Museum Events & Programs
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
The Naugatuck History Museum is proud to launch its America 250 program series, "Stories That Shaped a Nation."Each program invites our community to explore moments, ideas, and voices that helped define the American story. These events are free to attend and open to all.
Our first program features What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution, presented by tenor, music instructor, and historian Richard Franklin Donohue. This forty-minute presentation brings to life a remarkable collection of “New Songs” and hymns published in Connecticut during the American Revolution. From the Stamp Act to the British surrender at Yorktown, these stirring works encouraged resistance, celebrated victory, and offered gratitude for survival. As John Adams reflected, they “cultivated the sensations of Freedom.”
Richard will guide guests through this fiery and influential repertoire, performing selections on voice and harpsichord and sharing the stories behind the music. Many of these songs appeared in publications throughout New England, making the program a rich look at the shared musical heritage of the region.
Richard Franklin Donohue is a longtime music educator and historian, serving as the Town Historian of Cromwell and the President and Program Director of the Cromwell Historical Society. He writes the monthly Rosetown Review column for Cromwell Life and presents historical programs across New England.
This program marks the opening of our America 250 program series, and we welcome the community to join us as we reflect on the ideas and experiences that have shaped our nation’s journey.
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
As part of the Naugatuck History Museum’s America 250 program series, we continue to explore the people and experiences that shaped our early nation. These programs are free to attend and open to all, offering our community a chance to reflect on the complexity and humanity within our shared past.
Our next program, Revolutionary Portraits: Minutemen, Patriots and Tories, is presented by John Dwyer, Town Historian of Southbury, Connecticut. This 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 arrival in Southbury in 1984 to live in his wife Lynn’s ancestral home. Their children became the eighth generation of descendants to live there, inspiring his study of regional history and preservation. A retired Food Scientist and former Technical Sales Manager, John has devoted much of his time to genealogy, military reenacting, restoration work, and the study of nineteenth century American music.
He has contributed to many preservation efforts, including projects involving Southbury’s historic architecture and early industrial sites. His restoration of the Candee Wheeler House and barns earned a Merit Award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and was featured on HGTV. He serves on the Historic Buildings Commission and actively supports the Southbury Historical Society.
This program offers a thoughtful look at loyalty, conflict, and community during the Revolutionary era, and we welcome you to join us as we continue our America 250 journey.
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
The Naugatuck History Museum continues its America 250 series, Stories That Shaped a Nation. These free community programs highlight the many people, experiences, and ideas that helped form our early nation, inviting us to learn from voices that shaped New England life during the Revolutionary era.
The Web They Wove: Women and Their Wardrobes during New England’s Revolution
This program looks beyond famous battle reports and political debates to reveal the essential work of women whose choices in textiles, clothing, and fabric production influenced the course of the American Revolution. Through their steady labor and resourceful decisions, women across southern New England supported households, communities, and the broader fight for independence. Their lives, whether dressed in homespun wool or delicate silk, offer meaningful lessons about creativity, resilience, and care during a time when their world was changing rapidly.
Costumed historians from The Dirty Blue Shirts share stories of these women along with reproduction garments, fabric samples, and a visual presentation of surviving historical pieces. Their program explores the myths of homespun, tales of midnight rides in red cloaks and calashes, and the daily work that helped sustain families while conflict unfolded around them.
The Dirty Blue Shirts is an experiential history collective of living historians, scholars, and artists based in eastern Connecticut. Its members first worked together in maritime museum settings both aboard tall ships and as historic roleplayers on land. Today they bring high quality research based programming to museums and historical sites throughout New England. Their work spans environmental history, blacksmithing, fiber arts, woodworking, historical dress, traditional music, theatre, and more. Whether in everyday clothing or full period attire, they are dedicated to sharing the richness of American history with accuracy, care, and enthusiasm.
We welcome the community to join us for this thoughtful and immersive look at the women whose hands and choices helped shape the Revolutionary moment.
