Explore Our Exhibits

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.

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.

World War II: Naugatuck’s People and Stories expands the exhibition into the twentieth century by exploring how local residents experienced one of the most significant global conflicts in modern history. The exhibit highlights the stories of the more than 3,000 men from Naugatuck who enlisted in the armed services, the 55 women who volunteered, and the civilians who supported the war effort through rationing, wartime production, volunteer work, and community support. Visitors encounter personal stories of sacrifice, service, separation, resilience, and remembrance while exploring how national events shaped everyday life in Naugatuck during World War II.

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.

Town of Dreamers, City of Invention Exhibit

This exhibit highlights the visionaries and industries that helped shape Naugatuck’s industrial past. Stop in to discover their impact on innovation and the community.