Historical Society Open House,

Pottery Demo

Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, on Sunday, May 17. The house-museum, a fine example of Connecticut saltbox architecture, was constructed in 1750 and purchased by Matthew Curtiss Jr. in 1781.

The public is invited to visit and tour the building at 44 Main Street any time between noon and 4 pm. Admission is free.

Junior and senior docents will be available to answer questions about the house and its history and will provide guided tours by request.

During the open house, Reggie DeLarm of East Knoll Pottery will be setting up her potter’s wheel in the backyard of The Curtiss House. Ms DeLarm will demonstrate the art of making hand-thrown yellow ware pottery using historically correct clays, glazes, designs and applications.

The Historical Society is a non-profit, all volunteer organization. During the year the group offers open houses with living history demonstrations, a lecture series, a summer history camp for kids, and many special events. All funding comes from private donations, membership dues, bequests and fundraisers such as an annual antiques show, house and garden tour, and sales of publications.

New members are always welcome and volunteers are needed to help organize and run the society’s many events.

To join or for more information about the society or the May 17 event visit NewtownHistory.org or call 426-5937.