Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street, on Sunday September 15, from 12 to 4 pm. Admission is free; however, donations are welcomed and will benefit the historical society.

During the open house members of The Fifth Connecticut Regiment will be conducting a reenactment of a revolutionary encampment. Possible attendees are soldiers, a spy, a surgeon, and a whitesmith. There will be demonstrations in hearth cooking and clothing.

The regiment is currently recruiting new members, so anyone interested in learning more about that opportunity are also invited to stop by to learn more.

The public is also invited to visit and tour the house-museum. Junior and senior docents will be available to answer questions about the house and its history, as well as provide guided tours by request.

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 Newtown Historical Society purchased and restored the house to its original condition.

The historical society is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. During the year it offers open houses with living history demonstrations, a lecture series, and a summer history camp for kids among other special events.  All funding comes from private donations, membership dues, bequests and fund raisers such as the antique show, 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 www.newtownhistory.org or call (and leave a message at) 203-426-5937.