Newtown Historical Society

09/26/2026

The One-Room Schoolhouse event at Middle Gate School has been rescheduled for Saturday November 7th. We hope to see you there!

09/24/2026

09/19/2026

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Karinna Feder joined the society in Spring of 2025 as a Junior Docent. She’ll be volunteering at the One-Room Schoolhouse Panel Discussion event on September 26th and hopes to assist at History Camp next Summer.

Karinna was born and raised in Newtown and attended Head of Meadow Elementary School. Her favorite classes are History and English and is looking forward to exploring more as she enters her freshman year at Newtown High. When asked which she likes more - reading or writing, reading won hands down. Fantasy and mystery being her genres of choice, and sometimes a good historical mystery. Even though she’s got plenty of time to decide, Karinna’s thinking of pursuing History as a career. Particularly Anthropology. She definitely knows what she doesn’t want to pursue – Math or Science. Since 7th grade, she’s been on the debate team, and a member of both the Newtown and Bethel travel soccer clubs.

When not at school or volunteering with the society, Karinna enjoys spending time with her family. Mostly hiking at local parks like Huntingtown. Her family consists of Mom and Dad, Sabrina and John, and sisters, Adrianna and Sonya. Karinna and Adrianna are twins, which. Karinna says is like having a built-in friend.

When asked why she chose to volunteer with the society, she responded “Because I have been interested in history since I was a little girl. I viewed volunteering at the historical society as an incredible opportunity to get involved and learn a bit about Newtown's history and share my passion with others.” Karinna’s favorite part about volunteering is being able to gain knowledge of local historical figures, such as Matthew Curtis, and his home. Then in turn, share with the public.

09/02/2026

A Big Thank You to The Newtown Bee for a wonderful article on our upcoming event. Hope to see you there!

https://www.newtownbee.com/08312026/organizers-hoping-multi-generational-audience-will-enjoy-voices-from-the-one-room-schoolhouse/

08/31/2026

The Franklin Tree is in bloom! If you're walking by the Matthew Curtis House, stop and take a look. While the poor tree has been struggling, we've been nursing it back to health. It's got lots of buds and several big beautiful blooms. This bee certainly was enjoying his visit earlier today.

08/15/2026

EZRA AROUND TOWN: Ever notice the stone block in front of 27 Main Street? Turns out it isn’t just historic (it was used for climbing in and out of carriages back in the day); it’s also the perfect rooster-sized stage for my morning crow-concert! But just so you don’t think it’s all about ME, I did a little digging and found out this property has star power of its own: It was the longtime home of the one and only Judge William Edmond.

One of Newtown’s most distinguished residents, William came to Newtown from Woodbury in 1782 as a lawyer, went on to become a member of the U.S. Congress, and later served as one of five judges for the Superior Court of Connecticut. (Ack, what have I done since I got up this morning??)

Before all that, he was a Revolutionary War Patriot. In 1777, William took up arms in the Battle of Ridgefield and was struck in the leg by a bullet, leaving him incapacitated on the field overnight. When doctors recommended amputation weeks later, he rejected that advice and took another, riskier course of action: he operated on himself! He didn’t lose a leg but he did gain a persistent limp.

William built this house for himself and his wife, Elizabeth Chandler, in 1787, after buying the land from his father-in-law. The five-bay layout (five windows across) was typical of Georgian Colonial-style homes, as was its elegant front entrance flanked by four sidelights and molded panels. Inside, three fireplaces served as the primary heating and cooking centers.

William died here in 1838 but his family tree was fruitful—his great granddaughter was the legendary Mary Hawley. The house itself later changed owners in the late 1860s when it was bought by Henry Sanford, husband of Mary Booth and owner of a dry goods store at the corner of Main and West. It’s currently owned by Maureen Rohmer.

Next time you pass 27 Main, give that old carriage step a little tap and remember good ol’ William—and everyone else who’s made our town what it is over the past 250 years!

07/20/2026

VOLUNTEER FIELDTRIP: A group of our volunteers traveled to East Granby, CT yesterday to visit the Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine. Although farther than our usual field trips, it was well worth the trip. Curator, Morgan Bengel, coordinated the visit, and Docent, Luke, led an excellent private tour of the mine and prison yard. Despite the threat of rain, the weather held, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the Prison Yard Scavenger Hunt. The friendly competition made for great team building,
and the long commute helped everyone get to know each other better. Looking for something to do this summer, we all highly recommend this destination. Old New Gate Prison & Copper Mine