Events @…

Starts at 10:00 AM
The newly refurbished and updated Roger Sherman exhibit is the first completed project for the New Milford Historical Society and Museum’s proposed “New Milford Room,” dedicated to the history, cultural happenings and industries of the town of New Milford. Other exhibits and displays are currently in progress. Covering one short wall of the downstairs gallery, the new Roger Sherman exhibit features duplicate documents, a large diorama, paintings and a large timeline depicting the work and accomplishments of this early Connecticut Patriot.

In the well-known painting of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull, Roger Sherman stands prominently at the front with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Hancock just as he did in life. A lithograph copy of the painting can be seen hanging to the left of the Roger Sherman exhibit accompanied by a key identifying the various members of the Continental Congress depicted in the painting and underneath both is a table with copies of the very important documents Roger Sherman helped to craft, which are available for visitors to read and study.


Cost: FREE
† to request more information click here

Starts at 10:00 AM
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Garden Club of New Milford

May - August

What happens when you combine art and beautiful decorative objects with flowers? Art in Bloom at the New Milford Historical Society and Museum.

The Garden Club of New Milford is celebrating their 90th Anniversary in 2013 and to commemorate this special event, we will be opening our season with a new exhibition and interesting programs focusing on flowers, art and gardening. We will be honoring the past ninety years of civic improvement and beautification that the Garden Club has provided our town.

The exhibit will be composed of beautifully set tables with exquisite china and silver from the collection, antique hats, dresses, jewelry and samplers; all inspired in some way by nature. The exhibition will also include highlights of the clubs activities and accomplishments throughout the years.

Come walk through our transformed galleries and enjoy the beauty of everyday objects as it relates to the splendor of our natural world. You will be able to immerse yourself in color and beauty as we eagerly anticipate spring!
Cost: FREE
† to request more information click here

Starts at 12:00 PM
Connecticut Office of Tourism. This one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut's diverse world of history, art and tourism to Connecticut residents. Museum throughout Connecticut, including the New Milford Historical Society & Museum will be open free to the public on this day.
Cost: FREE
† to request more information click here

Starts at 10:00 AM
The 18th annual New Milford Outdoor Art Festival is being sponsored this year by the New Milford Historical Society. It will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday June 16th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on the Village Green. This is a fine art show that attracts artists from all over New England and beyond. Artists love this show. Crowds come to buy art and not ice cream. Testimony to its success is the extremely high rate of returning artists every year. The art show is a major fund raiser for the historical society. The historical society is a non-profit organization which maintains a public museum, and offers educational and cultural activities encouraging an appreciation of art, history and music.



For additional information, please contact Pat Lathrope at palathrope @gmail.com
Cost: FREE
† to request more information click here

Starts at 7:00 PM
After our last successful presentation of "Voices From The Past," our troop of actors will be back with a brand new program: “CT Folk Tales: Believe It Or Not.” Join us for an evening of stories you won't soon forget!
Cost: $10.00 Members: $5.00
† to request more information click here

Starts at 10:00 AM
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Garden Club of New Milford

May - August

What happens when you combine art and beautiful decorative objects with flowers? Art in Bloom at the New Milford Historical Society and Museum.

The Garden Club of New Milford is celebrating their 90th Anniversary in 2013 and to commemorate this special event, we will be opening our season with a new exhibition and interesting programs focusing on flowers, art and gardening. We will be honoring the past ninety years of civic improvement and beautification that the Garden Club has provided our town.

The exhibit will be composed of beautifully set tables with exquisite china and silver from the collection, antique hats, dresses, jewelry and samplers; all inspired in some way by nature. The exhibition will also include highlights of the clubs activities and accomplishments throughout the years.

Come walk through our transformed galleries and enjoy the beauty of everyday objects as it relates to the splendor of our natural world. You will be able to immerse yourself in color and beauty as we eagerly anticipate spring!
Cost: FREE

Starts at 1:00 PM
The New Milford Historical Society and Museum’s Annual Children’s Tea
Party has been scheduled for Sunday, April 7, at 1:00 PM in the Museum
Gallery. This year’s theme will be “Madeline and the Bad Hat.” The tea
party is geared for children ages 3-10 and is not deemed suitable for
those younger than 3 to attend. All decorations and activities this year
will have a “French accent.” The children and their parents attending
will be asked to dress in their best “Paris” fashions, as an old-fashioned
French school girl or school boy, or wear a “Bad” hat like Pepito.

