Join Martha Colaresi as she shares her research on the role of religious sanctuary in the founding of Meriden; the roots of its founding faiths; and the impact of faith-based institutions on the cultural diversity of Meriden.
The presentation will explore spiritual and social traditions that sustained our immigrant communities, the evolution of their sacred spaces, and their significant role in shaping our city’s rich history.Registerhere. Come early and see our new West Gallery, Polished Perspectives: The Art of International Silver. The new gallery is truly beautiful.
Step back in time to uncover the origins of Meriden, Connecticut. This compelling lecture from the Wallingford Historical Society takes you on a journey through the town’s earliest days, revealing how its Colonial roots shaped the vibrant community we see today.
Discover the stories of the settlers, the challenges they faced, and the spirit of innovation and perseverance that built Meriden from the ground up. Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this event offers a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of a remarkable town. Register here. As an added bonus, we will have a sneak preview of our new West Gallery, Polished Perspectives: The Art of International Silver, for all those who attend. The new gallery is truly beautiful.
Join Carol Murdock, award winning baker as seen on the Food Channel, to create your very own gingerbread house. Chef Murdock studied in Germany and her gingerbread houses have included those at the Wadsworth Atheneum and the State House. All materials to create your gingerbread house will be provided. The cost is $30.00 per house. Please be sure to add a second person ( no cost) if you are doing this with another person. You must preregister HERE to make sure we have enough materials for all.
Join us as Paul Freedman from Yale University highlights how diverse traditions, flavors and culinary customs serve as a window into local communities. Obviously, since we can’t survive without it, food matters in a fundamental, biological way. But food also is important as a cultural sign, both for good (curiosity about what other people eat) and for ill (as a symbol of despised otherness). People plan their trips on the basis of food cultures they want to experience.
On the other hand, there is a long history of stereotyping food preferences as a way of showing contempt for nations and ethnicities, even hatred. Food is part of our identity and forms a key aspect of memory. For many people it has religious significance and rules govern what foods must be avoided. We will discuss these and other aspects of the cultural symbolism and significance of food, both historically and in the contemporary world. This night will kick off our 2024 community cookbook project as well so bring your favorite receipe and the story behind it. Please register HERE. The event is free.
Tickets are limited. Registration required.The generosity of the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home makes it possible to not charge admission although your donations are always appreciated. October 26th Saint Stanislaus Ann St. Extension Register St Stanislaus by Thursday October 24th Register for the entire series HERE.
The generosity of the Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service, John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral home and Meriden Memorial Funeral Home makes it possible to not charge admission although your donations are always appreciated.
Starting Tuesday October 1st at 41 W Main on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00. Be sure to select the correct ticket for either in person or online for each ticket.
Individual Sessions $15 each
Oct 29 Meriden After Dark Register HERE. Nov 5 Meriden Legends Register HERE. Nov 12 Meriden and Ethnicity Register HERE. Nov 19 Meriden and Sibling Rivalry Register HERE.
The lecture will traverse historical epochs and geographical landscapes, revealing how dolls serve as both mirrors and influencers of cultural norms, societal expectations, and evolving notions of identity. Discussion how dolls are miniature companions of the imagination, a conduit for transmitting social values and the depiction of cultures aesthetics. More than just playthings, special objects are intertwined in human history through the materials involved, the unique innovations in their creation, and the roles they represented. It will be a thought-provoking journey through the doll world that both reflects and molds the societies from which they emerge.
Brayton Price recently earned a master’s degree in public history at Central Connecticut State University. He is a museum educator at Noah Webster House and assistant researcher for Coltsville National Historic Park. His recent historical interests and personal subject of study is the history of childhood and youth culture, where he examines society’s definition and interpretation of growing up. He lives in Vernon, Connecticut, with his wife Gillian, and their dog, Bowie.
Coming in October!
