Leffingwell House Museum

06/22/2026

Did you know that General George Washington was concerned at the lack of training and discipline of his soldiers in the Continental Army. As a result, during the winter of 1778–1779, he commissioned Baron Von Steuben, in 1779, to prepare the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, commonly known as the "Blue Book". This original training manual is still the basis for the U.S. Army training manual used today. This 1791 printing of the Army Drill Book was used by John Stanton. It will be displayed on Independence Day at Leffingwell, it is part of the Revolutionary collection at the Leffingwell House Museum.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day!

06/19/2026

Thank you Norwich Public Utilities for your support of our history!

06/16/2026

Calling all Patriots to Leffingwell to 'Be Revolutionary’ and Celebrate Independence Day with us on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 10am-2pm. The day begins at 10am with the raising the 13 star Betsy Ross and Grand Union flag with a musket volley! At 10:30, Norwich businessman Elias Bliss will read the Declaration of Independence and YOU can add your signature to the document. At 11:30, Col.John Durkee will speak of the 1776 Battles of NY and White Plains, at which Norwich regiments participated. At noon, Brown’s Company of Artillery will join us for some cannon fireworks. Check out the wares of Big Bear Trading Company on the grounds. Inside the museum, see and read the muster list of Jabez Huntington’s regiment that fought in NY and the letters written by Zephaniah Bliss to his brother Elias after the Battle of White Plains. Plus more original documents, ledgers and newspapers from the Revolutionary Era, see our annual display of Historic flags. Learn about the pension request made by Joshua Yeomans of Norwich and read an original letter written at Camp Roxbury after the Battle of Bunker Hill. Discover the connections between Norwich and the Revolutionary War, feel the pride of being an American as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! $8/pp

06/14/2026

Today, June 14 is Flag Day which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14th in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Resolved, 'That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.'

06/14/2026

We were delighted to have so many interested visitors at the Leffingwell and the Silversmith Shop for CT Open House! Thank you for joining us and for your interest in history.
A special Thank you to our museum team who made the day so engaging for our visitors!

06/13/2026

Are you ready for CT Open House Day? The blacksmith is already at Leffingwell and the flags are out as is nursing mother Mary. The silversmith shop has Joseph Carpenter as well as AC! Stop by both places today!

06/12/2026

Celebrate Connecticut Open House Day in New London County 2026 JUNE 13, 2026

It's the 22nd anniversary of Connecticut Open House Day! That's twenty-two years of celebrating the unique array of attractions that make the state so special. Check out what New London County has to offer.

Here are a few in the greater Norwich Area you don't want to miss!

Banana Leaf Crafts Studio, 7 Hurlbutt Road, Gales Ferry.
Banana Leaf Crafts Studio is a vibrant, colorful creative experience in Connecticut where art, music, laughter, and community come together. For Connecticut Open House Day, guests can:
~ Enjoy free Mini Mosaic Coasters or Connecticut-themed Bottle Cap Magnets
~ Take part in eco-friendly, fun recycling art projects
~ Explore full $30 project displays with exclusive event discounts
Visitors will leave with a handmade piece, inspiration to explore creativity at home, and a firsthand experience of Connecticut's vibrant arts scene.

Artreach, Inc., 401 W. Thames St. Unit 702, Norwich.
Artreach, Inc.'s gallery will have an opening reception for our all new exhibit featuring hand-painted buoys and other craft to create an immersive nautical installment. Work on display features Artreach program members, adults living with mental illnesses. Our visual arts, music, and theater programs help sustain recovery; while our art exhibits and public performances raise awareness and bust stigma in the community. Open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Open House Day. There will be our opening reception, there will be refreshments, as well as live jazz from our house band Baggage Claim.

Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop, Norwichtown Green.
Experience a FREE tour of the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop, one of the last remaining tradesmen shops left in New England. Built in 1772 by silversmith and clockmaker Joseph Carpenter you will see the original walls, his clocks and the forge he used. Joseph Carpenter himself will be there to talk about his clocks and silver. Tours from 11-2:30. https://www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org/index.php/joseph-carpenter-silversmith-shop/

Leffingwell House Museum: Engage in a FREE tour of the main floor of the 350 year old Leffingwell House Museum. Stand in a pre-Revolutionary Tavern Room. Meet Mary Leffingwell, nurse for the town in the 1700's and learn about the herbs she grew and used for healing remedies. Tours available 11-2:30. Whole house tour available for $8. Immerse yourself in History!

Perkins-Rockwell House Museum, 42 Rockwell Street, Norwich.
A red wool cloak, a tiny teapot, a skeleton key, and a slab of polished marble tell tales of the famous, the infamous and the everyday men and women of the American Revolution.

Enjoy free admission to our new exhibit, "Heroes, Villains or Legends? Stories of Revolutionary Eastern Connecticut"� at the Perkins-Rockwell House Museum. Sample traditional Bohea and consider the consequences during a talk entitled “Colonial Tea: Treat or Treason?”

Slater Memorial Museum The Museum will offer FREE admission and on-site activities. Slater Memorial Museum is on the campus of Norwich Free Academy Slater Museum has grown to include a collection of over 10,000 pieces of art and objects from all over the globe. Enjoy FREE admission to Slater Memorial Museum which will include crafts and family activities throughout the day from 10am-4pm.

View More! https://ctvisit.com/articles/celebrate-connecticut-open-house-day-new-london-county-2026

It's the 22nd anniversary of Connecticut Open House Day! That's twenty two years of celebrating the unique array of attractions that make the state so special. Check out what New London County has to offer.

06/12/2026

This weekend is a busy with history. Saturday June 13 is CT Open House Day. You can experience Living History with Free main floor tours at Leffingwell and the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop. Mary Leffingwell returns to discuss healing practices, Jane the Weaver will demonstrate her craft along with Scott Weeks blacksmith of Hickory Forge on the grounds. Joseph Carpenter will be at his shop on the Green to discuss clockmaking and silversmithing.
Sunday June 14 is Flag Day which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14th in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Resolved, 'That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.' Leffingwell House has a small collection of early flags which we like to display in June in remembrance of the June 14 adoption of the U.S.Flag.