Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, on Sunday June 14. This month’s living history demonstration will be presented by Thomas Kingsley, of Kingsley Marbles in Trumbull. In addition, Town Historian Dan Cruson will offer a walking tour of the town’s oldest cemetery.

The public is also invited to visit and tour the building at 44 Main Street any time between noon and 4 pm. Admission is free; however, a $2 suggested donation per person is welcomed and appreciated.

Mr Kingsley, a member of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society (ASGA), will be demonstrating the art of glass marble making and will talk a little about the history of marbles.

Mr Kinglsey started his career working with glass in the medical field, working on CAT scan tubes and hollow cathode lamps. He then moved on to military defense when he worked on the Hubble telescope. He continues to work in aerospace technology today, although his creative time is spent making marbles and pendants.

In addition to the demonstration, marble games will be in process though out the afternoon, so whether guests want to brush up on their marble playing skills or are just learning, all will be welcome to join the fun.

The house/museum, a fine example of Connecticut saltbox architecture, was constructed circa 1750 and purchased by Matthew Curtiss Jr in 1781. The historical society purchased the house in 1970 and restored it to its original condition.

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

In conjunction with the open house, Dan Cruson will lead a walking tour of Village Cemetery. The tour will begin at 1 pm and will cover the oldest sections of Newtown’s primary cemetery.

Participants will meet at the entrance, on Elm Drive, and will walk with Mr Cruson as he explains the 19th Century burial area. Then in the 18th Century section, he will offer a detailed explanation of how that area was laid out and why the headstones appear as they do.

The tour will last about 45 minutes. Those planning to attend should wear comfortable shoes.

At the conclusion of the tour, all will be invited to stop by The Mathew Curtiss House for light refreshments.

For additional information, call the historical society at 203-426-5937 or visit newtownhistory.org.