America 250 Exhibit
America 250 Exhibit
As part of the statewide America 250 initiative, the Naugatuck History Museum is presenting a multi-phase exhibition series that connects local stories to the broader American experience. This work aligns with the four America 250 | CT themes established by the America 250 | CT Commission, administered by CT Humanities. These themes encourage organizations to look beyond the Revolutionary era and consider how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have shaped communities across generations.
The Founding and American Identity display explores how national symbols, shared traditions, and everyday objects helped shape a sense of belonging in the early United States. Through topics such as the evolution of the American flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the bald eagle, early American currency, and the Declaration of Independence, the display considers how ideas formed during the Revolutionary period continued to influence civic life. Together, these materials connect the founding era to the experiences of ordinary Americans across generations.
The Revolution and 19th Century room explores war, industry, and everyday life in the 1800s. Highlights include Revolutionary War connections - the story of Chauncey Judd, Civil War narratives, and reflections on domestic life during a period of rapid change. The exhibit emphasizes both prominent individuals and everyday residents.
The Whittemore Art Collection »
Together, these rooms are aligned with several America 250 | CT themes, including Tell Inclusive Stories, Power of Place, and Doing History, by highlighting underrepresented voices, grounding national history in Naugatuck’s landscape, and exploring the lived experiences behind major historical developments.
Service and Sacrifice: Our Town Through War in the 20th Century expands the exhibition into the twentieth century through World War I, World War II, and community memory. Visitors encounter stories connected to local service members, monuments, parades, and commemorations showing how national milestones were experienced and remembered in Naugatuck.
This room is aligned with the For the Common Good theme by highlighting civic engagement, remembrance, and the ongoing work of shaping community around shared democratic ideals.