Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street, on Sunday, May 18. The event will run from noon until 4 pm.

During this month’s event Reggie DeLarm of East Knoll Pottery will set up her potter’s wheel in the backyard of the property. Ms DeLarm will demonstrate the art of making hand-thrown yellowware pottery using historically correct clays, glazes, designs and applications.  If the weather does not cooperate, she will be inside demonstrating slip trailing, which is the application of lines to a clay surface using a fine-point dispenser. The result can be a very creative and beautiful piece.

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

The public is invited to visit and tour the building. Junior and senior docents will be available to answer questions about the house and its history, as well as provide guided tours by request.

Admission is free; however, donations are welcomed and appreciated.

For more information, visit NewtownHistory.org, find the group on Facebook, or call 203-426-5937.

Reminder: Rochambeau Tonight

In addition to the open house planned next weekend at The Matthew Curtiss House, Newtown Historical Society will also host a program tonight at C.H. Booth Library.

On Monday, May 12, at 7:30 pm, Jini Jones Vail will be speaking about Jean-Baptiste Danatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau. The porgram will be based on her book, Rochambeau: Washington’s Ideal Lieutenant — A French General’s Role in the American Revolution. The book is, according to Ms Vail, the first in nearly 50 years devoted entirely to Rochambeau. 

The program will be offered in the lower meeting room of the library, at 25 Main Street. Admission is free.

A short business meeting will take place before the presentation for the election of officers and trustees. Refreshments will be served following the program.