Museum Events & Programs
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.
Traveling Trivia at The Corner Tavern
Traveling Trivia at The Corner Tavern
May 21, 2026, at 6 PM
178 North Main Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
Join the Naugatuck History Museum for our second-to-last stop of the season at The Corner Tavern. These trivia nights are relaxed, social, and welcoming, with questions that explore Naugatuck history, America 250-themed Americana, and a surprise category unique to this location.
Traveling Trivia has remained a community favorite for many years, made possible through the dedication of board member and longtime volunteer Maureen Sitar. We are sincerely grateful for her continued commitment to bringing these evenings to life and strengthening connections throughout our community.
The event is free and open to the public. Form a team or come on your own and join in. It is a wonderful way to enjoy an evening out, support a local business, and take part in one of the museum’s most enjoyable traditions.
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.
Traveling Trivia at Don Raphael Brazilian/Portuguese Cuisine
Traveling Trivia at Don Raphael Brazilian/Portuguese Cuisine
June 15, 2026, at 6 PM
18 Neumann St, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Wrap up this season of Traveling Trivia with the Naugatuck History Museum at Don Raphael Brazilian Portuguese Cuisine. These evenings are relaxed, social, and welcoming, featuring questions that highlight Naugatuck history alongside Americana in celebration of America 250, along with a surprise category unique to each location.
Traveling Trivia has been a beloved community tradition for years, made possible through the dedication of board member and longtime volunteer Maureen Sitar. We are truly grateful for her continued commitment to bringing these gatherings to life and keeping this tradition strong.
The event is free and open to the public. Gather a team or come on your own and join in. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a night out, support a local business, and take part in one of the museum’s favorite community traditions.
Classic Car Show
Join us for the Naugatuck History Museum’s Classic Car Show on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM on the Tuttle House Lawn, 380 Church Street in Naugatuck.
Show cars are $10 to enter and spectators are free. The event will feature 30 or more trophies, including the America 250 Award, which recognizes a vehicle that best represents American history, heritage, or patriotic pride through the car itself or its presentation.
There will be a 50/50 raffle with additional prizes, food trucks, and music by DJ Jerry Covino.
All proceeds benefit the Naugatuck History Museum at the Tuttle House.
Rain date is Saturday, August 1, 2026.
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.
Give Local
Give Local 2026 Campaign
For thirty six hours, your gift will help keep Naugatuck’s history alive, accessible, and meaningful for our community.
During Give Local 2026, the Naugatuck Historical Society is raising funds to support the ongoing work that makes everything we do possible. As a fully volunteer run organization, this work is powered entirely by individuals who give their time because they believe these stories matter.
In recent years, we have expanded our exhibits and increased programming to better serve our community. This year, we are also taking on new projects as part of the America 250 initiative, connecting local history to the broader story of our nation. Behind the scenes, this means hours of research, writing, planning, organizing, and hands on work each week. From caring for collections and designing exhibits to hosting events and maintaining the museum, every part of this effort is carried by volunteers.
We continue to grow because we believe preserving and sharing Naugatuck’s history matters. Your support helps make this work sustainable and allows us to keep moving forward.
Your gift can go twice as far
The first 1500 dollars donated will be matched dollar for dollar by our Board of Directors, doubling the impact of early gifts.
There are also a few key opportunities during Give Local when your support can help us unlock additional prizes.
On Tuesday, April 21 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, your gift can help us compete for the Kick Start prize. The organization with the most individual donors during this time will receive an additional 1000 dollars.
Also on April 21, a gift of 500 dollars has the potential to go even further. The first organizations to receive a single 500 dollar donation will have that gift doubled. There is also a Naugatuck-specific opportunity where a 500 dollar gift may be matched, making early, larger gifts especially impactful.
On Wednesday, April 22, from 12:00 PM to 1:20 PM, Marion’s 80 Minutes of Impact will award the organization that raises the most during this 80-minute period with an additional 1000 dollars.
If you would like to time your gift to help us aim for one of these opportunities, we would truly appreciate it. If not, any donation at any point during Give Local means just as much to us and directly supports the work we care deeply about. Whether you choose to give $ 10, $ 25, $ 100, $ 500, or $1,000, every gift makes a difference.
Link to donate: https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/naugatuck-historical-society-inc
All donors will be recognized by name as supporters of the Naugatuck Historical Society in our Issue 4, 2026 Quarterly.