We are jam packed with things in October. Dolltober, our doll exhibit in partnership with the White Oaks Doll Club will be on display at the Andrews Homestead on Sundays in October, reservations are not required. Chek back for hours in September,
The second round of cemetary tours will also kick off on Saturdays in October with an additional tour on Sunday, October 13th. Registration is required and will open on September 11th. Stay tuned for details as the time gets closer.
Discover the hidden tales and vibrant narratives that have shaped our community over the years. From its beginnings to its pivotal moments, delve into the lesser known stories of Meriden’s past, guided by Justin Piccirillo. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the roots of our town, this 8-week series which begins June 18th promises to ignite your curiosity and deepen your connection to Meriden’s heritage. Class will meet every Tuesday at 6:30 here at the Museum.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unravel the layers of history that lie beneath our streets and buildings. You may register for the entire series for $99 or for individual lectures for $15 each. Registration is required. Click here A virtual opition is available for those who cannot attend in person. Be sure to click on the correct ticket for your choice.
We’ve Come a Long Way… Maybe The Changing Role of Women in Meriden Since 1900n
Join us for our Spring Exhibit in partnership with Girls, Inc. The opening reception is Friday March 1st at 6:00 PM to coincide with the beginning of Women’s History month. You must make a reservation to attend the opening reception. Click here to reserve.
This exhibit chronicles the lives of women since 1900 through the three areas, women at work, women at play and women at home. It features local women who made a difference in Meriden during this period. After seeing the exhibit, you are invited to share your story of what it means to be a woman in Meriden today with the Leadership Teens from Girls, Inc. in the East Gallery. The Exhibit will be on display through May during our regular hours and on the first Sunday of each month.
At The Andrews Homestead
Saturday May 4th 1-3
Grow Your Own Herb Garden
Join us at the Homestead as we create an herb garden
reminiscent of colonial times for you to bring home with
Open House at the Andrews Be the first to see our new exhibits and stories Tours at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. Sign up here.
Spring Lecture Series
4th Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 at 41 W Main Street
Thursday March 28th Are you interested in an upcoming Meriden history lesson? How about this – Hubbard Park Part II, with more Secrets Revealed? Due to space requirements, there was so much information that had to be excluded with the first book, Images of America: Hubbard Park, that Justin Piccirillo would like to entertain you with several new and untold tales of the park. In addition, it provides a teaser to his upcoming book, Hidden History of Meriden. Trust me! You are not going to want to miss this!
Thursday April 25th “Connecticut in Motion: How Four Centuries of Transportation Have Shaped Our State.” Richard DeLuca will talk about the importance of transportation as a force of history, and highlight the various stages of transportation development in Connecticut, from stagecoaches on the original Post Road, to steamboats, railroads, electric trolleys and of course the automobile in the twentieth century. He will end with a short discussion of the impact of climate change on transportation and Connecticut’s future. Attached are cover images of my two books, and one of myself. The second volume “Paved Roads & Public Money” will be for sale at the meeting, received the Connecticut Book Award from the Humanities Council.
Thursday May 23rd Girls, Inc will present the oral histories they took throughout the Spring Exhibit from current Meriden women who came to the exhibit. Members of the Meriden chapter of Girls, Inc., spent time during the current exhibit, “We’ve Come a Long Way…Maybe: The Changing Role of Women in Meriden Since 1900” collecting the stories of women who visited the exhibit. They will share the perspectives of female visitors to the exhibition on what it is like to be a woman today here in Meriden. Their narrative will share the stories as we take a glimpse at their lives and experiences.
We had a full house at the Andrews Homestead for our first Gingerbread House Workshop on December 9th. Here are some samples of their work. Carol Murdock, a master baker and creator of Gingerbread houses for the Wadsworth Atheneum and the State House was our guide.
