Local Girls Who Made a Difference During the 1700s
April 2024
The New Milford Historical Society & Museum Presents
An Afternoon with Dr. Darla Shaw
Dr. Darla Shaw, Professor Emeritus in women’s studies and education, will discuss the role of young women and teenagers in colonial times . The focus is on strong colonial women whose leadership skills helped to shape and build our nation. Highlighted will be Sybil Ludington, Abigail Stebbins, Abigail Burgess, and Emily Geiger and Dicey Langston, teenage spies during the Revolution. This program is perfect for upper elementary and high school students, parents, and educators, but all are welcome to learn more about often unrecognized heroes who showed great strength of character and bravery.
Darla Shaw is a Western Connecticut State University Professor Emeritus in education and women’s studies. She taught at the university level for 25 years, and prior to that was a teacher and administrator in the Ridgefield School System for 38 years. To help women and others realize the plight of women over the years, she has taken on the role of over 60 different courageous women. Professor Shaw has also written three plays for the Ridgefield Theater Barn and is presently writing a play about three great children’s authors from Ridgefield. Darla played New Milford’s own Addie Strong in our Cemetery Tour.
Free Admission/Donations Appreciated
Litchfield County & The Civil War
March 2024
Litchfield County & The Civil WarBy Peter Vermilyea MARCH 10, 2024 @ 2PM Museum’s Main Gallery : 6 Aspetuck Ave. FREE Admission / Donations Accepted
Author, educator, and historian Peter Vermilyea will discuss his new book, “ Litchfield County & The Civil War” and the impact of the Civil War on Northern home life. The book looks specifically at the recruiting and training of men for the Union war effort, and it draws heavily from the experiences of David Soule of New Milford.
This program is generously sponsored by New Milford Commission on the Arts
An Afternoon of Music
February 2024
The New Milford Historical Society & Museum invites you to join us for an afternoon of music, stories, and memories. Paul Ramunni, Director of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company in Canaan, Connecticut, will offer an entertaining program, which highlights the history of the accordion and its influence on musical culture and contributions. Paul is an expert musician and educator with a love for the accordion, a spirited instrument with a rich history. This program is offered free to the public, but donations are always accepted and appreciated. No reservations are necessary.
Connecticut Memories Auction
January 2024
The New Milford Historical Society and Just In Antiques Present
Connecticut Memories Auction
“Books, Artifacts, Art and Other Collectibles of the Constitution State”
Auction is currently viewable on AuctionNinja.com. www.auctionninja.com/just-in-antiques-llc
Books, Bottles, Wannopee Pottery, Art, Yearbooks, Advertising, Signs, Postcards, Ephemera and Much, Much More. All Items Start with a $1 Opening Bid. Bidding will go live on Monday, January 29th and end on Thursday, February 8th. Ephemera and book auction will be running simultaneously. Pick up for all three auctions will be at the museum Saturday, February 10 from 1 to 5 and Tuesday February 13 from 3 to 6. 100% of the museum consignments will go to the museum’s general operating fund and 10% of the proceeds for Just In Antiques auctions will be donated to the museum.
Help us with our new exhibit!
January 2024
The New Milford Historical Society & Museum has begun work on a new exhibit entitled The Jewish Experience in New Milford. This is part of an ongoing series to explore the historical experience of various ethnic groups in our town which has included exhibits on Black Americans and Indigenous Peoples.
If anyone has any historical information, photos or other artifacts relevant to this upcoming project or an interest in participating, please contact David Cohen on behalf of the Museum at davidxxcohen@gmail.com
Thank you for any assistance you can offer!
Stories from the Attic: Vintage Media - The Eyes and Ears of Long Ago
December 2023
Join History Hunter and NMHS board Trustee, Greg Van Antwerp, December 6th at 7pm at the New Milford Historical Society as he presents rare samples of recordings and film clips as a window on the past. Greg has uncovered, during his many searches through the attics and basements of New England, recordings on film, audio tape and even fine wire which provide not only a nostalgic look at the past, but also a rare glimpse into how we captured moments in a time when sharing meant relatives only. "The owners of these pieces would not be embarrassed were they present at this event, " Greg says, "maybe a little proud that they unwittingly became the example for leisure and entertainment in the early to mid - 20th Century."
Greg Van Antwerp has been providing his "Stories from the Attic" for over ten years and hopes that visitors will appreciate the opportunity to not only see and hear the past, but to handle examples as well. Greg provides a form of travelling museum and uses exhibits to create a more interactive experience with his audience.
As an avid historian and preservationist, Greg hopes to teach people how to seek out these unique bits of hidden history so they may join him on his journey to preserve history in its physical form for generations to come.
This event is free, though donations are always welcome
