The Thomaston's Historical Society's museum is located on Level 6 of the Town Hall, 158 Main Street. Our collection on display in the Shirley G. Wassong Exhibit Room, includes farm tools, clothing, home furnishings, and antique clocks. Thomaston was the home of the well-known Seth Thomas Clock Company, whose founder, Seth Thomas, began manufacturing clocks in 1813. The museum's display features his nightstand, a portrait, and a painting by Lena Morton of this Main Street house. Memorabilia of Thomaston's education , business and industrial history are also on exhibit.

The Thomaston CT Historical Society is a fully volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Thomaston. The Historical Society holds a vast collection of Seth Thomas artifacts, both from his personal life and his factory. It also cares for collections from other prominent Thomaston families, including diaries, textiles, furniture, and other household trinkets. In its archive are hundreds of photographs of all aspects of Thomaston life and history.

The Thomaston Historical Society is committed to preserving and sharing the heritage and history of Thomaston.

Thomaston, Connecticut, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries, beginning with its settlement in the 1600s. In 1657, a hunting party from Farmington, ventured into the Naugatuck Valley, becoming the first Europeans to see the area. They discovered what they believed to be a lead mine, a spot still known today as Lead Mine Brook. While no wealth came from this discovery, it sparked further interest in the region.

The most significant turning point in Thomaston’s history came in the early 19th century with the arrival of Eli Terry, a clockmaker. Terry invented a system for mass-producing clock gears, revolutionizing the clockmaking industry. In 1813, Seth Thomas, a prominent clockmaker from the region, bought a mill in Plymouth Hollow and established the Seth Thomas Clock Company. The company would grow rapidly, with Thomas continuing to purchase property and expand his operations. Due to the success of Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow fully incorporated as its own town in 1875…becoming forever known as Thomaston (Thomas Town).

Today, Thomaston remains a center for small and medium-sized manufacturing, with the original clock factory now serving as a thriving industrial park. The town’s natural features, including the Naugatuck River and several brooks, have shaped its development. Thomaston’s rich history is reflected in its preserved historic buildings and continued industrial growth. The town of Thomaston will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2025.