Membership 2026 History Happens Here
Please join us in our mission to preserve Meriden’s many stories. Your membership helps us to continue to provide programming, exhibits and events. Renew or sign up for the first time HERE.
February 26th La Isla and the Silver City: Puerto Rican Migration to Meriden at 41 West Main Street at 6:30 PM
This lecture explores the powerful story of how Puerto Rican families came to shape the social, cultural, and economic life of Meriden. The lecture traces migration from the island to the “Silver City” in the mid-20th century, examining the forces that draws workers north, the neighborhoods they build, and the challenges and opportunities they encounter along the way. Through personal stories and history, the program highlights the vital role Puerto Rican residents play in Meriden’s industries, civic life, and cultural traditions—revealing how their journey enriches the city and continues to influence Meriden today. Reserve your seat HERE. As a special treat, there will be a sneak preview of the new West Gallery Exhibit for those who wish to arrive early for a guided tour at 5:30.
February 28th SILVER & SPIRIT: 250 Years of Meriden History in Silver
This exhibit explores the metal that shaped Meriden. From early pewter artisans and small workshops in the 18th century to the rise of world-renowned silver and pewter manufacturers, the exhibit traces how silver fueled innovation, immigration, and community life over two and a half centuries as we look at silver and history at America’s birth and every 50 years thereafter. Through objects made and used in Meriden, alongside photographs and stories, this is more than a tale of manufacturing. Silver and Spirit shows how International Silver reflects and creates both Meriden’s and America’s story. Tours at 11:00 and 1:00 on opening day. Reserve your spot on the tour of your choice on February 28th HERE. Tours on other days and times are listed below.
Hours at Our Main Location, 41 W. Main Street, downtown Meriden.
The Meriden Historical Society’s Museum and History Center, located at 41 West Main Street, is open to the public at the following posted times. Please call us (203-639-1913) when you arrive so we can greet you at the door. Please note, the Grand Gallery is currently housing a temporary exhibit as we prepare for the opening of the Spring Exhibit in April.
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday By appointment
- Wednesday 10-3 Guided tour 11:00
- Thursday
- 1st Thursday (February 5, March 5, April 2) Closed
- 2nd Thursday (February 12, March 12, April 9) 12 – 6 Guided tour at 2:00
- 3rd Thursday 1 – 7:00 ( February 19, March 19, April 16)
- 4th Thursday 2-6 (February 26, March 26, April 23 2-6) By Appointment
- Friday By appointment
- Saturday We are open the following Saturdays 10-3 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, and 4/25 Tours of exhibits are scheduled at the following times.
- East Gallery – Innovation & Industry Tour begins at 10:30 on Saturdays when open
- West Gallery – Tour begins at 1:30 on Saturday when open. The West Gallery is currently closed as we prepare the new exhibit, Polished Heritage: 250 Years in Silver & Spirit, opening on February 28th.
- Grand Gallery- Tours begins at 12 on Saturdays when open. The next exhibit, There to Here: Meriden’s Immigration Story, opens April 11, 2026.
- Sunday Open for special events only, call for details
Research: We are open to researchers at our Museum & History Center, 41 West Main Street, during our regular office hours (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) by appointment only. To schedule your research visit, please call at least 24 hours in advance. 203-639-1913.
Tours: Those who wish to tour with a guide at a time other than those scheduled at the Museum at 41 Main Street MUST call ahead and book a time in order for us to make sure we have a guide available for you.
Lecture Series: Fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30
Andrews Homestead The Andrews Homestead will reopen next May. Guided tours during the off-season are available upon request. Please call to make arrangements for private tours at least 72 hours in advance. 203-639-1913.
Supported by its volunteers, the Meriden Historical Society operates at two locations
The Meriden Historical Society’s Museum & History Center is our main office and research center. Located at 41 West Main Street, in the heart of Downtown Meriden. See above for tour schedules for the galleries. To schedule a visit for research purposes, please call 203-639-1913.
The Andrews Homestead, 424 West Main Street
This is one of the oldest homes in Meriden. The Andrews Homestead is open May through November for special programs and events and by appointment at other times with 72 hours notice. Young and old (and in-between) are welcome. School tours can be booked by calling the office at 203-639-1913 or emailing the director at director@meridenhistsoc.org.
We share a parking lot with the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. You may park in the school parking lot on the weekends only. Monday through Friday you must park in the parking lot across the street.
To set up a visit, please call our main office number: 203-639-1913.
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