The Matthew Curtiss House, home of Newtown Historical Society, is one of the oldest buildings on Main Street. It was constructed about 1750, and purchased by Matthew Curtiss in 1781; Curtiss continued to live there until his death in 1824. He is sometimes called Junior, in deference to his father, the first of the family to live in Newtown, though the elder apparently lived in the Berkshire section of town.newtownhistory.org or call 203-426-5937.

But the Curtiss House is not just an old building. Maintained by the historical society as a house museum, the society's collections on display are intended to represent the house throughout its life, not just the period of Curtiss ownership. Thus, the artifacts range from a tall case clock made in Newtown in the 1780s by Ebenezer Smith and a 19th Century weathervane that swung round the barn of Scrabble developer James Brunot in the 20th Century, to 20th Century graphics and needlework.

All the items in the house reflect either a direct Newtown connection or are examples of things that might well have been used in the town, whether for work, play, or to celebrate an occasion.

The historical society will offer a chance to view these treasures in their context within the Curtiss House on Sunday, April 24, during the first open house event of the year. From noon until 4 pm, costumed docents will be available to lead tours; visitors will also be welcome to walk through the house on their own.

In addition, Rebecca Starkins will be demonstrating how to create and sew a colonial costume inside the house, and if weather permits the lawn will be devoted to demonstrating and playing colonial games such as hoop rolling and graces, a ring toss game that uses two sticks to accomplish the toss rather than just the hand.

The Matthew Curtiss House is at 44 Main Street.

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