Meriden K12 Public School Outreach
The Society currently visits fourth and fifth grade classrooms on a monthly basis to present lessons which incorporate objects from our collection and helps us develop our next generation of history lovers. In this lesson students look at the map of the Oregon Trail before going to the gym where they have a list of items to pick and actual items from the collection. They must fill their wagon; the outline on the library floor, and not go over their weight limit of 2000 pounds.
Holiday Get Together for Volunteers and Board
A new holiday tradition was started with a holiday get together
to thank our awesome volunteers and dedicated Board members for all
their hard work during the year.
Meriden Fast Forward
Our contest closed On December 1st and the winning photographs and essays were featured at our February 22nd presentation. The First Prize (photo to the left) went to Madison Lionello. Read her essay on the next page.
Fast Forward First Prize – Madison Lionello
One of the most impactful events in history during the 21st century was the Coronavirus outbreak. The state Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 3,000 positive tests, with 100 deaths in Meriden, 12 months after the virus was introduced to the United States. Many more of our friends and family got the virus, and some, unfortunately passed away because of it. Before COVID, we haven’t experienced a global pandemic since the flu in 1968. This virus shutdown our social lives and changed everything.
For a long time, the truth was unknown. We were quarantined for months on end and our “freedom” was far from us. During this period, everyone was required to wear a mask when leaving the house. Any signs of sickness were taken with serious precautions. Many become unemployed with the pandemic destroying businesses. The virus altered our economy, and as if we weren’t already buying enough products online, Americans became increasingly reliant on online shopping.
Once the vaccination was released, pure chaos started up again. Debates on whether or not to receive it, or which companies vaccine to get, filled the news reports. Some were required to get it, others refused. The COVID-19 vaccine is a major component to the future. Will everyone take it as babies like they do the smallpox vaccine? Is it actually helpful, or just there to ease our minds? Will there be any side effects in the future? This question especially worries me, because we won’t know until later on. A hundred years from now, scientists will probably have the answers, but for now, all we can do is hope for the best.
Whenever I see a mask now, all I can think about are the difficult times that we endured. Despite all that was happening around us, school still continued. We tried to proceed as normal to show that we were still strong. This just goes to show how important education is.
Even though we were at risk of getting sick or contaminating others, we continued our learning. We found ways to make it work; whether that be through online video chats or by wearing a mask and maintaining our distance. This truly represents Meriden. We will go the miles to build a foundation for a successful future. Together, we were able to move forward. Together, we stayed strong. And together, we survived the pandemic.
The Coronavirus pandemic will be talked about for generations. We’ll never forget being shut away from the outside world. Things will never go back to what they were in the years leading up to the pandemic. We are much more cautious and aware of our health and have developed natural reactions to situations, such as maintaining our distance from someone who sneezes or wearing a mask as flu season comes along. COVID isn’t gone, but it’s a lot less of a threat than it was a couple years ago. It’s not just a story, but an experience that we had to live through. Meriden went through a lot of changes because of the pandemic, and those changes will be heavily observed in the future.
