There is a lot going on at the Torrington Historical Society! A historical performance based on Revolutionary War letters, a program on the history of Space Travel, Charles Dickens himself reading A Christmas Carol and our Day and Candlelight Evening Holiday Tours.
See below for more information and registration details.
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
"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, and 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.
This event is co-sponsored by Five Points Arts.
A Christmas Carol Comes to the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum with Rick Corbo as Dickens Saturday, December 12th, 6:30 pm
Imagine stepping into a beautifully decorated Victorian home on a December evening, surrounded by Christmas garlands and soft white lights – and hear Charles Dickens himself tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
This is a unique opportunity for attendees to enjoy a holiday classic in a beautiful Victorian house decorated for the season. The program will be approximately 45 minutes in length.
Rick Corbo has portrayed Charles Dickens for more than eight years, performing at various venues and events. A Torrington native, Corbo now lives with his family in West Haven, Connecticut.
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.
Daytime and Candlelight Evening Holiday Tours of the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum Tours are on select days and nights beginning December 5th through Dec 20th
Step into the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum where historic elegance meets the magic of the season. During December the house takes on a special atmosphere as Christmas trees, vintage ornaments, wreaths, greenery and white lights transform the historic rooms into a special holiday setting. Antique toys from the Historical Society’s collection add a nostalgic touch, while the dining room is dressed for Christmas dinner with linens, fine china, silverware, and crystal from the Hotchkiss and Fyler family collections.
Guided tours are offered on select days and nights beginning Dec. 5th. Tours are limited to 10 people, so advance registration is recommended. Walk-in’s will be welcomed if space allows.
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.