The Northville District
December 2025
A Slide Show and Talk By Ted Hine
Author, educator, and historian Peter Vermilyea
Discussed 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.
Paul Ramunni, Director of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company in Canaan, Connecticut
Offered 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.
Thank you to all who had a part in our newest event. Board member, Joe Cats, was instrumental in organizing the Historical walk depicting the Great Fire of 1902.
Said Rachel Barton:
"Ray and I thought the tour was so informative about the 1902 fire. It was well organized and the actors did a wonderful job with their portrayals. In fact we learned some new information about Ray's grandfather, W.G. Barton. Thanks for a very enjoyable day."
December 2025
A Slide Show and Talk By Ted Hine
November 2025
New Milford Historical Society presents...
SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND CRAFT SALE
Saturday, November 29, 202510:00am 4:00pm&Sunday, November 30,202510:00-3:00p.m
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Pat HembrookPHONE: (203) 788-1696 || EMAIL: phembrook@gmail.com
September 2025
or, “What the Dickens has the Isle of Wight To do with Florence Chandler Maybrick
A Costumed Presentation by UK speaker Julie Croydon September 8th, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Julie and her husband, Bill, live in Ryde, a town on a small island off the south coast of England.
At the age of 31, Julie became the founding Headmistress at an of an International School. Although her first degree is an Arts subject, she later became fascinated by Computer Science and lectured in Database Analysis and Design at Southampton University. Bill is a physics PhD who designed equipment to monitor ionizing radiation, Retired, they now voluntarily present costumed Bible Stories during School assemblies twice a week. As an historical re-enactor, Julie was asked to present a monologue in the person of Laura Withers, the wife of Florence Chandler Maybrick’s brother-in-law, Michael Maybrick. This was how Julie became interested in the case. In the persona of Laura, Julie had to give the Maybrick version of the “murder” of her husband, James, but she was determined to study the issue in depth. Julie’s sister came to work in Connecticut sixty years ago. In 2022, her husband took Julie and Bill to see Florence’s grave. Research uncovered several links between the Isle of Wight and Florence’s tragic story. The following year, Julie met New Milford author Ron Suresha and began proofreading his manuscript of Florence’s biography, Death of a Cat Lady. Together, they contacted relatives of both Florence and James, and prepared submissions to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, in the hope of exonerating Florence. Florence was convicted during the reign of Queen Victoria (see Victoria’s judgement via the QR code) and not released until the reign of King Edward VII.
Admission is free for members, Nonmembers’ admission is $5.
August 2025
Join us
for a self-guided tour experience (ages 21+)
Friday, August 15th7 - 9PM
FREE FOR MEMBERS$25/non-member Couples$15 / non-member Singles
Call or email for reservationsPay at the door - cash or checks
Ticket includes a complimentary glass of Cava + dessert, and a copy of the book, "Voices of the Past".
nmhistorical@gmail.com || 860.354.3069
July 2025
Larry Epstein wrote, produced and researched the project, and he will present this film along with a Q&A session afterwards. Larry is a two-time Emmy award-winning documentary and news producer, journalist, writer, anchor and corporate copywriter. He is currently a writer/reporter for the River Journal, Peekskill Herald and The Examiner, and also a freelance producer at News 12. Larry is a former executive producer at MSNBC, and former senior-level producer at the Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. With a debate raging in the US about what should and shouldn’t be taught about slavery in schools, high school student Richard French IV wanted to learn more about New York City’s prominent and largely untold role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. ‘The Hidden History of Slavery in New York’ is a 30-minute documentary for broadcast television, that digs deeply into an infamous chapter in our country that hasn’t made its way into the history books. Host/Producer Richard French IV set out to study the issue and educate others, after he read the 1619 Project, and went on a tour of slavery sites in New York City.
The Hidden History of Slavery in New York” won an award at the 67th annual NY Emmy Awards last year.
July 2025
Learn about the history of chickens and how to raise happy, healthy backyard chickens.
Come listen to Joanne Chapin and Kent Fletcher, board members, talk about the benefits of keeping chickens, zoning requirements, the coop, and food and water needs.
Bring your questions for the Q&A session and discussion.
Whether you’re a beginner, a history lover or already have chickens this is the talk for you!