Fairfield Museum and History Center

06/01/2026

Do you remember the Bicentennial in 1976?

For many Americans, it was a time of unforgettable celebrations, community spirit, and a renewed sense of unity. Join the Fairfield Museum's Walt Matis for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he explores the serious, sensational, spirited—and sometimes silly—ways the nation celebrated its history in 1976.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 2
🕕 6-7 PM
📍 Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Rd.
🎟️ Free admission. RSVP required on our website. https://bit.ly/42iYM8Q

🤝 This program is co-presented by the Fairfield Museum and the Fairfield Public Library - Connecticut.

🫶 The Fairfield Museum's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is made possible through the generous support of the following premier level sponsors:

Town of Fairfield, CT
Cambridge Trust
Fairfield Rotary Club
Brody Wilkinson PC

05/31/2026

“Portraits of Fairfield,” on view now on the Fairfield Museum Commons! https://www.fairfieldhistory.org/exhibitions/portraits-of-fairfield/

Our June America 250 | CT Events eNews is out now! Loads of exciting events around the state available on CT Visit. Check it out at www.cthumanities.org/enews

05/31/2026

Uncover the true story behind Israel Putnam—the legendary "Old Put" at our June History Bites program!

Join local historian Robert Ernest Hubbard, author of "Major General Israel Putnam: Hero of the American Revolution," as he separates fact from fiction. Discover the defining moments in Putnam’s life, including his leadership of the Continental Army encampment in Redding during the winter of 1779.

📘 A book sale and signing will follow the presentation.

📅 Thursday, June 11
🕛 12-1 PM
🎟️ $5 suggested donation

Visit our website to learn more! https://bit.ly/4dkom2h

✨ The Fairfield Museum's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is made possible through the generous support of:
Brody Wilkinson PC
Cambridge Trust
Town of Fairfield, CT
Fairfield Rotary Club

05/30/2026

Enjoy FREE general admission* to the Fairfield Museum through November 25, 2026!

This special offer supports our year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, made possible by the generosity of John Herzog. 🫶

Explore "Portraits of Fairfield," an outdoor exhibition on the Museum Commons featuring 16 large-scale portraits by Atoui Photography celebrating the people who make up Fairfield’s vibrant and multi-faceted community. Through QR codes accompanying each portrait, visitors can hear oral history interviews and discover the unique stories behind each individual.

Step back in time with "Fairfield in 1776: Revolution & Resilience," an immersive exhibition that brings colonial Fairfield to life in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Discover what daily life was like in the 1770s, compare it to modern-day Fairfield, and follow residents’ experiences during one of the most challenging periods in American history.

We hope to see you soon at the Fairfield Museum! https://bit.ly/3VRqJ5A

*Please Note: There is separate admission for the research library and select events and programs.

05/29/2026

2026 Fairfield Museum Summer Camp Openings! 📢

A few spots have opened up in some of our popular summer camp programs — sign up before they’re gone!

Designed for children ages 7–12, our camps bring history to life through:
🎨 Hands-on art-making
🏛️ Gallery exploration
🌳 Outdoor play on the Museum Commons
✨ And many more engaging activities!

2026 Summer Camp Openings:
🕵️ Spy Camp (July 27–31) — 2 spots available
💡 Innovation Camp (August 3–7) — 3 spots available
📜 History Camp: 1976 Edition (August 17–21) — 1 spot available

🕘 Camp Hours:
Monday–Friday | 9 am–3 pm

Visit our website to learn more and secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/3vKZrCE

05/28/2026

CT Open House Day is Coming Up - Saturday, June 13!

During 2026, enjoy FREE admission to the Fairfield Museum through November 25, 2026 thanks to a generous donor. Then explore the c. 1750 Ogden House (1520 Bronson Rd.) for FREE all day on Saturday, June 13, 2026 as part of CT Open House Day.

At the Fairfield Museum:
🖼️ Visit our exhibitions (10 am - 4 pm): "Portraits of Fairfield," "Fairfield in 1776," & "Happy Anniversary!"
🏛️ Visit our historic properties (11 am - 2 pm): Sun Tavern, Victorian Barn, & Victorian Cottage
✏️ Drop-in drawing (11:30 am - 1:30 pm) on the Museum Commons

At the Ogden House:
🏡 Tours of Ogden House & living history demonstration (10 am - 4 pm)
💐 Make your own posy, while supplies last (1 - 3 pm)
🌿18th-Century Ecology Tour: The Native & Non-Native Plants of the Ogden House Property (1:30 pm)
🐝Beekeeping at Ogden Tour: 18th-Century & Modern Practices (2 pm)

In case of inclement weather, please check the Fairfield Museum website for updates. https://bit.ly/4fMW2rW

05/27/2026

Visit the historic Ogden House, a beautifully preserved saltbox home built c. 1750 for David Ogden and Jane Sturges. Generations of the Ogden family called this colonial home their own, offering a fascinating glimpse into early American life.

While you’re there, stroll through the charming Dooryard Garden generously maintained by the Fairfield Garden Club and discover the stories of a colonial family in the years leading up to America’s founding.🏡🏵️

📍1520 Bronson Road in Fairfield
📆 Open Sundays, June 7–September 27
💲Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Seniors/Students, Free for Members & Children under 5

Visit our website for more information! https://bit.ly/3WJcsWR

05/26/2026

Don't miss storytime with the Fairfield Public Library - Connecticut on Saturday, June 6! Families with children ages 0-5 can join us on the Museum Commons for songs, rhymes, and stories. Be ready to wiggle, hop, and sing with the Fairfield Public Library Children’s Department Staff!

🗓️ Saturday, June 6
🕚 11-11:30 am
📍 Fairfield Museum Commons (370 Beach Road)
🎟️ Free admission
☔ In case of inclement weather, storytime will take place inside the Fairfield Museum

Additional Dates for FPL Storytime at The Museum:
📚 Saturday, August 1 at 11 am

It is recommended that you bring a blanket to sit on. Visit our website for more program details! https://bit.ly/4nO0usy

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from the Fairfield Museum!

Today, we reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our country. Check out this photo from the 1985 Memorial Day Parade from our Fairfield Citizen-News Collection. We love taking a trip down memory lane.

If you look closely, you can spot a truck from steel manufacturer Leake & Nelson making its way down Post Road in Fairfield. Decorated with a “Spirit of ’76” banner and patriotic red, white, and blue bunting, the truck carried children waving to paradegoers during America’s Bicentennial year.

Enjoy your day, and if you’re heading to the parade today, be sure to look out for the Fairfield Museum!

05/24/2026

You're Invited: America 250 Preview Party! 🎉

Join us in celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday! View rare early editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and other founding documents. 📜

🎤 Hear remarks from Sacred Heart University History Professor, Dr. Kelly Marino.

Celebrate this festive occasion with us and be the first to experience this limited-time exhibition, on view from July 4 through July 19, 2026. 🎆

Event Details:
📆 Date: Thursday, July 2 | 6-9 PM
📍 Location: Fairfield Museum, 370 Beach Road
🎫 VIP Tickets: $150 per person. VIP ticket includes priority event parking
🎟️ Tickets: $100 per person

Light bites, American sparkling wine and cocktails will be served. 🥂

Visit our website to secure your tickets! https://bit.ly/4tK0uLv

✨ Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Premier Sponsors:
Brody Wilkinson PC
Fairfield Rotary Club

Title Sponsors:
Cambridge Trust
The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Private Foundation

Sponsors:
Russo & Rizio, LLC, Attorneys at Law
Fairfield University
Harry's Wine & Liquor Market
Chandon USA