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
The Naugatuck History Museum continues its America 250 program series, Stories That Shaped a Nation. These free programs welcome our community to learn about the people, landscapes, and events that shaped Connecticut during the fight for independence.
The Summer of 1779: The Coastal Raids on Connecticut
This presentation, led by Dr. Francis Michael Coan, explores the destructive British raids on Connecticut’s shoreline during the summer of 1779. These attacks brought loss and upheaval to communities from New Haven to Fairfield and shaped the movements of the Continental Army as it worked to defend the region.
Dr. Coan will highlight the role played by a familiar local landmark, the Porter Inn in present-day Union City. During these tense days of the Revolution, General Washington’s army relied on the inn for food and shelter while traveling the New Haven to Waterbury turnpike along the Naugatuck River. Later moved to higher ground, the building still stands today at 24 Woodbine Street, offering a powerful physical link to this moment in history.
Dr. Francis Michael Coan is a professor of history at Tunxis College and brings a thoughtful, accessible approach to understanding Connecticut’s Revolutionary era.
We welcome everyone to join us for this meaningful look at the summer that tested Connecticut’s resilience and placed the Naugatuck Valley within the larger story of America’s fight for freedom.
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
The Naugatuck History Museum continues its free program series, Stories That Shaped a Nation, with a thoughtful look at one of the most enduring ideas in American history.
Liberty and the American Experience
This presentation, led by Professor Hamish Lutris, explores how the meaning of liberty has developed, expanded, and been contested since 1776. Liberty has shaped the nation’s identity, yet it has also been the source of deep debate and conflict. Professor Lutris guides audiences through this evolving concept while drawing on the role of judicial interpretation, including the difference between enumerated and implied rights. Through this lens he highlights several of the nation’s most influential controversies over freedom, law, and civic responsibility.
Professor Lutris is an Associate Professor of History at Manchester Community College and serves on the Winchester Historic Commission. He is a respected regional speaker with long experience in historical interpretation. His work spans a wide range of topics including Native American history, the Civil War, both World Wars, the American West, and significant developments in scientific, social, and cultural history. His programs are known for their clarity, depth, and ability to make complex ideas accessible.
We welcome our community to join us for this meaningful look at the idea of liberty and the ways it has shaped the American experience from the Revolution to today.
America 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation
The Naugatuck History Museum continues its free America 250 program series, Stories That Shaped a Nation, with a hands-on look at medicine during the Revolutionary era.
Rough Medicine: The Medicine and Surgery of the American Revolution
This interactive presentation, led by Dr. Ray Sullivan, explores the realities of eighteenth century medical care during the American Revolution. Guests will have the rare chance to see authentic medical instruments, medicaments, and plant based remedies from the period. Dr. Sullivan explains how these tools were used, the challenges faced by military and civilian healers, and the ways in which these practices shaped the early development of American medicine.
Through close up examples and clear explanations, the program offers insight into the daily work of surgeons and physicians during wartime as well as the resilience of the people they treated. It provides a vivid look at a side of Revolutionary life that is often overlooked but deeply connected to survival and community care.
We welcome our community to join us for this engaging and informative experience as we continue our journey through America’s Revolutionary history.
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Naugatuck History Museum - Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Santa’s 1948 Visit to Naugatuck
Annual Meeting
Join the Naugatuck Historical Society for our Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 12, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, located at 615 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT. This special afternoon will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, and an engaging presentation by Ron Gagliardi, author of Naugatuck Revisited.
Ron will share a brief overview of how he researched his book and will offer attendees practical tips on how to explore their own family histories. He will also demonstrate creative ways to preserve memories, from creating a small family history “museum” to developing unique and meaningful individual biographies.
Tickets are a $40 donation per person and can be purchased at the museum during open hours on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Harvest Moon Festival, or by reserving through email. Guests will also have the chance to win fall-themed door prizes while connecting with others who share a passion for preserving local history.
