Historical Society Announces New Website

Ever wonder why Newtown is one of only a few towns and cities in the state to have a borough, or just who Matthew Curtiss was? The Newtown Historical Society announces that the answers to those queries and many more can be found on its newly established website at www.newtownhistory.org.

The website is made up of several sections. The Events listing section gives a brief summary of all upcoming events sponsored by the society, together with a link to full descriptions of the event, all arranged chronologically for convenience. From the society’s ten regular evening programs to antiques shows and appraisals, from open houses at the Matthew Curtiss House Museum, to craft demonstrations and house tours, all is there to help with making plans, including time, place, and directions.

Along with events planning, website visitors may take a look at images of some of the items in the society’s collections, or dig a little deeper into the town’s history through a collection of essays posted to the site. Some of these essays reflect on the general history of the town and will remain posted on the site, while others examine more particular incidents in Newtown’s past and will be changed on a regular basis. For instance, discover the water-powered industrial past of Sandy Hook, or read the story of a shocking burglary at the Hawleyville train station involving Jesse James; James was one of the good guys in this instance, though, being the station agent! And of course there are the answers to questions about the borough and Matthew Curtiss.

All the material on the site is interlinked so users can flit back and forth between sections without trouble. Other outside links are provided as well, from local institutions such as the Heritage Preservation Trust, the Tercentennial Commission, and The Newtown Bee, and to other historical societies with historic ties or geographical proximity to Newtown. Those seeking an opportunity for more commitment in Newtown’s Tercentennial year will find convenient forms for joining or volunteering at the society. And seeking that ideal present for a history-minded relative or the former neighbor who moved away check the society’s impressive list of publications, covering subjects from local Indians and slavery to biographies of Mary Hawley and William Edmund.

The Newtown Historical Society invites everyone to visit the website at www.newtownhistory.org, and use the email address to leave feedback. To add a little flavor to the experience, the society will award a free one-year membership to the first person to name a board game closely associated with Newtown, and to state where on the website a visitor can find the information. Call 426-5937 to report your findings!