The servers will wear French Berets and Scarves as they serve
“Petit Fours” and other French pastries. The children will listen
to readings from the “Madeline” books by Ludwig Bemelmans.
In addition, they will learn and sing some French songs and learn
a French country dance. There will be door prizes awarded as
well as awards for the most fashionable girl, best-dressed boy,
the girl who looks most like Madeline, the boy who looks most
like Pepito, the parent who most resembles Ms. Clavel and the
“Baddest” Hat.

The cost for a parent and one child will be $25 and each additional child will be a further $10. Please
call the New Milford Historical Society and Museum at (860) 354-3069 for Reservations.
Cost: $25.00 Members: $25.00

Starts at 7:00 PM
Craft night at the New Milford Historical Society is an inclusive, entertaining, light-hearted and inviting activity/workshop that brings people together from the community. It’s a time to get to know each other better and learn from one another. Bring your own current craft project and connect with like-minded souls, or see what others are doing and learn a new skill and make something with your own two hands!


Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
Tales of Old New Milford - Slavery, Crime & Punishment on the Connecticut Frontier
History of the nation's first detention facility, Newgate Prison, from the dark day that it opened to the day of its final demise.


Cost: $5.00
Cost: $5.00 Members: $5.00

Starts at 2:00 PM
with Brad Tranfield from Robertson Jewelry.

Have you been wondering about your own jewelry collection? This is not an appraisal event, but will include information that will help you understand more about the jewelry you may own.
Cost: $10.00 Members: $5.00

Starts at 2:00 PM
To better describe the flavor of this tragic war, and how it affected our local community.

Please join us for a dramatic reading of these poignant letters by costumed members of the Sherman Historical Society.
Sunday, Feb. 24th at 2:00.
Snowdate: March 3rd at 2:00
Approximately 1 hour long
Free, donations are accepted.

Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:00 PM
Limited number of participants.

We’ve enjoyed Peter Lang’s awesome cookies at our annual wine tasting. Turns out Peter also knows a whole lot about salad dressing. Join us as he shares some of his salad dressing recipes and some “secret” recipes from around the area. This is a great chance to perk up your spring table fare and learn about herbs you may want to plant in your garden. Soups and salads will be available for each participant. Yum!

Please call for a reservation 860-354-3069.
Cost: $10.00 Members: $8.00

Starts at 10:00 AM
The newly refurbished and updated Roger Sherman exhibit is the first completed project for the New Milford Historical Society and Museum’s proposed “New Milford Room,” dedicated to the history, cultural happenings and industries of the town of New Milford. Other exhibits and displays are currently in progress. Covering one short wall of the downstairs gallery, the new Roger Sherman exhibit features duplicate documents, a large diorama, paintings and a large timeline depicting the work and accomplishments of this early Connecticut Patriot.

In the well-known painting of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull, Roger Sherman stands prominently at the front with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Hancock just as he did in life. A lithograph copy of the painting can be seen hanging to the left of the Roger Sherman exhibit accompanied by a key identifying the various members of the Continental Congress depicted in the painting and underneath both is a table with copies of the very important documents Roger Sherman helped to craft, which are available for visitors to read and study.


Cost: FREE

Starts at 12:00 PM
Stop by and see the museum decorated for the holidays.
FREE admission to the museum on December 2, from 12-3 pm
Cost: FREE

Starts at 5:00 PM
Join us for this spectacular annual fundraising event . . .

Annual Wine & Song
December 1 from 5-8 pm

This annual holiday event is the talk of the town! The museum is dressed up for the holidays and has become a holiday destination for many in town. This event is a wine tasting fundraising party with refreshments donated by area restaurants and society members. Holiday entertainment, Raffle Tickets (sold during the evening and winners chosen beginning at 7:15 pm), and Door Prizes.

Tickets are $35.00 each and currently available from the society office (860-354-3069) or from any member of the Board of Trustees.
Cost: $35.00 Members: $35.00

Starts at 6:00 PM
You won't want to miss this exciting event, showcasing the work of local Connecticut artisans!
The show will feature pottery, paintings, hand-made jewelry, fused glass, weaving, woodturning, blacksmithing, hand-made soap, and more!
You'll find unique & hand-crafted gifts for the holidays.
Wine & Cheese Opening Friday, Nov 16, 6-8pm
Saturday, Nov 17, 10am-4pm
Sunday, Nov 18, 10am-4pm
Cost: FREE

