About the Newtown Historical Society

The Society is dedicated to the discovery and preservation of documents, artifacts and historical images of Newtown’s evolution into the community it has become today. Our focus is to grow collections of photographs, postcards, genealogies, stories and other materials which document our town’s past, and to preserve artifacts relating to the culture of Newtown for the education and enjoyment of current and future residents. We are also dedicated to educating the public about the information collected and archived. Much of our collection is housed in the C.H. Booth Library.

From September through June we present regular programs on varied historical subjects. These lectures are free to the public but donations are welcomed. Members receive our bi-monthly newsletter, “The Rooster’s Crow”, which covers all our events and includes articles written by our town historian, Dan Cruson. Please visit our online store which lists our books and publications.

We also sponsor other events such as living history demonstrations and colonial life workshops for children. In July we offer a one week summer history camp to give Newtown children the opportunity to explore 1750s colonial life through games, discussions and demonstrations.

Officers

Melissa Houston – President & History Camp Teacher
John Renjilian – Vice President & Writer for Crow
Charlie Godfrey – Treasurer
Vacant – Secretary

Trustees

Louise Baker
Ben Cruson – Collection Registrar & Crow Writer
Heather Elser – Event Coordinator
Mike Guman – Membership Recruitment
Sheila Powers – Marketing
Kerri Rivera – Head Docent
Abigail Simes – Press Release Writer & History Camp
Louise Wagner – Property Manager
Gordon Williams – Programs & History Camp
Barbara Wilson – Volunteer Recruitment

Significant Volunteers

Amanda Araujo – Co-Marketing Coordinator
Jane Brady – Publication Sales
Patti Clark – Fundraising & Housekeeping
Alice Cooney – Bookkeeper
Beth Cruson – Rooster’s Crow Editor
Dan Cruson, Jr. – Website
Lynn Friedman – Fundraising Committee Chairperson
Mike Guidice – Rooster’s Crow

Cindy Glaberson – Eblasts
Bill Glass – Photographer
Patty Graves – History Camp
Ken MacKenzie – Handyman
Michelle Szabo – Collections – Assist Ben
Jerry Valenta – Clocks Maintenance
Richelle Ward – Phone Message Administrator
The Garden Club of Newtown – Maintains the Historic Garden