Center for History and Culture
Capital campaign for construction drawings
Planning continues for a transformational project, designed by award winning architect Mark Cavagnero, that will solve critical institutional needs by building climate-controlled facilities to preserve important historical collections and provide new and renovated space for educational programs, exhibits and cultural events. Donate to our campaign for construction drawings.
Visit • Discover • Learn
Located in three historic buildings in downtown Torrington, the Torrington Historical Society is home to the Torrington History Museum, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum and the John H. Thompson Library & Archive. The Society also owns the West Torrington site where noted abolitionist John Brown was born.
We invite you to discover the history of Torrington by touring our exhibits and house museum, attending programs and events, using our research library or visiting the John Brown Birthplace. All are welcome.
Torrington
History Museum
Hotchkiss-Fyler House
Guided Tours
The John H. Thompson
Library & Archive
What’s Happening
Paul Revere and the Night that Saved America (USA Today Bestseller) with Author Kostya Kennedy May 13th, 6:30 p.m.
On April 18, 1775, a Boston-based silversmith, engraver and anti-British political operative named Paul Revere set out on a borrowed horse to fulfill a dangerous but crucial mission. Kennedy will discuss his book in which he presents a dramatic new narrative of this event informed by fresh primary and secondary sources researched in archives, family letters, diaries, contemporary accounts and more, revealing that Revere’s ride was far more complex than is typically portrayed.
Kostya Kennedy is the Editor in Chief of Premium Publishing at Dotdash Meredith, the author of several New York Times Bestsellers and has written for numerous outlets including the New York Times, Time and THE NEW YORKER.
To purchase The Ride in advance, please visit our partner for this event, The Curious Cat Bookshop, using the link below. Books bought in advance will be reserved for you and brought to the event. Books will also be available for purchase the night of the event prior to the talk.
Curious Cat Bookshop – The Ride, Kostya Kennedy
Coco's Carnival Dance and Headpiece Making Workshop with Coryse Villarouel and Coco's Caribbean Dancers June 13th, 2 - 3:30 pm
Join us as Coco’s Caribbean Dancers perform an energetic and visually stunning Caribbean dance immersing the audience in the traditions, rhythms and vibrant colors of Caribbean Carnival!
Following the performance, Ms. Villarouel will read her children’s book, Coco’s Carnival Connection, which shares the journey of a young girl rediscovering her cultural heritage and learning to celebrate it with pride. The program will culminate with a fun, hands-on activity where participants design and create their own Carnival headpiece, a keepsake of the event to take home at the end of the day.
This workshop is ideal for all ages. Registration is required through Eventbrite or contact the Historical Society at 860 482 8260.