NEWTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCHEDULES OPEN HOUSE

NEWTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Box 189
NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT 06470

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact John Renjilian, 203-426-0864

The Matthew Curtiss House, home of the 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.

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, to a nineteenth century weathervane that swung round the barn of Scrabble inventor James Brunot in the twentieth century, to twentieth 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 April 28, conducting an open house at the historic building from 12 – 4. Costumed docents will be available to lead tours, or you are free to walk through the house on your own. Please join us for a special event demonstrating calligraphy, offered by Judith Barbour Osborne. Osborne has been a calligrapher for over 40 years, and has taught calligraphy at several levels. This hands-on experience will offer an introduction to lettering in the Italic style. The participant will also learn about the characteristics of Colonial-era lettering and how it fits into the history of calligraphy. Supplies will be available for the workshop, or you can bring calligraphy supplies that you already have.

The Newtown Historical Society is an entirely volunteer organization with no paid staff, and volunteer staffing limits the Society to one open house per month during the spring and fall. Please see the website for further information, www.newtownhistory.org, visit www.facebook.com/newtownhistoricalsocety, or call 203-426-5937.