Matthew Curtiss Jr. House, located on Newtown's historic Main Street, was acquired by the Society in 1970 and is a fine example of Connecticut Saltbox architecture. The Curtiss House serves as our headquarters and is open to the public as a house-museum. Matthew Curtiss, Jr., purchased the house in 1781. For some time it was believed that he was the house's builder and first resident, and thus his name was attached to it. Subsequent research shows that the house was originally constructed about 1750. Curtiss was a Lieutenant in Connecticut's Revolutionary War militia, and served Newtown in a number of civil offices, including haywarden, highway supervisor, member of the school committee, grandjuror, keeper of the pound, and selectman. For a short period he was a partner in a provisions business, dealing mostly in beef. Curtiss sold the house in 1807, but may have continued to live there until his death in 1824.

Much of the initial restoration of the house was done by members of the Society. Modern features were removed and three fireplaces uncovered, including the rare arched fireplace in the main parlor. Among the most unusual features of the Curtiss House are the large basement fireplace with cupboard built into the chimney stones, and meat hooks in the attic which are all that remains of an old smoke oven.

The present contents of the house include not only furnishings of the time the house was new but also items of later date which help to tell the history of Newtown. Rooms suggest the way family possessions could have been added as one generation followed another.

The house is open for tours by costumed docents one Sunday per month March-June and September-December. Open houses are typically held in conjunction with a living history event. Past demonstrations have included open hearth cooking, candle dipping, spinning, and blacksmithing. There is no admission fee.
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