Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

06/02/2026

Every document in our collection requires care and occasionally conservation – but sometimes unexpected discoveries are made along the way!

Recently, an unidentified account book of a Norwich farmer was in pieces and in need of conservation (generously funded by the National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America). The account book includes entries for foods and other record-keeping including deeds, births, deaths, marriages, indentures, and "three emancipations."
After thoroughly reviewing the volume, we were able to identify this book as that of Benjamin Huntington (1736-1801), town clerk for Norwich.

How did we figure it out?

The Museum houses two other account books belonging to Huntington, one of which ends on August 2, 1781. This previously anonymous account book picks up on August 15, 1781. The handwriting, entries, names, and a few unique drawings of cattle all match up to the known account book of Huntington.

Like a puzzle, there is nothing more satisfying than filling in the gaps!
This account book was conserved as part of the American Revolution Papers Digitization Project, a grant-funded project generously supported by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, and the National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America.

Learn more about the project: https://conta.cc/4u8ZBwm

Image: Benjamin Huntington account book, 1781-1783, Connecticut Museum Collection Ms 92595.

06/01/2026

Stay cool at the Museum! Enjoy free admission on any day that reaches 95 degrees or above, now through Labor day. We hope to see you soon!

Plan your visit:
https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/

05/30/2026

An unforgettable evening of music, memories, and generosity at the Museum. This past Thursday, the Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club gathered at the Museum for one final celebration after more than 50 years of bringing traditional music to the community. Founded in 1972, the club may be disbanding, but its legacy will live for generations to come.

The group has created an endowed fund that will support cultural and musical programs in perpetuity at the Connecticut Museum; a lasting gift that ensures the spirit of traditional music continues to inspire future audiences.

The evening began with a heartfelt performance of "This Land is Your Land,” and the group reflecting on the club's history, friendship and passion.

The Museum is also honored to receive several items for the collection from the Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club, including a beautiful gold-leafed fiddle created for Bristol's 50th Golden Jubilee.

A special thank you to Joe Lavariere for his dedication and work in helping bring this meaningful gift to the Museum.

We are grateful to all club members who joined us:
Cliff Gourneault, Katherine Charette, Joseph Lavariere, Reginald Paquet, Joan Sinder, Gayle Hansley, Wendy Barrett, Ray Bilodeau, and Ed Rosado.

Thank you for preserving and sharing Connecticut’s musical heritage.

05/29/2026

The Connecticut Museum is excited to announce our fundraising partnership with the 2026 Travelers Championship Birdies for Charity program! Birdies for Charity provides 501(c)(3) organizations across Connecticut with the opportunity to raise funds as part of the annual golf classic.

Now through June 28th: Donations made to the Connecticut Museum through Birdies for Charity help strengthen the Connecticut Museum’s endowment. That means your gift of any size will continue to benefit the Museum in perpetuity! Thank you for helping us to preserve and share Connecticut’s stories for generations to come.

Boost your gift by 15% when you donate today through our Birdies for Charity page: https://conta.cc/49oqMvG

05/26/2026

A wonderful evening this past Thursday hosting the West Hartford Chamber's Business After Hours and Annual Awards Reveal Party. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and congratulations to the Spotlight Award winners!

05/22/2026

Thank you CT Live for visiting our newest exhibition, "Rebellious."
Wondering what this exhibition is all about? Take a look at our feature on NBC's CT Live, and plan your visit to the Connecticut Museum today!

The exhibit is open through November 1st. Go to ConnecticutMuseum.org for more information.

05/19/2026

From the Collection:
This Revolutionary War-era hat bears two holes caused by musket fire. It was last worn in May of 1782 by the last man killed on Connecticut soil during the Revolutionary War: Captain Phineas Meigs.

Born in East Guilford (now Madison), CT, Phineas Meigs rose to the rank of Captain in the Militia during the colonial wars, but remained a Private during his career in the Revolutionary War. Enlisting on February 3, 1777 in Colonel William Douglas' 6th Regiment of the Connecticut Line, he was assigned to Captain Samuel Barker's Company. Meigs was discharged on February 3, 1780. On April 3, 1781, he reenlisted, this time in General David Waterbury's State Brigade under Captain Nathaniel Edwards.

On May 19, 1782, while attempting to repulse a British landing party on the shore at Guilford, Phineas Meigs was instantly killed by a musket ball through the head. He was buried in West Cemetery, Madison. He was 74 years old. Today, he is recognized as the last man to be killed on Connecticut soil during the War.

Connecticut Museum Collection: 1850.10.0

Reflect on America at 250 at the Connecticut Museum: https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/america-at-250/

05/08/2026

Give Mom the culture and history experience this Mother's Day, Sunday May 10! Explore our galleries, enjoy the Inspire Center with the family, and drop in @ 2 pm for a guided tour of our special exhibition, "Drawn Here: Stories from Hartford's North End."

❗️Are you a Connecticut Museum Member? Member's moms (or mother figures) get free admission on Mother's Day.

Not a Member? Join today! May is Member Appreciation Month at the Connecticut Museum:
➡️Join or renew in May and get an extra month of Membership for free.
➡️Members who attend any on-site event in May are automatically entered into a prize drawing.
➡️Join us for our next Member-exclusive event, "Behind the Scenes: The American Revolution," on May 27 @ 11:30 am - 1 pm. Get free tickets: https://conta.cc/49E3Fgv

Discover all the benefits and join today: https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/join-support/membership/

05/05/2026

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Ilene J. Frank to Executive Director and CEO, effective May 4, 2026. Frank replaces Robert A. Kret, who has retired after seven years of leading the institution.

Frank has served for 10 years at the Museum, most recently as the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer since 2023, and the Chief Curator from 2015-2022. During her tenure, the Connecticut Museum has received 14 state and national awards, and she spearheaded the Museum’s major rebranding effort in 2023.

“The Board of Trustees are pleased that Ilene will be taking the Museum into its next chapter,” Michael Cantor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said. “She is knowledgeable about the Museum’s collection, Connecticut’s history, and the many communities it serves—which will make her a strong leader of the organization.”

Read the full media release: https://conta.cc/4wbjmFI

04/25/2026

This past January, we hosted a film screening and panel discussion in partnership with Connecticut Public, exploring who was entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness during America's founding, focusing on Native Peoples and the American Revolution.

Listen to this conversation on CT Public's recent episode of "Where We Live": https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2026-04-23/examining-americas-promise-of-life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-of-happiness-for-indigenous-communites

Thank you to Special Correspondent Diane Orson for moderating the discussion, as well as the panelists who joined us:
- Lorén Spears: Executive Director of the Indigenous-led Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island
- Nakai Clearwater Northup: Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
- Ned Blackhawk: Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History."