Last updated: 5/1/2008
Watertown, Connecticut
Address
22 Deforest Street
Watertown, CT 06795

Hours

Wednesday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Polly Curtiss
phone: 860-274-1050
Description

The Watertown Historical Society's Museum presents an in-depth view of our local history. It documents and preserves the collective memories of our community, to reflect on the present and pass on to our future generations.

Some highlights of the collection include:

Our photographic and paper archives contain a detailed and fascinating glimpse into Watertown's industrial and agricultural past.

Our large textile collection spans the 18th to the 20th centuries, and includes many quilts.

We have an extensive collection of artifacts from Watertown industry. On display are memorabilia and items manufactured by Hemingway and Bartlett. The Autoryre Corporation, Watertown Manufacturing Co., and several Bishop and Bradley clocks.

Our collection has Items both unique and curious, such as an antique pair of wooden peg legs, and a small collection of locally made antique mouse traps.

Decorative and fine arts spanning 200 years are also on display.

History

The Watertown Historical Society was organized in 1945, with the objective of collecting local history.

Through the years members have researched aspects of the area, our schools, industries, and families. Settled in 1701, known as Wooster-Westbury and finally Watertown, our community has certainly grown. Documents and artifacts collected mandated storage, and in 1968 the Fire District generously donated the second floor of its building at 22 Deforest Street as a museum site.

Educational Programs

Sandy Sakalas, a retired teacher from the Watertown School system, presents an educational program in connection with the schoolhouse. This program details the one room school house experience of the 1800's . Kids can gather around the woodstove, or sit at the desks, and be transported back in time. In addition, the exit of the schoolhouse is roomy enough to allow the society to showcase a small collection of antique toys and games. Please call the musuem, or email us, if you have a group that wishes to visit the schoolhouse and enjoy this program.
Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: No
Publications

Quarterly Newsletter
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Oregon Museum Association 2024 Conference

September 8, 2024 - September 10, 2025

North Bend, Oregon

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

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