Naugatuck Historical Society

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Naugatuck Historical Society

The Naugatuck Historical Society, located in the historic Tuttle House, is a volunteer-led nonprofit preserving local history.

Our America 250 initiatives highlight 250 years of stories, from military service to the lives of everyday residents.

05/23/2026

Today, we are proud to officially open our second exhibit room to the public as part of America 250.

The World War II: Naugatuck’s People and Stories exhibit explores how our community answered the call during one of the most challenging times in history. From the more than 3,000 men who enlisted, to the 55 women who volunteered, to the families and workers supporting the war effort from home, this exhibit highlights the personal stories, sacrifices, and resilience of the people of Naugatuck.

We hope you will stop by, explore the exhibit, and take time to reflect on the stories of those who served, sacrificed, and supported one another both overseas and here at home.

04/23/2026

Give Local 2026 was a success for the Naugatuck Historical Society.

Because of your support, we raised $6,225 from 46 donors, along with a $1,500 Board match and a $500 Double Down prize. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up for us.

We love being able to research and share these stories with our community. Your support is what allows the museum to exist and continue this work, and it is what keeps our volunteers motivated to keep going.

Our latest Quarterly is a great example of that, featuring research on the Whittemore family as part of our America 250 work, with connections to an etching by James Abbott McNeill Whistler currently on view at the museum.

Thank you for helping us continue this work!

04/20/2026

Earlier this month, we hosted Meet a Revolutionary Patriot with David Antone, and it was an incredible day at the museum. Visitors had the opportunity to explore his private collection of Revolutionary Era artifacts, including muskets, a carrying case, a powder horn, a pocket watch, and a cooking pot from the 1700s. Seeing these pieces up close created a powerful connection to the past.

Yesterday, April 19, we continued with Revolutionary Portraits, Minutemen, Patriots and Tories as part of our America 250 program series Stories That Shaped a Nation. John Dwyer shared meaningful local stories that highlighted how the Revolution shaped the lives of individuals and families here in the Naugatuck Valley. We were especially grateful for the strong turnout and loved welcoming both familiar faces and many new visitors into the museum.

If you have not joined us yet, we hope you will consider attending an upcoming program.

As we look ahead, Give Local begins tomorrow, April 21, at 7 AM and runs through April 22 at 7:00 PM. As a fully volunteer-run organization, everything we do, from planning programs like these to maintaining the museum and researching exhibits, is made possible by people who care deeply about preserving and sharing Naugatuck’s history.

If you are able, please consider making a donation during Give Local.

https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/naugatuck-historical-society-inc

Your support helps make all of this possible.

04/05/2026

Make a plan to join us.

As part of the Naugatuck History Museum’s America 250 program series, Stories That Shaped a Nation, we continue exploring the people and experiences that shaped our early nation. These programs are free and open to all, and everyone is welcome to step in, listen, and learn alongside neighbors and friends.

Join us Sunday, April 19, 2026 for Revolutionary Portraits, Minutemen, Patriots and Tories, presented by John Dwyer, Town Historian of Southbury, Connecticut. This engaging talk examines the lives of individuals in the Naugatuck Valley who were charged as Loyalists during the American Revolution. John highlights how these accusations affected families, livelihoods, and reputations, revealing the personal struggles that unfolded behind the broader conflict for independence.

John brings a deep passion for local history shaped by his family’s connection to Southbury and years of work in preservation, genealogy, reenacting, and restoration. His projects have included the Candee Wheeler House and barns, which received a Merit Award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and he continues to serve his community through ongoing preservation efforts.

We hope you will join us for this thoughtful conversation as we continue our America 250 journey together.

03/23/2026

What a truly wonderful reopening weekend at the Naugatuck History Museum.

We were honored to welcome our community back as we launched the beginning of our America 250 initiative.

On Friday, March 20, we gathered for 'A Toast to 250 Years', a special evening held in appreciation of our dedicated supporters.

On Saturday, March 21, we proudly opened America 250 Phase I to the public. We were especially grateful to welcome Mike Krenesky of the Sons of the American Revolution for his visit and support.

On Sunday, March 22, we hosted our first free public program in the America 250 series, Stories that Shaped the Nation. Thank you to Richard Franklin Donohue for bringing history to life through his presentation, 'What a Glorious Crash They Made, Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution'.

We are incredibly thankful to our America 250 sponsors, whose support makes this work possible.
Ion Bank.
Liberty Bank.
Coldwell Banker Realty 2000.
Russell Stutsky, Attorney at Law.
State Farm, McCormack Insurance Agency Inc.
Morrissey, Morrissey and Rydzik, LLC.
H. J. Bushka and Sons Lumber and Millwork.
The Loaded Goat Coffee Company.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and continues to believe in preserving and sharing Naugatuck’s history. This is just the beginning, and we are so excited for what is ahead.

Join us tonight for Traveling Trivia at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fun, friendly competition, and great company as we continue celebrating Naugatuck history together.

03/20/2026

1 day to go. Created entirely by our volunteers, this exhibit has been a true labor of love. We cannot wait to share it with you tomorrow from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Our America 250 Sponsors: Ion Bank - Liberty Bank - Coldwell Banker Realty 2000 - Russell Stutsky | Attorney at Law - State Farm | McCormack Insurance Agency Inc. - Morrissey Morrissey and Rydzik, LLC - H. J. Bushka and Sons Lumber and Millwork -
The Loaded Goat Coffee Company

11/11/2025

Get ready for some holiday magic this Sunday at the Naugatuck History Museum’s Annual Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 pm! Bring the kids in their Christmas outfits to meet Santa and take your own free holiday photos from 1:30 to 3:30. This year’s new display, “Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck,” tells the story of the year Santa landed in town by helicopter. Enjoy live music by the Naugatuck Woodwind Ensemble from 2 to 4, explore the Department 59 Dickens’ Village, and browse the museum store for local treasures. Free admission! Come celebrate the start of the season with us!

Address

380 Church Street
Naugatuck, CT
06770

Opening Hours

10am - 4pm

Telephone

(203) 729-9039

Website

http://www.naugatuckhistory.org/

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