New Members We welcome the following new members! Leona Janz, Donald Shubert, Thomas Welsh We Note with Sorrow It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Norman Ness and are grateful to him for remembering us in his will. Spring Hours through May 31, 2024 Wednesday 9:00- 3:00 Open Thursday 1:00-8:00 Closed 1st Thursday (4/4, 5/2, 6/1) Friday 9:00-3:00 By Appointment Saturday 41 W Main Second and Fourth Saturdays 9-2 Andrews Reopens on May 4th for community events’ Closed for Easter Weekend 3/29-4/1 Reopens Tuesday 4/2
Corporate Sponsors *APEC Electric 45 Shuler Ln Durham CT 06422 203-238-0427 https://www.apecelectricct.com/ *Jonal Laboratories 456 Center St. Meriden CT 06451 203-634-4444 https://www.jonal.com/ LaRosa Construction, * L. Suzio Insurance Center, 538 Preston Ave #303 54 Chamberlain Hwy. Meriden, CT 06451 Meriden CT 0645 (203) 237-5409 203-237-7403 http://www.larosaconstructionco.com/www.Suzioinsurance.com *Mahon, Quinn & Mahon, P.C. 636 Broad St. * Tunxis Ohr’s Fuel Meriden CT 06450 80 Britannia St. 203-238-1010 Meriden CT 06451 WWW.mqmlawyer.comwww.tuxisfuel.com3-639-3513 *Meriden Memorial Funeral Home 450 Broad St. *Plimpton & Hills Meriden CT 06450 300 Research Parkway 203-235-9181 Meriden, CT 06450 www.meridenmemorialfh.comwww.plimptonhills.com860-522-4233 *Mule Security & Electric Inc. 113 Broad St. Meriden CT 06450 203-238-7561 www.mulesecurity.com *New England Capital Financial Advisors, LLC 79 Main St. Meriden CT 06451 203-935-0265 www.newenglandcapital.com
Who’s Buried Where and Why Do We Care? Join us for our first annual series of walking tours, led by current and former MHS Board members. We will visit a different cemetery every Saturday to “meet” residents who made Meriden great as well as look at some of our more unusual gravestones. We will meet at the entrance of each cemetery at 1:00. Tours are approximately two hours long. Each tour is limited to 20 participants. Tickets are $10 for each individual tour.Registration is required for each event. For more details and to register click the links below.
September 30th 1741-1771 Meetinghouse Hill and Broad Street Cemetery
October 28th 1876 Sacred Heart Cemetery Register Sacred by Thursday October 26th
At the Andrews Homestead
Saturday 9/16 1-4Open House
Join us for the Fall Open House and see the treasures at the Homestead.
Saturday 10/7 4-7Spooky Stories
Join us as dusk arrives to listen to seasonal spooky stories. There are stories for children 8 and under, children 9 and up and adults. Children’s stories start promptly at 4:00 and 5:00. 6:00 is adult spooky stories! There will be an activity for children after story time. Reservations are required due to space limitations. Click HERE to reserve your spot.
Saturday 11/4 1-4Colonial Centerpiece Making
This is an herb wreath, not greenery and properly stored can be used for years. You must sign up and prepay the cost no later than Sat 10/14 in order for us to order and receive the materials in time. Click HERE to reserve and prepay between October 1 and October 14 Registration is not yet open for this event.
Saturday12/9 1-4Gingerbread Houses
Join award winning baker Carol Murdock and create your house. It will be too pretty to eat! You must register and prepay the cost by 11/14 in order for us to order and receive materials on time. Click HERE to reserve and prepay before November 14th.
Lecture Series Our lecture and presentation series is the last Thursday of the month barring holidays or unforeseen circumstances. We start promptly at 6:30. Our Fall line-up is as follows.
September 28 SMOKESTACKS TO MANSIONS: Connecticut’s Industrial Age & Gilded Age Families Come to an inspiring evening as Christina Volpe M.A., Ph.D. Candidate talks about the captivating history of Connecticut’s industrial growth and the opulent lives of Gilded Age families. This lecture takes you on a mesmerizing trip back in time, exploring the rise of industries including the silver industry and the lavish lifestyles of prominent families who left an indelible mark on our history. Click HERE to reserve your seat.
October 26 SPOOKTACULAR MERIDEN Meriden has some great scary stories and mysteries, from the Black Dog in the Hanging Hills, to the Underhill Sanitorium, the Leatherman and even our very own Andrews Homestead. Come enjoy some seasonal fun learning about spooky goings on in Meriden and in Connecticut. We are asking attendees to be bring a new toy as admission which we will donate to the holiday campaign here in Meriden. Click HERE to reserve your seat November 30 MERIDEN THEN and NOW We invite you to share the essence of eight decades of life, dreams, and transformation in our city. Come and listen as local high school students share the data from all the stories collected detailing how the lives of children and teens have changed over the last 80 years here in Meriden. We are very excited to share these stories with you. We are asking attendees to be bring a new toy as admission which we will donate to the holiday campaign here in Meriden Click HERE to reserve your seat. There is no presentation in December because of the holiday season. We will restart our lecture series on January 26th. Our Winter newsletter, arriving in late November, will have all the details.