Starts at 9:00 AM
Field of Honor at the New Milford Historical Society & Museum
"Making History Part of Our Lives".
This fall there will be a new crop on the grounds of the New Milford Historical Society & Museum. It is not golden ears of corn, but waving stripes of the American Flag.
Row upon row, each flag represents a veteran of one of the United States Armed Forces. The field of flags serves as both a reminder and a tribute to the Veterans who have served and presently serving our country.
All are welcome to walk through the flags, read names, listen to and share their stories of themselves, family members, friends and others who have given in many different ways so that we are able to have the freedom to celebrate our flag.
This Veteran's Day, in honor of our Military Veterans and those serving our country today, the Kiwanis Club Foundation of Greater Danbury will erect a Field of Honor on the grounds of the New Milford Historical Society's lawn. The field will be comprised of at least 200 3 foot by 5 foot American Flags and be on display from November 4 through December 8, 2012. We invite you to sponsor a flag in honor of a Veteran or Patriot. Your Honoree will be proudly displayed on a yellow ribbon attached to the flag. Please contact Linda Thomas at field.of.honor.linda@gmail.com with any questions or opportunities to volunteer.

Purchase a flag and a portion of the proceeds to will be donated to the various non-profit organizations in New Milford taking part in selling the flags such as The Girl Scouts, The Boy Scouts and the New Milford Historical Society. The price of one flag is $30, four flags for $100, major sponsor $500.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:00 PM
Come and enjoy a cup of soup and delicious salad. Local chef Peter Lang will teach participants to make three different and delicious salad dressings.
Members Free, Non-members $5.00 Please call the Society to make a reservation.

Cost: $5.00 Members: FREE

Starts at 7:00 PM
Have you heard the story about what happens at the end of October at the New Milford Historical Society & Museum? Mysterious and magical things occur that will delight, amaze and possibly scare all those who dare to enter.

Come and witness first hand the paranormal events the museum staff and volunteers have in store for you this year at our "Spooky Event #2: Folk Tales Believe it or Not"
Please call the Museum to register of for more information at (860) 354-3069
Cost: $10.00 Members: $5.00

Starts at 2:00 PM
Old New England Cemeteries and Superstitions - Christine Eriquez
Back by popular demand! Christina Eriquez, a graduate of New Milford High, is the author of the book, "Our History in Stone". The lecture will be about the different "styles" of gravestone art, the gravestone symbol meanings, and some superstitions regarding cemeteries and the deceased. A segment at the end of the lecture will be about the New Milford cemeteries.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
The New Milford Historical Society and the New Milford Public Library are proud to present
Panic in Connecticut: Accused Witches Have Their Say

Travel back to the 17th century and hear what 5 women accused of witchcraft have to say.  Actress Virginia Wolf brings them to life, fully costumed, fully incensed, fully frightened.
Painstakingly researched, “Panic in Connecticut; Accused Witches Have Their Say” is a one woman show that sheds light on the puritan society that condemned so-called witches to their death thirty years before the hysterics of Salem, MA. 

Held in Memorial Hall in the NMPL
Cost: FREE

Starts at 2:00 PM
The Art of Gravestone Rubbings - Judith Burroughs.
Rubbing gravestones is a rich rewarding experience for both the novice and the professional artist. The universal practice of rubbing gravestones and other markers if done properly and in accordance with local and state regulations does not harm stones or monuments . The technique of rubbing is creates an image that records features such as natural textures, inscribed patterns or lettering. This hands on program will introduce rubbing as a fascinating art form that will bring out the artist in each of us. Ms. Burroughs will teach participants easy to follow steps for creating a beautiful rubbing from stones located in one of New Milford's oldest graveyard, Center Cemetery. Old gravestones are an important part of our national heritage and are considered by many as remaining works of art that are still in their original form and place from our ancestors.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
The New Milford Historical Society & Museum has scheduled their next craft night for Thursday, October 4th in the Boardman Store at the museum from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. This program is back by popular demand! Owl decor has become popular all across America. The "make and take" project for the evening will be the creation of an Owl Stuffie the perfect addition to your autumn decorations. Instructions, materials and refreshments will be provided. The cost is $10.00 for non-members and $5.00 for current members of the Historical Society. If you have a special pair of buttons for eyes, bring them along.

tickets

1 Person $10.00 USD2 People $20.00 USD3 People $30.00 USD

Cost: $10.00 Members: $5.00

Starts at 1:00 PM
In conjunction with the Field of Honor which will be sitting proudly on the grounds of the Historical Society and the Town, we have mounted a small exhibit, In Honor of Our Veterans in the Boardman Store Gallery.
The items included in the exhibit will be uniforms and memorabilia from our collection of Veterans from the Civil War, WWI and WWII. We also have on exhibit a special temporary loan of some very rare medals and patches that were worn by a local Vietnam Veteran, M. Sgt. Ray Crawford US Army Special Forces (Green Beret) who served 3 tours.
He also generously lent us a stone sculpture he made entitled Phantom as well as his Green Beret and Jungle Bush Hat. We honor and remember all of our veterans that have served our country proudly.
The exhibit will be on view from October 2 - November 13.

