with local artifacts, Connecticut archaeology exhibit, Children's Discovery Room, temporary exhibit gallery featuring art and historical collections, Gift Shop; Outside: 17th c replicated Algonkian Village, simulated Archaeological Site, Healing Plant Garden, Three Sisters Garden, Four Signed Nature Trails. Open year-round, Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adm: $5 Adults, $4.50 Seniors, $3 Kids.
James Morris Museum
4 North St., Rte. 61, Morris, CT 06763. (860) 567-5036. Located in Morris Community Hall are archives and heirlooms of the Morris Family, local history displays, art exhibits, and a reference library. Tues. - Wed. 10-6:30, Thurs. - Fri. 1-8; and Sat. 10-3.
Kent Historical Society Museum, The Seven Hearths
The Seven Hearths, 4 Studio Hill Rd., Rte. 7, Kent, CT 06757. (860) 927-4587. Impressive display of the art of George Laurence Nelson in the setting of his 1754 home and other special historical exhibits. July-Aug., Sat. and Sun. 11-4, or by appt. Free.
Litchfield History Museum
Corner of East and South St., Litchfield, CT 06759. (860) 567-4501. Investigate the evolution of a small New England town through exhibits and activities in seven galleries. Discover Litchfield while learning about national, social, cultural and political history. Mid-April-Nov. Tues.-Sat. 11-5, Sun. 1-5. Adm.
Merwinsville Hotel & Museum
1 Browns Forge Rd., (Rte. 7 to Riverview Rd. to Station Rd.) Gaylordsville, CT 06755. (860) 350-4443. As you enter the Hotel today, you get a sense of what it was like over 163 years ago as passengers stepped off the railroad on their way from Bridgeport CT to Pittsfield MA. Tour Hotel circa 1843, with station waiting room, cellar kitchen, parlors, bedrooms and ballroom. July-Sept. Sun. 2-4. or by appt.
Morris Historical Society Museum, Old Town Hall and 1772 Mill School
Old Town Hall and 1772 Mill School, 12 South St., Rte. 61, Morris, CT 06763. (860) 567-1776. Pedlar's Wagon, Country Doctor's Buggy, and Sleigh; Antique and ice cutting tools; Military memorabilia; Bottle collection, Camp Columbia and Morris Academy exhibits; Archives. June-Sept. Sat. 1-4 Free.
Naugatuck Railroad, At The Railroad Museum of New England
242 East Main St., Thomaston, CT 06787. (860) 283-RAIL (7245). Scenic vintage train ride on the Naugatuck Railroad from the historic 1881 train station in Thomaston. The ride follows the Naugatuck River, passes through state forests, past elements of the region?s industrial heritage to the Litchfield Hills. Special events include: Santa Express, Day Out With Thomas, Haight-Brown Vineyard Express, fall foliage events and more.
New Hartford Historical Society Museum
367 Main St., P.O. Box 41, New Hartford, CT 06057. (860) 379-6894. Greystone was built in the mid-1800s and was owned by The Kellogg Family for almost a century. It is located in the Pine Meadow section of New Hartford. Come explore two centuries of business and industry in New Hartford. Exhibit hours: Sat. 10 to 2. Tours available by request.
New Milford Historical Society
6 Aspetuck Ave., located at the north end of the Green, New Milford, CT 06776. (860) 354-3069. Visit c. 1815 Knapp House, c. 1796 Boardman Store, and Galleries with 18th and 19th century furniture, paintings by Ralph Earl, Richard Jennys, Woldemar Neufeld, costumes, New Milford pottery, pewter, and toys. Archives and genealogy. Changing exhibits. May-Oct., Thurs., Fri., and Sun., 1-4 or by appt.
Norfolk Historical Society Museum
13 Village Green, Norfolk, CT 06058. Phone: (860) 542-5761. Housed in the former Norfolk Academy c. 1840, once the Town Hall & Jail, on the Village Green. Rotating exhibits emphasize the unusual history of Norfolk. Visit Norfolk Country Store Exhibit or view one of our ever changing, award-winning exhibitions. Memorial Day - Columbus Day, Sat. & Sun. 12-4, or by appt.
Old Bethlem Historical Society Museum
Intersection of Rte. 61 and Rte. 132, Bethlehem, CT 06751. (203) 266-5188. Display of 19th century tools, photos, pictures, paintings, clothing, plus special show each year. Jun.-Aug., Sun. 1-4.
Sharon Historical Society
18 Main St., Rte. 41, Sharon, CT 06069. (860) 364-5688. Community museum featuring changing art exhibits by regional artists, a Discovery Room for kids 2-12, rotating history exhibits and a reference library. Cafe atmosphere with comfy chairs, a computer for public use, and WiFI access. Come and relax. Book store. Tues.-Fri. 10-4, and by appt.
Sloane-Stanley Museum
Rte. 7, Kent, CT 06757. (860) 927-3849. Features works of art by noted artist and author Eric Sloane, and houses a reconstruction of his studio. Extensive collection of early American tools. Remains on grounds of Kent Iron Furnace that operated from 1826-1892. Mid-May-Oct., Wed.-Sun., 10-4. Adm.
T. A. Hungerford Library Museum
50 Burlington Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791. Established in 1906 as the Town of Harwinton's library. Today it houses an extensive collection of local and unusual artifacts from the colonial period to the present. Special displays to be announced. May-Nov. 1-3 every other Sat. Group and off-hour tours by appt. call (860) 485-0517.
Tapping Reeve House and Law School
Rte. 63 South, Litchfield, CT 06759. (860) 567-4501. America's first law school 1774. Take a journey through the life of a real student from the early 19th C. through role-playing, hands-on-areas, and interpretive exhibits. Explore timeless issues of travel, communication, education and community while learning about 19 c. Litchfield. Mid-Apr.-Nov., Tues.-Sat. 11-5; Sun. 1-5. Adm.
Thomaston Historical Society
158 Main St., Rte. 6, Thomaston, CT 06787. (860) 283-2159. On the 6th floor of town hall, collections include: farm tools, clothing, home furnishings, and antique clocks. Thomaston was the home of the well-known Seth Thomas Clock Company. Memorabilia of Thomaston's educational, business and industrial history are also on exhibit. The museum is open by appointment.
Torrington Historical Society
192 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790. (860) 482-8260. The Society offers three museum exhibits: The Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, No Place Like Home: The History of Torrington, and Pursuit of Precision, a re-creation of a 1930's machine shop. Mid Apr. - Oct. Tues.-Fri. 10-4, Sat.and Sun. 12-4.
Watertown Historical Society Museum
22 Deforest St., Jct. Rtes. 63 and 6, Watertown, CT 06795. (860) 274-1050. Displays depict the industrial, social and cultural history of the town. Highlights include a Victorian parlor, collections of locally made items and memorabilia and a research library that includes local history and town newspapers. The Nova Scotia Schoolhouse and Museum open Wed. 2-4, or by appt.