Activities
MERIDEN THEN AND NOW
Ongoing through September 15th
We invite you to help us capture the essence of eight decades of life, dreams, and transformation in our city. Don’t miss your chance to become a part of Meriden’s living history! We will be collecting stories through September 15th. You can choose to be recordedor write your answers and email them to us.For more information, visit our website at www.meridenhistoricalsociety.org to download the questions or call 203-639-1913.
MERIDEN FAST FORWARD
Opens 10/1 Closes 12/1
Join the fun with this photography contest open to the public. Participants take a picture of a person, place or thing they think will be historically important 100 years from now in Meriden. Gallery 53 will host a juried exhibition in January for the artistic merits of the photos while a panel of historians will review the narratives for the historical importance. Prizes will be awarded at 41 W Main on Thursday 2/23 at 6:30 with the winners presenting their work. For more information and get the directions please email us info@meridenhistsoc.org .
New Members We welcome the following new members! Lori Canney Jennifer Farina Suzanne Goldberg Ed & Jeanne Hanlon
Fall Hours 41 W Main
Wednesday 9:00- 3:00 Tours at 11 and 1 Thursday 3:00-8:00 Closed 1st Thursday (9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7) Friday By Appointment First Saturdays 9-12
I spend a lot of my time wondering about the future of history. In recent years, history has slowly and surely been relegated to red-headed stepchild status in the world of curriculum, taking a place far behind math, English and science. My love for history was kindled at an early age by my father, whose passion for history was communicated to all of his children. I loved stories about the past, anyone’s past, anywhere on the planet. I loved historical fiction, maybe because I liked to pick it apart for historical inaccuracies, but actually for the contextually rich background that authors like Diana Gabaldon and Phillipa Gregory painted, that brought me right in to those worlds. I loved real history. It was my favorite subject. And it is little wonder that I would choose to become a history teacher as my first profession.
I have changed careers but always come back to my professional roots in some form and I now feel that I have come full circle returning to that first love of history as I settle in here at the historical society. But I must share that I worry about the future of the discipline that is far and away my favorite. A recent writing in the American Association of State and Local History was right on the money. And I quote, referring to America’s historical societies, “They have had a strong run since the beginning of the twentieth century, but have always found it hard to do two things: find new board members and attract young families. The running joke is that local societies have always been run by “little old ladies in white tennis shoes.” And they’ve done a good job, but can they, as a force, sustain the pattern?”
And it keeps me awake at night. Once Generation X hits retirement age,the numbers shrink in comparison to Boomers. STEERIKE ONE There will simply be less people who will support the work, and fewer people for lectures, activities and all the rest. And those demographic patterns are not going to change.
People who were born and stayed in a place their wholes lives are becoming more rare. Gone are “I was born on Such and Such Street, right next to the big house where so and so used to live.” We are a highly mobile society and we aren’t all local anymore. Fewer and fewer people with long memories who have deep ties to the community are available to work at preserving any town’s history. STEERIKE TWO. The writing is on the wall.
Now, consider this last point. Local historical societies are just that – local. Local organizations need to see a bigger picture, not just stop at the town line. How do we avoid striking out? Engage younger people. Keep up with technology. Embrace all of the cultures that made and continue to make Meriden what it is so everyone knows they are a part of the story that continues to unfold every single day. What are your thoughts? How can you help us get to the next part of our story? Email us at info@meridenhistsoc.org with your ideas with the subject line “IDEAS”.
NEW EXHIBIT COMING IN OCTOBER
Stay tuned for the details as the Museum celebrates 125 years of history with the Suzio Family.
Follow us on Facebook for updates. It’s going to be fabulous!
