Newtown’s Curtiss House-Museum Is Seeking Guides

Do you love history? Would you like to educate people about Colonial times? Is there a frustrated actor living inside you?

Newtown Historical Society is seeking men and women to volunteer as costumed guides at open houses of the Matthew Curtiss House-Museum. Open houses are held one Sunday a month, September through December and March through June.

The authentically decorated 18th Century house-museum is at 44 Main Street in Newtown. The Curtiss House tells the history of Newtown and bygone daily life by suggesting the way possessions could have been added as one generation followed another.

Furnishings are authentic period pieces. Well-preserved architectural features make the Curtiss House an ideal place to learn about our Colonial past. It is the mission of the docent, or trained guide, to interpret the environment for visiting adults and children.

During the year, a living history demonstration series is held at the Curtiss House where, in addition to a scheduled demonstrator, guides are needed to assist guests inside the house and answer questions. Participants need only volunteer two or three Sundays a year for three for four hours. Flexible scheduling is assured.

Volunteers would be provided with docent training, a written background of the Curtiss House and its contents, and assisted in obtaining appropriate garments.

The society is a non-profit organization and the Curtiss House is open to the public free of charge. For more information about volunteering, call Newtown Historical Society at 426-5937.