WWII came to an end with the surrender of Japan, 80 years ago. The victory was partly due to the many Connecticut industries’ innovations, which surpassed those of the enemy.

Respected local historian Sharon Cohen will present “Connecticut Industries’ Vital Role in WWII Pacific Theater Victory” at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Primrose Street, on Sunday, October 19, at 2 pm. Newtown Historical Society is hosting the lecture.

Cohen will enlighten attendees on some of the many ways stateside factories and mills advanced the wartime victory.

Connecticut companies were noted for how quickly they converted from consumer to war production and implemented new hiring practices, including utilizing the many women eager to help in the war effort. Also notable were the numerous innovations developed by Connecticut industries, such as electric boats, munitions, balloons, pontoons, chemicals, bearing springs, machine tools, electrical systems, and aircraft engines.

At the end of the war, Connecticut companies received 175 Army-Navy Excellence Awards for their participation, a number that made the state a national leader for its size in military production.

Access to the senior center on Sunday afternoon will be through the Newtown Community Center entrance.

Open House

The following weekend, Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House at 44 Main Street.

The community is invited on Sunday, October 26, from noon to 4 pm.

This month’s featured event will be a rare opportunity to tour the Curtis House barn, usually closed to the public with few exceptions. Longtime member and volunteer Tom Evans, who has carefully maintained the barn for years, will guide visitors through its collection of 18th century tools, artifacts, and carriages.

An archaeologist and conservationist by trade, Evans will share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the objects that once played a vital role in everyday colonial life.

In addition to the barn program, docent-led tours of Curtis House will be available throughout the afternoon. Guests will be invited to enjoy light refreshments while exploring Newtown’s rich history.

As always, this event is free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted to support the Society’s preservation efforts.

During October, the historical society also welcomes candy donations to aid in its participation in Main Street Halloween, one of Newtown’s most beloved annual traditions.

For more information, visit newtownhistory.org, follow Newtown Historical Society’s social media feeds, or email info@newtownhistory.com.