Cost: FREE
Click here to see more about how this event went on Tuesday, October 2.

Starts at 1:00 PM
Hilary McKenna, Nettie McKenna and Caroline Critelli, all members of the New Milford Historical Society, will present a talk on the history and collecting of Depression Glass on Sunday, September 23, at 1:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of their own pieces of Depression Glass for identification and valuation.

Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:00 PM
Ingleside School by Pam Edwards
Did you know that Saint Francis School, Canterbury School and some houses on Terrace Place have a common denominator? In the 1890's they were part of an exclusive school for girls named Ingleside. Join us for a different kind of walking being led by are own Pam Edwards who is the past Curator of the Historical Society and is currently the Registrar.
Tour begins at the Historical Society with a glass of wine or lemonade on the front steps. At 7:00, visitors can drive up to Canterbury where the tour will begin.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 10:00 AM
Our 4th Annual Tag Sale to benefit the Historical Society is fast approaching. Take advantage of the sale to clean out your attics and cellars and donate your antiques, household items, jewelry and knick knacks to us. Please no books or electronics. Items can be dropped off at the Museum during business hours anytime before the July sale which is during Village Fair Days.

Volunteers are also needed to help with all facets of the sale; set-up, pricing, working the sale and clean-up. If you would be willing to lend a hand, please call the museum at (860) 355-4488.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
Lecture by Betty Odenwald, Connecticut Society, US Daughters of 1812
The War of 1812 is often called the "forgotten war". However, to some historians, it is the end of the American Revolution. It established the American right to trade and commerce, it was the spur to Western expansion, and it provided a new sense of nationalism and pride. In 2012, the United States is celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. In New Milford, there are 30 veterans from this war buried throughout our local cemeteries who we want to remember for their service and sacrifice. This engaging lecture will discuss Connecticut as a supporter of the War of 1812 and the approximately 6,000 militia, soldiers and sailors who fought for our freedom. Mrs. Odenwald is from Fairfield, Connecticut and is the President of the Connecticut Society, U.S. Daughters of 1812.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:00 PM
More information to follow!
Cost: FREE

Starts at 2:00 PM
Historic Music Program on the lawn by Rick Spencer
Songs from the War of 1812 is a program which gives background information and insight into the causes and events of this conflict, which pitted a rather young United States of America against our "mother country" and most bitter enemy, Great Britain. In response to British actions and policy the halls of Congress echoed with the cries of "Free Trade and No Impressment." There was also great concern about the British arming our Native-American enemies on the frontier. In June of 1812 Congress declared War in an effort to enforce our sovereignty. The conflict lasted until the until January of 1815. Some remarkable music was popular during the War of 1812. This program presents songs from both the British and American sides. Recruiting songs, ballads, songs of the hardship of those who the soldiers left behind, patriotic songs and songs which described major battles are all presented in this very entertaining and informative program.

Performer, Rick Spencer from Norwich, CT is best known as a researcher and singer of historical songs. He travels throughout the country presenting theme-based concerts and lectures for historical societies, libraries, museums and music festivals. His programs are informative, entertaining and often irreverent. Rick's presentations strongly emphasize songs which give insight into the American spirit. He is the executive director and curator of the Dr. Ashbel Woodward Museum in Franklin, CT.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
Join Bob Coppola and take a moment back in time as he leads you on a walking tour along the New Milford Green. Participants will meet at the New Milford Historical Society and enjoy a glass of wine or lemonade on the front steps before they are taken on a fascinating tour of New Milford's past. Not only will the talk be about the architecture on the remaining buildings along the Green, but also about of the unique place of our Green in American history. What was on the originally on the site of Town Hall? Why was its owner famous in American history? Where did Marquee de Lafayette, a Frenchman who came to assist George Washington, dine on the Village Green? Where did runaway slaves hide on their way North to safety?
Cost: FREE

Starts at 1:00 PM
A Special Children's High Tea & Party will be held at the New Milford Historical Society on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The theme of the Tea will be "Peter Rabbit and Friends."