We look forward to sharing this meaningful afternoon with our community as we celebrate Naugatuck’s past and future.
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT
Saturday, October 4
Rain Date: Thursday, October 17 or Friday, October 18
Tour begins at 6:00 PM
Limited to 20 guests
Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Grove Cemetery—if you dare. Join CT Spirit Investigators for a guided lantern-lit walk where you will hear chilling stories of local paranormal experiences, along with fascinating history about Naugatuck’s founding families. Some guests have even reported encounters of their own.
Please wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the cemetery includes slight inclines and rocky paths. Feel free to bring a flashlight and a camera in case you catch something unexpected.
Tickets
$25 for members
$30 for non-members
Space is limited. Reserve your spot using the link below.
https://tickets.signupgenius.com/#/wizard/org/org_k5/events/evt_th
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT
Friday, October 3
Rain Date: Thursday, October 17 or Friday, October 18
Tour begins at 6:00 PM
Limited to 20 guests
Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Grove Cemetery—if you dare. Join CT Spirit Investigators for a guided lantern-lit walk where you will hear chilling stories of local paranormal experiences, along with fascinating history about Naugatuck’s founding families. Some guests have even reported encounters of their own.
Please wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the cemetery includes slight inclines and rocky paths. Feel free to bring a flashlight and a camera in case you catch something unexpected.
Tickets
$25 for members
$30 for non-members
Space is limited. Reserve your spot using the link below.
https://tickets.signupgenius.com/#/wizard/org/org_k5/events/evt_tg
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT
Saturday, September 27
Rain Date: Thursday, October 17 or Friday, October 18
Tour begins at 6:00 PM
Limited to 20 guests
Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Grove Cemetery—if you dare. Join CT Spirit Investigators for a guided lantern-lit walk where you will hear chilling stories of local paranormal experiences, along with fascinating history about Naugatuck’s founding families. Some guests have even reported encounters of their own.
Please wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the cemetery includes slight inclines and rocky paths. Feel free to bring a flashlight and a camera in case you catch something unexpected.
Tickets
$25 for members
$30 for non-members
Space is limited. Reserve your spot using the link below.
https://tickets.signupgenius.com/#/wizard/org/org_k5/events/evt_sa
Fall Into Reading - Naugatuck Historical Society Booth at Event
Fall Into Reading
Join us on Saturday, September 27, from 10 AM to 1 PM on the Naugatuck Historical Society Lawn, 280 Church Street, for a fun and family-friendly event hosted by Naugatuck Early Start.
This special day will feature interactive storytime sessions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, along with engaging activities for all ages. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local organizations, families, and community partners who support early childhood education and literacy.
The Naugatuck Historical Society will have a booth at the event. Stop by to meet our volunteers, learn about our upcoming programs, and pick up a free pencil from our Historical Society President. We love hearing your stories and look forward to chatting with you about Naugatuck’s history.
We hope to see you there!
For more details and to RSVP, please click here. The RSVP link is provided as a courtesy, as this event is organized by Naugatuck Early Start.
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Lantern Tours at Grove Cemetery
Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT
Friday , September 26
Rain Date: Thursday, October 17 or Friday, October 18
Tour begins at 6:00 PM
Limited to 20 guests
Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Grove Cemetery—if you dare. Join CT Spirit Investigators for a guided lantern-lit walk where you will hear chilling stories of local paranormal experiences, along with fascinating history about Naugatuck’s founding families. Some guests have even reported encounters of their own.
Please wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the cemetery includes slight inclines and rocky paths. Feel free to bring a flashlight and a camera in case you catch something unexpected.
Tickets
$25 for members
$30 for non-members
Space is limited. Reserve your spot using the link below.
https://tickets.signupgenius.com/#/wizard/org/org_k5/events/evt_s9
Harvest Moon Festival: Naugatuck Historical Society Booth
Join Us at the Harvest Moon Festival!
