Historical Society Spring Open House, March 21

The Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, on Sunday, March 21.  The house-museum, a fine example of Connecticut saltbox architecture, was constructed circa 1750 and purchased by Matthew Curtiss, Jr, in 1781. In 1970 the historical society purchased and restored the house to its original condition.

The public is invited to visit and tour the building at 44 Main Street any time between noon and 4 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Junior and senior docents will be available to answer questions about the house and its history and will provide guided tours by request.

Also during the open house, Jim Degen of Lost Loon Wood Works in Brookfield will on hand with his portable lathe to present a woodturning demonstration.

Woodturning is a form of woodworking that is used to create wooden objects on a lathe. Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking in that the wood is moving while a stationary tool is used to cut and shape it.

Mr Degen is an instructor at Brookfield Craft Center, a member of The American Association of Woodturners, and past president of Nutmeg Woodturners League. He has exhibited his work regionally including at Brookfield Craft Center, Ironwood Gallery, Riverguild, Outsiders Art Gallery, and in juried craft shows.

The historical society is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization. During the year the society offers open houses with living history demonstrations, a lecture series, a summer history camp for kids and many special events. All funding comes from private donations, membership dues, bequests and fundraisers such as the annual antiques show, a summer house and garden tour, and publication sales.

New members are always welcome and volunteers are needed to help organize and run events. To join or for more information, visit NewtownHistory.org or call 203-426-5937.