Traveling Trivia at La Casita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Traveling Trivia at La Casita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
April 20, 2026, at 6 PM
9 Church Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
Join us for Traveling Trivia at La Casita Mexican Restaurant and Cantina for an evening that brings together fun, community, and local history. Trivia questions will focus on Naugatuck history, America 250 themed Americana, and a surprise category unique to this stop, with plenty of laughter and a few prizes along the way.
This long standing event is made possible each year through the dedication of board member and longtime volunteer Maureen Sitar. Her continued commitment keeps this tradition strong and brings people together from across town.
The event is free and open to the public. You are welcome to arrive with a team or join one when you get there. It is a wonderful way to support a local restaurant while enjoying a relaxed and welcoming evening out.
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.
Meet a Revolutionary Patriot
Join us at the Naugatuck History Museum for a special living history visit.
On Saturday, April 11, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, David Antone will be at the museum dressed in a Revolutionary War uniform.
He will display and discuss two Revolutionary era firearms from his personal collection and answer questions throughout the afternoon.
This is a drop in experience. Visitors are welcome to stop by at any time during the event.
This program is part of our America 250 initiative.
Free and open to the public. The museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Traveling Trivia at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant
Traveling Trivia at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant
March 23, 2026, at 6 PM
615 Church Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
Traveling Trivia returns this spring at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant for another enjoyable evening with the Naugatuck History Museum. Trivia questions will highlight Naugatuck history, America 250 themed Americana, and a surprise category unique to the evening, all designed to keep the night engaging and fun.
These gatherings are organized by board member and longtime volunteer Maureen Sitar, whose dedication has helped make Traveling Trivia a lasting and much anticipated tradition in our community.
The event is free and open to the public. Teams are welcome, and individuals are always encouraged to join in. Enjoy good food, friendly competition, and a relaxed evening of trivia alongside fellow history enthusiasts.
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.
Rooted in Naugatuck: America 250 Exhibit
The Naugatuck History Museum will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the first phase of our new America 250 exhibit.
After a winter season of research, planning, and installation, volunteers have been carefully curating an exhibit that connects Naugatuck’s story to the broader American experience. This reopening marks the beginning of that journey.
Visitors on March 21 will experience two completed display/exhibit rooms.
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 era continued to influence civic life. Together, these materials connect the founding period to the experiences of ordinary Americans across generations.
The Revolution & 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 ordinary residents, illustrating how local families experienced national events.
This reopening represents Phase One of our America 250 exhibit.
Phase Two will debut Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, with the opening of the Service and Sacrifice: Our Town Through War in the 20th Century room. That space will examine World War I, World War II, and community memory. Visitors will encounter stories connected to local service members, monuments, parades, commemorations, and moments such as the Bicentennial, demonstrating how national milestones were experienced and remembered in Naugatuck.
Admission is free and open to the public.
We invite the community to join us on March 21 to celebrate the museum’s reopening and to return throughout the spring as the full America 250 exhibit unfolds. Together, we continue preserving and sharing the stories that connect our town to the American story.
Traveling Trivia at Brady’s Pub and Restaurant
Traveling Trivia at Brady’s Pub and Restaurant
Traveling Trivia at Brady’s Pub and Restaurant has been rescheduled due to blizzard conditions. The event will now take place on Thursday, February 26, at 6 PM at 152 Church Street in Naugatuck.
Spend a winter evening with the Naugatuck History Museum at Traveling Trivia, hosted at Brady’s Pub and Restaurant. These trivia nights are designed to be lighthearted and engaging, featuring questions centered on Naugatuck history, America 250 themed Americana, and a surprise category unique to the evening.
This program has been a valued community tradition for many years, made possible through the dedication of board member and longtime volunteer Maureen Sitar. Her continued care and commitment make these gatherings something many look forward to each year.
The event is free and open to all. You are welcome to bring a team or come on your own and join in. It is a wonderful way to connect with others while supporting a local business in town.
POSTPONED - Traveling Trivia at Don Raphael Brazilian Portuguese Cuisine
Traveling Trivia at Don Raphael Brazilian Portuguese Cuisine
January 26, 2026 at 6 PM
18 Neumann Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut
Due to inclement winter weather and snow conditions, Traveling Trivia at Don Raphael Brazilian Portuguese Cuisine, originally scheduled for January 26, 2026 at 6 PM, has been postponed. The event will now take place in June. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming everyone once travel conditions are safer. Updated June details will be shared soon.
The next Traveling Trivia Night will be held on February 23, 2026 at 6 PM at Brady’s Pub and Restaurant, located at 152 Church Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut.
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
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
