5 Years Later: Covid-19 Community Experience Survey
The Newtown Historical Society invites you to participate in creating a historical record of Newtown’s local experience dealing with the COVID-19 global pandemic five years after it began. Your contributions will be archived with those of other Newtowners and accessed in the future by scholars, townspeople, students and others who study and look back on this historic time in our modern life.
We were all touched by COVID-19 in very different and personal ways. Children and parents, seniors and students, merchants, highly educated professionals...all creatively finding new ways to work and play safely. Every kind of individual and family has been forced to adopt new habits almost overnight.
Much of the story of COVID-19 will be about hardship and difficulty, but not all. A complete record should reflect new work requirements and adaptations, pastimes, family time, entertainment, steps to protect from the virus, changes in the household and other personal observations describing how our lives have been affected by the pandemic.
Please join us in updating our archive that chronicled our shared experience with COVID-19 five years later. Your contribution, however large or small, is historically significant and will provide a rare opportunity to touch the future.
Upcoming Events
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Antiques Appraisal Day in Conjunction with the Matthew Curtis House Open House
April 12th, 2025
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Matthew Curtis House
44 Main Street
Newtown Meeting House
31 Main Street
After many years, the much-anticipated Antiques Appraisal Day is making a return. Sponsored by the Newtown Historical Society, enthusiasts and collectors are invited to uncover the hidden stories and value behind their cherished treasures. No appointment is necessary. Simply stop by the Newtown Meeting House, by the flagpole. Brian Corcoran, of The Auction Barn in New Milford, Tucker Frey, of Tucker Frey Antiques in Woodbury, and John Renjilian, of Pages of Yesteryear in Newtown will be on hand to provide professional evaluations. $10 per item and photographs of large items will be accepted.
The Matthew Curtis House, across the street at 44 Main Street, will also host an Open House at the same time. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore this fine example of an 18th Century Saltbox and learn about colonial life in Newtown. This is a free event, however, donations are welcomed and appreciated in order to continue offering events such as this.
The Dred Scott Decision of 1857
April 27th, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 pm
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street
Considered one of the most controversial uses – or abuses – of power in the history of the United States Supreme Court, the 1857 Dred Scott decision intensified the conflict over slavery in America. The Supreme Court’s decision played a meaningful role in Lincoln’s rise to power; and thus, the country’s inevitable decline into civil war.
This is a free event, however, donations are accepted and welcomed in order to continue offering events such as this.
Gettysburg - Three Days that Changed the Civil War
May 18th, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 pm
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street
A small Pennsylvania farming town, Gettysburg, was the turning point of the Civil War for both the Union and Confederate armies. Often referred to as the High-Water Mark for the Confederacy, it was also a defining moment for the Union. Join us for a discussion with Sal Camillieri on the bloodiest and most deadly battle ever fought on American soil and in American history
Pop Up Art Sale
April 1st - May 31st, 2025
C.H. Booth Library
25 Main Street
Newtown Historical Society is offering original art oil paintings created by artist Eugene Boyko for sale starting April 1st and running until May 31st. Eugene Boyko was an area artist who specialized in local scenaries and occasional modern art pieces. These paintings were offered to the Historical Society by Newtown resident Kathy Vrabel to be used to fund the needs of the Curtis House, located on Main Street.
Pricing of these pieces will allow anyone to purchase an original painting for their home and office. Spring is coming, so why not change out what is on your walls with new artwork. There will be pictures offered from small to large, able to fit any space. The exhibit will start with winter and fall scenes and change out to spring and summer themed pieces. A brief biography of the painter will be included with each piece sold. The circulation desk will take your cash or check made out to the Newtown Historical Society.
For more information on this event, please contact Patti Clark at willomoor@att.net
June Open House and Woodworking Demonstration
June 22nd, 2025
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Matthew Curtis House
44 Main Street
Please join us for our last open house until Fall! Rick Liegl, from Colonial Crafts of Connecticut will demonstrate early American woodworking. Rick visits original 17th century pieces of furniture in museums and then recreates them using antique hand tools and historically accurate techniques. He promotes an interest in the early furniture made in New England by demonstating joinery, decorative carving, spoon and bowl carving at museums and historical societies throughout Connecticut. He always brings handmade pieces for sale. Refreshments will be served and tours of the Matthew Curtiss House will be available.This is a free event, but donations are appreciated!
Ezra Around Town
Beginning January 2025
Introducing Ezra the Rooster. Follow our "Ezra Around Town" posts on Facebook or Instagram. Ezra the Rooster, named for our first unofficial Town Historian, Ezra Johnson, will be starting his travels around Newtown in January. He'll be visiting locations with a historical significance, but some of the lesser known locations to most Newtowners. Be sure to like our pages in order to receive updates of his travels.