Category: News & Events

Thursday, June 26 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM 41 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451, USA

Join us for another chapter in our ongoing lecture series sharing the story of the  diverse communities that made Meriden. This evening, Erika Slocumb from the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center focuses on African Americans as they arrive in the New World. By 1775 Connecticut had roughly 5100 slaves. Wallingford, which included Meriden and Cheshire at the time of the Revolutionary War had many enslaved people. Often overlooked stories of African -Americans in early Meriden will be shared. Reseve you seat HERE.

Thursday May 22 at 6:30 41 W Main Street, Meriden, CT

Bring your Meriden antiques, heirlooms, and forgotten treasures to the Meriden Museum & History Center, where we will help uncover their hidden stories. Whether it’s a dusty old photograph, a curious trinket, or a centuries-old artifact, every object has a tale to tell. Join us for a night of exploration, conversation, and surprising connections to the past—because history isn’t just in museums, it’s in your hands!  Reserve your seat now by clicking https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/relics-and-revelations-show-and-tell-at-the-museum

Monthly Lecture Series     Trailblazers: Women in Meriden

Join us for an engaging lecture exploring the rich history and impact of the women in Meriden’s past and present. This event will delve into the contributions of the women in the city, from its early settlers to today’s women of note. Reserve your seat now by clicking HERE.  (We have sold out the last 2 lectures so please be sure to register.)

This Friday you are invited to our opening reception for our spring exhibit, Quills to Clicks: How News Has Shaped Meriden and Beyond.  This is a wine and cheese reception from 6:30-8:00 for members before the public opening of the exhibit on Saturday the 5th at 10AM.  RSVPs are required.  Please click HERE if you plan on coming.

Saturday April 5th 10-3 and Sunday April 6th 11-3

Opening of the spring exhibit. Quills to Clicks: How News Has Shaped Meriden and Beyond  Guided tours begin at 11 and 1 for this exhibit.  A guided tour of  Innovation & Industry begins at 2 on Saturday and Sunday. Polished Perspectives begins at 12 on Saturday and Sunday.
All exhibits are open during our regularly scheduled open hours through Saturday June 14th.  See below for open hours. We do ask that if you would like a guided tour during regular hours that you call ahead and make a reservation in order to ensure that we have a tour guide available. 203-639-1913.  Guided tours during weekend hours are available on the posted schedule as seen above.

Thursday April 22nd 6:30-7:30

Monthly Lecture Series     Trailblazers: Women in Meriden

Join us for an engaging lecture exploring the rich history and impact of the women in Meriden’s past and present. This event will delve into the contributions of the women in the city, from its early settlers to today’s women of note. Reserve your seat now by clicking HERE.  (We have sold out the last 2 lectures so please be sure to register.)

41 W Main Street Thursday March 27th at 6:30 PM

Join us for an engaging lecture and  discussion exploring the rich history and impact of Irish immigration in Meriden, Connecticut. This event will delve into the challenges, triumphs, and cultural contributions of the Irish community in the city, from its early settlers to its lasting legacy.  The evening will feature the history of Irish immigration in Meriden, including its social, economic, and cultural dimensions from the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, local people of Irish descent and museum staff. Please register HERE.

We invite you to arrive early and explore our new West Gallery, currently featuring the exhibition “Polished Perspectives: The Art of International Silver“.

Thursday February 27th at 6:30 at 41 W Main

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.Register here. Come early and see our new West Gallery, Polished Perspectives: The Art of International Silver. The new gallery is truly beautiful.

Thursday January 23rd at 6:30 at 41 Main Street

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.

Tours of Meriden Cemeteries

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.