Curtiss House-Museum Will Be Open Sunday

The Matthew Curtiss House-Museum, headquarters for Newtown Historical Society, will be open this weekend for tours and programs for the public. This will be the final open house event for the public before summer break; regular events will resume in the fall.

On Sunday, June 11, the 18th Century saltbox at 44 Main Street in Newtown will be open from 1 to 4 pm. There will be no admission charged.

Costumed guides will interpret for visitors the environment of the building, which tells the story of bygone life by showing the way family possessions could have been added as one generation followed another. The north chamber currently features a display of spinning wheels and related tools, while the exhibit room shows items with Newtown roots that are curious, conversational and educational. Visitors should enjoy guessing the origins and uses of the pieces.

Three crafters will also be on hand Sunday afternoon. Lorraine VanderWende will offer demonstrations of the Colonial craft of piercing lampshades, Nancy Larin will demonstrate calligraphy, and Jan Meyrick will make and discuss “penny rugs.”

For additional information, call 426-5937 and leave a message on the historical society’s answering machine.