Flintlock Firearms At Curtiss House

This Weekend

At Newtown Historical Society’s open house and living history demonstration on Sunday, April 18, James Cook will display and explain how he built various muzzle loaders, including a 1690-style English doglock fowler with a six-foot barrel. The headquarters of Newtown Historical Society, Matthew Curtiss House (44 Main Street) will be open from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday.

Mr Cook was motivated to build his first flintlock rifle in the late 1960s to learn how this type of old gun would shoot. A continuing desire to construct a better rifle has made building rather than shooting his primary interest.

He wears the uniform of a soldier in Montgomery’s Highlanders, an outfit he selected to satisfy the pre-1840 dress required for participation in black powder shooting events.

Costumed docents will be available for guided tours of the circa 1750 house. The event is free and open to the public.

For additional information call 426-5937.