Category: News & Events

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. Through objects made and used in Meriden—alongside photographs, and stories—the exhibition reveals how craftsmanship and industry reflected the city’s ambitions, values, and resilience. More than a tale of manufacturing, Silver and Spirit shows how International SIlver reflects and creates Meriden’s  and America’s story.   Tours at 11:00 and 1:00. Reserve your spot HERE.

This lecture explores the powerful story of how Puerto Rican families came to shape the social, cultural, and economic life of Meriden, Connecticut. This 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 attending at 5:30 with a tour.

Join us for a local event in conjunction with Gallery 53 to ring in the holiday season. Come on down and complete scavenger hunts for prize drawings or to shop for just the right gift for the history buff in your life. We look forward to seeing you there. The event is free.

November 20th 6:30 at 41 West Man Street

Continuing our series on immigration to Meriden, this lecture by Ruth Borsuk explores the history of Jewish immigration to Meriden, tracing the journey of families who arrived primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Eastern Europe in search of religious freedom and economic opportunity and the ways they contributed to the city’s cultural and economic growth and  highlights how the Jewish community shaped Meriden’s identity while preserving their traditions in a rapidly changing America. Reserve your seat HERE.

Who’s Buried Where and Why Do We Care?

The last tour of this year’s w series will run rain or shine.   The tour starts promptly at 1:00 at the entrance to the cemetery and take approximately two hours.  Our tours are refreshed every year so plan on meeting new “residents” even if you have been on a tour to a cemetery previously.

Oct 26    B’nai Abraham   113 Corrigan Avenue

While the cost is free, we would appreciate your donations.  The suggested donation is $10 per tour and can be done on-line when your reserve your seat by clicking on the name above.

Thursday September 25th 6:30-7:30 41 W Main Street Meriden

Welcome to another chapter in our ongoing lecture series about the immigrants whose rich diversity made Meriden!  Between 1840 and 1870, nearly 1 million French speakers emigrated from Canada to the northeast United States and formed “Little Canada” communities, one of of which was Meriden.  Join Martha Colaresi (née Benoît) as she explores the heritage, trials, tribulations and triumphs that shape the story of French Canadians crossing the border, finding their way to Meriden, and becoming Franco-American.  Register HERE.

Thursday August 28 6:30-7:30 Meriden Museum & History Center, 41 West Main Street

Italian immigration has played a significant role in shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Meriden, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this lecture, we will explore the major waves of Italian migration, the push and pull factors that drove millions to leave their homeland, and the experiences of Italian immigrants as they settled in Meriden. From the challenges of assimilation to the preservation of cultural identity, we will examine how Italian communities left a lasting legacy that continues to be felt today. Register HERE.

Thursday July 24 6:30-7:30 Meriden Museum & History Center ,41 West Main Street

xplore the rich history and enduring legacy of Polish immigrants who begin settling in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We will discuss why they come to Meriden because of the  opportunities in the booming silver and manufacturing industries,  taking on physically demanding jobs while forming tight-knit communities centered around churches such as St. Stanislaus. The lecture also emphasizes the role of Polish cultural traditions, language, and mutual aid societies in preserving identity and fostering resilience amidst discrimination and economic hardship. Through  personal stories, and historical documents, the presentation paints a vivid picture of how Polish Americans helped shape Meriden’s cultural and economic landscape.  Reserve your seat HERE.

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.

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“.