Danbury Joins ‘Images Of America’ Series

DANBURY — The founding families of Danbury, with names such as Thomas Barnum, Judah Gregory and John Hoyt, left Norwalk in 1864 and traveled 30 miles northward. There, at the western edge of Connecticut, they settled and started a community that over the years grew to become the city of Danbury.

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society has authored a book that now joins a series focusing on hundreds of cities and towns across the country. Images of America: Danbury can be purchased at the museum and historical society’s headquarters, at 43 Main Street in Danbury.

The first residents built their homes on Towne Street, today’s Main Street, which has played a significant role in the community’s history. The story of Danbury returns again and again to this street. Furthermore, the story tells of the people who have come and gone, of the Great Danbury State Fair, and of the city’s once-prosperous hatting industry. Finally, it reveals why Danbury became the gateway of New England.

The Danbury Museum & Historical society was founded in 1947 and has always held education of the public as one of its prime responsibilities. For Images of America: Danbury, the society has selected photographs from its extensive collection and has combined them with carefully researched narrative. The results will remind readers of the landmarks that no longer exist while observing that a considerable amount of Danbury’s past is still present.

The historical society is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 pm, and on-site parking is available. Call 743-5200 for additional information.