WE NEED YOU!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Newtown Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Newtown's history through programs, events, and the maintenance of the Matthew Curtiss House Museum and Little Red Schoolhouse.
We currently need volunteers for the following positions: Secretary, Bookkeeper, Fundraiser Committee Chair, and Docents
If interested or you just want more information, please contact Barbara Wilson at bkwilsonhistory@yahoo.com or call 203-952-5516.
Upcoming Events
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“Hamilton: Misery, Money and the Musical that Made Him Famous” by Raymond Sullivan
January 12th, 2020
2:00 PM
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street, Newtown
Raymond Sullivan will play short clips from the record-breaking Broadway Musical and expound on the History behind Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Dramatic Lyrics, which introduced our first Secretary of the Treasury to so many, who never really knew of his outstanding accomplishments.
“First Ladies in Adventure, Glamor, Guts and Gumption” by Mariann Millard
March 8th, 2020
2:00 PM
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street, Newtown
Mariann Millard will educate and entertain participants about the personalities and adventures of the women who became the First Ladies of the United States. Millard will use personal anecdotes from her time as a Licensed DC Guide leading tours in DC to enhance the First Lady experience
Open House
March 15th, 2020
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Matthew Curtiss House Museum
44 Main Street, Newtown
Step back in time with costumed doscents for a tour of Newtown's very own house museum. Being built in the mid-1700s, the house witnessed, as a private residence, more than 250 years of Newtown's history.
“The Building of the Stevenson Dam” by John Babina
April 13th, 2020
7:30 PM
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street, Newtown
We are pleased to have John Babina speak to us on the Stevenson Dam, celebrating 100 years this year. This giant structure, had as many as 800 men working around the clock in shifts to contstruct the dam. It boasted a dining room whicch could seat 300 and there was always a doctor present in case of an accident. When complete this state of the art construction which John will detail created Lake Zoar which covered about 1500 acres and greatly impacted the surrounding communities. As soon as it was completed in 1919, power began being generated. It is truely an engineering marvel.
Spinning Wheel Demo & Open House
April 19th, 2020
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Matthew Curtiss House Museum
44 Main Street, Newtown
Have you ever wondered how yarn is made? How does a spinning wheel work? What is a drop spindle? In this demonstration visitors will have the opportunity to observe techniques that have been used for centuries to create yarn. Different fibers and the tools used to prepare them for spinning will be discussed. Get a feel for what your ancestors had to do every day in order to clothe themselves and their families.
“The History of Beer”
May 11th, 2020
7:30 PM
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street, Newtown
Open House & Blacksmithing demo
May 17th, 2020
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Matthew Curtiss House Museum
44 Main Street, Newtown
Experienced blacksmith, Josh Reynolds, is coming to demonstrate and discuss how this craft isn’t just about hammering metal. It’s about knowing what the end results is supposed to be and how to manipulate the metal. He will be making some example 1800s hardware while sharing his knowledge of the process and art. This hobby turned into work and now Josh takes custom orders.