Please note that the Winfield Scott Clime Program scheduled for Sept 16 has been postponed. We will let you know when the program is rescheduled. Thank you!
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
"Echoes of Freedom", An America 250 Exhibit; A unique opportunity to explore the impact of the Declaration of Independence
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the items on display in our current exhibit.
View original documents signed by the signers of the Declaration, Litchfield County Revolutionary War materials and commemorative objects, and Torrington Historical Society collection items that bring to life the stories that highlight the impact of this important document, its influence on freedom for all people and the celebrations that continue to honor this event over the past 250 years.
Many thanks to Torrington native, George Stickels, who generously donated many of the objects featured in this exhibit.
“Echos of Freedom” is on display in the Carriage House Gallery at 192 Main Street from Aug 1st through September 26th, Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 4.
We look forward to sharing this with you and seeing you soon!
We Came in Peace for All Mankind with Hamish Lutris Wednesday, November 4th, 6:30 pm in the Carriage House at 192 Main Street, Torrington
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong descended to the lunar surface. It was an event hailed throughout the world as a major milestone in the history of humankind. Many Americans still remember being riveted to Walter Cronkite’s broadcast of the moon landings, and their excitement at what we had all achieved. This talk will discuss the Apollo Program, touching on the beginnings of space flight, the sense of political urgency that drove the USA to shoot for the moon, as well as the intrepid technological spirit and prowess that transported Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to another heavenly body and allowed them to explore it and even play a bit of golf.
Hamish Lutris is an author, educator, and outdoorsman, and a well-known speaker throughout the region with long experience in historical programs. Please visit Eventbrite for more info!
"Write Me at Every Opportunity" - Revolutionary War Story Stage Performance Saturday, October 17, 4 p.m., Five Points Arts, University Drive, Torrington
Write Me at Every Opportunity is a stage adaptation based on American Revolutionary War correspondence (1775-1777) between husband and wife Nathan and Lois Peters from Preston, Connecticut. The phrase “Write Me at Every Opportunity” appears frequently in the couple’s letters during this time period. Short quotes from these letters were used in the recent Ken Burns American Revolution documentary.
Commissioned by the Preston Historical Society, this production will be performed by Pocket Productions, a new nonprofit theater group based in Torrington. John Long of Preston and formerly of Torrington, adapted the correspondence for the stage.
The letters are in the collection of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, which has generously granted the Preston Historical Society access to use the letters.
This event is co-sponsored by Five Points Arts.
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.