New Canaan Museum & Historical Society

06/13/2026

New Canaan High School Seniors Abby Brown and Victoria Vaccaro, and Darien High School Senior Fabio Rathgeber just finished their internships at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. This exceptional trio provided invaluable help over the last month. Their work included assisting with plans for the Celebrate New Canaan gala, running games and being docents at the Ice Cream Social, working on the doll collection, and much more.

Their biggest accomplishment, however, is the installation of the “History Trail” in Irwin Park. The brainchild of Town Administrator Tucker Murphy, the idea was to create a walking trail of fun facts and events from the Town’s history as a way to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Abby, Victoria, and Fabio worked with Town Hall interns Max Boccaccio and Serena Peterson. They each reviewed a portion of Mary Louise King’s Portrait of New Canaan, selected key dates and information to include on the trail, reviewed the Museum’s photographic archives, and designed 80 labels to affix to patriotic lawn signs.

The installation went up yesterday and will remain there through the 4th of July. Starting at the parking
lot closest to W**d Street, visitors can walk the three-quarter mile path and learn about the evolution of this area from Canaan Parish to New Canaan. We hope everyone enjoys the content.

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Join us on Tuesday June 16 from 12pm-1pm for one of our America 250 Events!

Bring your sandwich, soup or snack and join us for a Lunch & Learn with Nick Williams as he explores the Declaration of Independence through the lens of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Musical and Movie “1776 .”🎬. The musical dramatizes the debates and events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The show, which premiered in 1969, focuses on the political struggles of the Second Continental Congress, particularly John Adams’ effort to persuade delegates to declare Independence from Britain. The story follows Adams and his cohorts, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, as they debate and work towards that independence, culminating in the signing of the Declaration.

Peter Stone wrote the book, focusing on the arguments and intrigue within the Continental Congress. Sherman Edwards, a composer who researched the American Revolution for years, wrote the music and lyrics. The musical won five Tony Awards in 1969, including Best Musical and Best Book. A film version was released in 1972, with the original stars reprising their roles.

Nick will exhibit several musical numbers from the show, and will discuss where it is true to history, where it takes some liberties for dramatic effect and the implications of 1776 from a historical perspective.

Tickets are free for members and $10 for all others. Visit nchistory.org/events

06/11/2026

Thank you to all who came out on Friday May 29th to Celebrate New Canaan. What a night...The weather, the food, the band, the ci**rs and the whiskey tasting brought the crowds to our spectacular campus to honor Cynthia and Tom Monahan for all that they do for the Museum and New Canaan. Save the date for June 11, 2027!!

05/20/2026

This is your last chance to join this awesome group of people for the BEST party of the Summer. Tickets on sale until Friday May 22. Don't be a party pooper...have fun while making (and celebrating) history! To purchase tickets visit: nchistory.org

05/08/2026

Psst...I know it's a busy time of the year but don't forget to buy your tickets for Celebrate New Canaan before it sells out! It's always the greatest event of the season and you will be missed if you don't get one soon! Friday, May 29th. Purchase tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-gala-celebrate-new-canaan

03/24/2026

Don't miss out on the chance to get discounted tickets to the BEST EVENT of the Summer! We will dance, eat and drink with friends and neighbors and celebrate all things New Canaan under a gorgeous tent on our beautiful campus. Hurry, because after 4/1 the ticket price will go up. Visit nchistory.org to get your tickets today.

03/04/2026

Early Bird pricing is in effect for our Annual Gala that will be held on Friday May 29th. This is always THE EVENT of the summer season! This year we are honoring Cynthia and Tom Monahan for their years of dedication and leadership to the Museum. Come to our beautiful campus and enjoy delicious food prepared by Diane Browne, live music and dancing with Fake ID Band & an open bar! Don't pay more...get your tickets today and tell your friends!! A party is always more fun with pals! Beginning April 1, tickets are full price. visit nchistory.org 🥂🎤🎸🎉

02/18/2026

New Canaan is no stranger to harsh winter weather, but on this particular night, the town faced more than just snow.

On February 14, 1899, a tragic fire broke out in the basement of J. F. Silliman’s grocery store at 114 Main Street. Fanned by 50-mile-per-hour winds during a blizzard, and hindered by snow drifts reaching three to five feet high, the flames quickly became catastrophic.

Firefighters battled through the night under brutal conditions. They later reported that as soon as a jet of water touched a building — or even their own clothing — it froze solid. Despite their efforts, the blaze raged with such intensity that it melted the store’s cash register.

Although the buildings were destroyed, Silliman’s resilience prevailed. Within just one week, he reopened his grocery across the street at 96 Main Street — the location where Greenology stands today.

02/04/2026

This is the last chance to grab tickets for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Sunday, February 8th. Before the Super Bowl starts, come enjoy a proper English tea party complete with savory bites, sweets and scones. There will be crafts for the little ones.
Always a favorite event for parents to spend some quality time with their children. Just a few spots remain. Don't be late for this very important date!!!
To purchase tickets, visit https://nchistory.org/3rd-annual-mad-hatter-valentines-tea-party/