Newtown Historical Society hosted its latest Open House and Living History Demonstration last weekend, with special guest Andrew Rowand, a boot and shoemaker also known as a “cordwainer.”

A cordwainer is different from a cobbler in that a cordwainer works only with new leather while a cobbler typically works repairing shoes and boots. In some cases a cobbler is prohibited by law from making shoes or boots.

The first cordwainers landed in Jamestown, Va., in 1607.

Rowand has been sewing since he was a young boy, he said during his March 23 visit in Newtown. He apprenticed in Virginia for five years and has been making shoes for ten. He uses the same methods that have been used in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries using tools from those periods.

Working as a cordwainer is a sideline, however. Rowand is also the full-time curator and site administrator for Eric Sloane Museum in Kent.

In addition to meeting Rowand and learning about his work, guests on Sunday afternoon were welcome to explore the 18th Century Matthew Curtiss House. The 44 Main Street building serves as headquarters for the historical society.

Antiques Appraisals & Open House

Newtown Historical Society has a pair of events planned for Saturday, April 12, with one taking place at its headquarters and the other in an equally historic building within eyesight. Both events will run from noon to 4 pm.

After many years, the society’s Antique Appraisal Day is making a return. Sponsored by the historical society, enthusiasts and collectors are invited to uncover the hidden stories and value behind their cherished treasures.

This event will take place at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street.

Brian Corcoran of The Auction Barn in New Milford, Tucker Frey of Tucker Frey Antiques in Woodbury, and John Renjilian of Pages of Yesteryear in Newtown will be on hand to provide professional evaluations.

Cost is $10 per item and photographs of large items will be accepted.

No appointment is necessary. Guests can visit the meeting house at their leisure.

Concurrently, The Matthew Curtiss House will again be open for visits and tours.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore the saltbox and learn about colonial life in Newtown.

This is a free event; however, donations will be gratefully accepted and used to continue offering events such as this.

‘Dred Scott Decision’

Considered one of the most controversial uses — or abuses — of power in the history of the United States Supreme Court, the 1857 Dred Scott decision intensified the conflict over slavery in America. The Supreme Court’s decision played a meaningful role in Lincoln’s rise to power; and thus, the country’s inevitable decline into civil war.

The historical society and C.H. Booth Library will co-host a lecture on the historic event on Sunday, April 27, at the library. That program will begin at 2 pm and registration is requested; visit chboothlibrary.org.

The lecture is also free of charge, with donations again accepted to benefit Newtown Historical Society.