The program will feature the violin students of Kathy Kelly Koch; a reading of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit themed cupcakes, sandwiches and other treats. Additionally, the children will be instructed on how to dance the Bunny Hop to the original music. Each child attending will take home a teacup and saucer and their own copy of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter.

Admittance to the Children's High Tea is $10 per person. Reservations may be made by calling the New Milford Historical Society at (860) 354-3069. Space is limited. This Special Program is being organized by Kathy Kelly Koch, Hilary McKenna, Nettie McKenna and New Milford Historical Society Curator, Lisa Roush.
Cost: $10.00 Members: $10.00
Click here to see more about how this event went on Sunday, June 24.

Starts at 10:00 AM
The 17th annual New Milford Outdoor Art Festival is being sponsored this year by the New Milford Historical Society. It will be held on Saturday, June 16th from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday June 17th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on the Village Green. This is a fine art show that attracts artists from all over New England and beyond.
Artists love this show. Crowds come to buy art and not ice cream. Testimony to its success is the extremely high rate of returning artists every year.
The art show is a major fund raiser for the historical society. The historical society is a non-profit organization which maintains a public museum, and offers educational and cultural activities encouraging an appreciation of art, history and music.
For additional information, please contact Pat Lathrope at palathrope @gmail.com

Cost: FREE
Click here to see more about how this event went on Saturday, June 16.

Starts at 1:00 PM
The one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut's diverse world of history, art and tourism to Connecticut residents. Museums throughout Connecticut, including the Historical Society will be open free to the public on this day.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:00 PM
Tour begins at the Historical Society with a glass of wine or lemonade on the front steps. At 7:00, the tour group will head to Bank Street led by Legard Waldrop to learn the history of the heart of New Milford.

Cost: FREE
Click here to see more about how this event went on Friday, June 1.

Starts at 1:00 PM
Favorite items from the museum's permanent collection will be brought out of storage and shared once again with the public. These treasured objects which are the heart of our historical society will awaken our memories and provide us with a tangible link to our past.
Cost: FREE

Starts at 1:15 PM
On your visit to the Museum's Spring Opening, stop by the Early American Toy station to play with toys such as Jacob's ladder, tops, cup and bowl, kaleidoscopes, the buzz saw plus many more. Try your skill with old fashioned games such as the hoop and stick, and game of Graces. See if you can solve Blacksmith puzzles. Many of the toys are on sale at the Museum Gift Shop.

Cost: FREE

Starts at 10:00 AM
Experience the timeless artistry of nationally renowned silhouette artist Deborah O'Connor at the New Milford Historical Society. The unique charm of a profile bust of your child, infant, pet or yourself can be enjoyed forever when captured in a silhouette portrait. Using scissors and paper as the only tools, O'Connor creates a cut silhouette in exacting detail and remarkable likeness in as little as five minutes. Silhouettes can be made from live subjects or photographs providing the subject is turned to the right. The cost is $30.00 for an original silhouette, $15.00 for a copy with 8" x 10" mattes available for $10.00 and 11" x 14" mattes for $15.00. Your silhouette will come mounted on your choice of white or ivory cardstock. They make wonderful Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversary or Birthday gifts and will become treasured family heirlooms.

Cost: FREE

Starts at 6:30 PM
The New Milford Historical Society has scheduled the next craft night for Wednesday, April 18th in the Boardman Store from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Owl decor has become popular all across America. The "make and take" project for the evening will be the creation of an Owl Stuffie. Instructions, materials and refreshments will be provided. The cost is $5.00, but is free to current members of the Historical Society. If you have a special pair of buttons for eyes, bring them along.

tickets

1 Person $5.00 USD2 People $10.00 USD3 People $15.00 USD

To make a reservation, please call the Historical Society at 860-354-3069.

Cost: $5.00 Members: FREE

Starts at 7:00 PM
New Milford author and historian Michael-John Cavallaro will present a lecture and book signing of "Tales of Old New Milford: Slavery, Crime and Punishment on the Connecticut Frontier" at the New Milford Historical Society and Museum describing the first mass murder in America which took place February 2, 1780 in Washington, Connecticut.
The Mallory Murders, as they came to be called, were so shocking that the news spread from Maine to Georgia in a matter of days. The murderer, 19-year-old Barnett Davenport, was from New Milford. Davenport's tragic life and his fall into mental illness and social dysfunction will be told in this lecture. Mr. Cavallaro spent three years researching this fascinating and disturbing tale, and will relate not only the story itself but explain how his research came to fruition in a detective story that took him deep into history and military research.
Cost: FREE
Click here to see more about how this event went on Thursday, March 8.