Join the Naugatuck Historical Society at this year’s Harvest Moon Festival, hosted by Troop 102 Scouts BSA! This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our town’s rich history, connect with others in the community, and support the museum.
At our booth, you will find:
Information about the Naugatuck Historical Society and our upcoming events
A selection of unique items for sale, including T-shirts, crewnecks, books, crocheted greyhounds, and more
Volunteers who are excited to meet you, chat, and hear your stories and family memories
We will also be available to assist you in purchasing tickets for our Lantern Tours (online purchase only) and tickets for our Annual Dinner.
Event Details
Friday, September 19 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Free Admission
In addition to our booth, you can enjoy live music, delicious fried dough, and explore other local vendors. It is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family while celebrating and supporting our community.
We cannot wait to see you there!
Harvest Moon Festival: Naugatuck Historical Society Booth
Join Us at the Harvest Moon Festival!
Join the Naugatuck Historical Society at this year’s Harvest Moon Festival, hosted by Troop 102 Scouts BSA! This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our town’s rich history, connect with others in the community, and support the museum.
At our booth, you will find:
Information about the Naugatuck Historical Society and our upcoming events
A selection of unique items for sale, including T-shirts, crewnecks, books, crocheted greyhounds, and more
Volunteers who are excited to meet you, chat, and hear your stories and family memories
We will also be available to assist you in purchasing tickets for our Lantern Tours (online purchase only) and tickets for our Annual Dinner.
Event Details
Friday, September 19 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Free Admission
In addition to our booth, you can enjoy live music, delicious fried dough, and explore other local vendors. It is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family while celebrating and supporting our community.
We cannot wait to see you there!
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Psychic Readings Fundraiser
We would love for you to join us at the Tuttle House on Sunday, July 20, between 10 AM to 4 PM for a special day filled with insight, connection, and a little magic. We are excited to welcome six talented intuitive readers offering private 15-minute sessions for $40, with a portion of each reading supporting us at the Naugatuck Historical Society.
Whether you are drawn to psychic readings, mediumship, tarot cards, or crystal energy, there is something here for everyone. You will also have the chance to enter raffles for gift certificates and unique metaphysical items, with all raffle proceeds going directly toward preserving and sharing our local history.
Appointments are required, and you can explore the reader bios and booking links below. To help us stay on schedule, we kindly ask that you arrive about 10 minutes before your session.
Come explore, connect, and support the museum in a fun and meaningful way.
Classic Car Show
You Are Invited!
Naugatuck History Museum Car Show Fundraiser
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuttle House Lawn | 380 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT
Rain Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Join us for a day of classic cars and family fun in support of the Naugatuck History Museum at the beautiful Tuttle House.
Event Highlights:
Show Car Entry: $10.00
Free Admission for Spectators
Space for 100 cars – First come, first served for Show Car Entry
Over 30 Trophies Awarded, including the President’s Pick
50/50 Raffle with Extra Prizes
Delicious Food and Refreshments
Live Music by DJ Jerry Covino
Bathrooms are available inside the museum
Sponsored by:
CT Accounting & Tax Service
Sam & Peg
All proceeds directly benefit the preservation and programs of the Naugatuck History Museum.
For any questions, please email us at naugatuckhistory@gmail.com.
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Find any updates: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/
Special Tuesday Evening Museum Hours
From June 17 to August 19, the Naugatuck History Museum will be open every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 PM—just before the Naugatuck Arts Commission’s Summer Concert Series begins on the Tuttle lawn.
We know many of you will be outside enjoying the music and summer air, and we’d love to invite you inside to explore the work we’ve been up to! Stop in before the show to see what’s new—whether it’s a fresh exhibit, a hidden gem from our collection, or to grab a unique museum store item.
Please note – museum hours are weather permitting. If the concert is moved due to rain, the museum will remain closed as well. Be sure to check our social media or website for weather-related updates before visiting.
Updates regarding weather: https://www.facebook.com/naugyarts/