What’s coming up
and what went on before?
The great thing about the events that the New Milford Historical Society offers is that they are timeless little contributions to the fabric of our town’s society.
Plus, we have a complete record of all the events that we’ve run here on the website. We are our own ephemera!
Every year, we offer many events, from spontaneous antiques appraisals, to book signings, to how to make a salad or a toy owl.
We’ve had Civil War reenactments, Revolutionary soldiers on the lawn, and pickelhaubered German soldiers in the main exhibit hall. We offer lectures, tea parties, and a great time for all.
Naturally, we love to have attendees, members usually get in free, and the events are always a lot of fun!
June 2023
Presented by The New Milford Historical Society and MuseumJune 4, 2023
Join us on June 4, 2023, to see what happened in New Milford on May 5, 1902, the day of the Great Fire.
Come take a walking tour and meet the people who were there on Railroad and Bank Streets and listen to their stories.
For more information, you can click here to get tickets on EventBrite, or contact the museum at (860) 354-3069 or nmhistorical@gmail.com
May 2023
The Great Fire of 1902 Slideshow Presented by Joe Cats and The New Milford Historical Society and Museum
May 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Paul Richmond Citizen Center 40 Main Street
The fire that destroyed nearly half of New Milford’s business district on May 5, 1902, has been referred to as “The Great Fire”. It was discovered shortly before 9:00 PM in the livery stables located behind The New Milford House Hotel on Railroad Street.
The fire completely leveled the area between Main, Bridge, Railroad, and Bank Streets, thus affecting businesses, professional offices, and private dwellings. Thirty three buildings, and twelve barns and stables were burned out. No other fire in New Milford’s history had approached this magnitude.
By the next morning merchants and community members were carrying out goods to the village Green and salvaging what they could. In the midst of loss and destruction, the resilient New Milford folks remained positive and resourceful, even maintaining a sense of humor.
The New Milford we now know was rebuilt out of the ashes. Donations are appreciated.
May 2023
Check out our display case at the New Milford Public Library. On exhibit…."The Well- Dressed Victorian Lady"
April 2023
The New Milford Historical Society will once again be participating in the Connecticut Community Foundation Give Local event.
Help us win prizes for participation and donations during this 36-hour giving campaign. Your gift could be dramatically increased based on various gift challenges that are happening throughout the two days.
March 2023
After five years of restoration, the gallery has been remodeled as an exhibit space.
Showcased are the Indigenous People who lived and worked the land, the development of our agricultural roots, the establishment of the railroad, and on through early businesses, trades, and industries. The exhibit space is filled with impressive pictures and artifacts, brought out of storage after many years. Special features will include The Great Fire of 1902, farms still operating today, military memorabilia, and intriguing New Milford characters. The exhibits have been mounted with respect, extensive research, and a passion to preserve the history of this beautiful town.
The exhibit will open to the public beginning on March 28, 2023. Admission is free for members and $5.00 per person for non members.
November 2022
We invite you to Sponsor a Flag in Honor of a Veteran! In honor the upcoming Veteran’s Day, in honor and in memory of our Military Veterans and those men and women actively serving our country today, the Kiwanis Club Foundation of Greater Danbury, Inc. will erect the Kiwanis Flags of Valor on the New Milford Historical Society and the Town of New Milford’s lawn at the north end of the Green.
The Field of Valor will include at least 300 full size (3 foot by 5 foot) American flags and will be on display throughout November. All are invited to sponsor anyone they would like to HONOR with one of these keepsake flags. Your Honoree and sponsor name will be proudly displayed on a yellow ribbon with each flag.
Major sponsors will be identified with on-site signage and up to ten flags for their honorees. All proceeds support the efforts and the programs of the Kiwanis Club Foundation of Greater Danbury, Inc, 501c. We are a volunteer organization whose mission is "To serve the children of the world, one community at a time."
The Historical Society is happy to have this display on our property.
Friday, July 28
Starts at 9:00 AM
The New Milford Historical Society & Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits on view at the Society, located just north of the historic and scenic New Milford Green at N° 6, Aspetuck Avenue.
Our hours are Thursday + Friday from 12:00 - 3:00, Saturday 11:00 - 2:00, (by appointment only for the duration of the CV-19 emergency! Click
here to reserve yours, or call (860) 354-3069.)
Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 12 are free, as are members.
@gmail.com