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.
Show and Tell – Thursday, March 30th, 2023 6:30 pm, 41 W. Main St. downtown Meriden
Meriden Show and Tell: What is it? Where is it? Who is it? – Thursday, 3/30/2023 6:30 PM
Join us at the Society’s Museum and History Center to share your stories, discoveries and queries relating to Meriden and its history. A panel of members of the Society will be on hand to answer questions and present unusual items from the Society’s collection. Seating is limited. Admission is free. Reservations are recommended, by calling the office (203-639-1913) or emailing us: info@meridenhistsoc.org
OCTAGONAL HOUSES – Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 6:30 pm, 41 W. Main St. downtown Meriden
Sherwin Borsuk, past president of the Meriden Historical Society, will present a PowerPoint illustrated program on the mid-19th century craze for octagonal houses.
Admission is free. Seating is limited.Please send us an email (MeridenHistoricalSociety@gmail.com) or call the office (203-639-1913) to reserve your seat.
PAST EVENTS
THE HISTORY OF MARKHAM AIRPORT– Thursday, 1/26/2023, 6:30 pm 41 W. Main St. downtown Meriden
The Meriden Historical Society will be hosting a lecture on Meriden Markham Airport presented by Constance Castillo, Markham Airport Manager. Ms. Castillo is a certified flight instructor and has been an active member of the local Ninety-Nines, an international organization for women pilots. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a seat at our lecture room, please contact Michael J. Zaffino, Administrator at 203.639.1913.
ANNUALMEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Meriden Historical Society’s Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Thursday, September8, 2022
6:00 pm
at our downtown Museum & History Center 41 W. Main Street, Meriden.
Agenda: Committee reports; President’s report; Meet Michael J. Zaffino – our administrator; Eat and schmooze on the patio
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JULY PROGRAM: An Aerial View – Meriden Present and Past
Thursday, July 28, 2022 6:30 pm at our Museum and History Center 41 W. Main St. Meriden, and streaming on Zoom.
Free admission. Donations gratefully accepted and help keep our doors open.
Sam Carr – Will present photographs of Meriden from the view of drones providing mostly current images of both iconic and typical views of the City from unique perspectives. There will also be some older views of Meriden, taken from an airplane from the 1930’s thru 1980’s, that will be compared to recent images to show how the city has changed over the years. A short discussion of drone rules and regulations will be included. Sam holds a private pilot license from the FAA as well as a commercial UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle – drone) license.
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JULY PROGRAMCo-sponsored with the Meriden Public Library:
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Meriden Mall, 470 Lewis Ave, Meriden – next to Champs. Presented by Christina Rewinski
Which side are you on? That’s the question that every single person in Connecticut had to answer in 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule. Loyalty was not only a matter of words or opinion, For soldiers and civilians alike, loyalty could mean loss of fortune, of friends, and even of life. This presentation reveals stories – some well known, some obscure – of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this “tumultuous jarring time of civil war”
SYLVESTER POLI – THEATER MAGNATE, his life and involvement in Meriden.
Presented by Michael J. Zaffino.
Thursday, June 30th at 6:30 pm at the Meriden Historical Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 W. Main St. Meriden CT
41 w. Main St., downtown Meriden
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Join us at our Downtown History Center Location on Sunday, 6/11/22 between the hours of 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. On display are photographs and artifacts featuring Meriden’s People, Products and Places. Free admission.
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Our feature exhibit at our October Open House will be dedicated to Rosa Ponselle.
OUR MISSION To steward the rich and diverse history of Meriden, Connecticut and its people. We collect, preserve, research, and exhibit artifacts; create educational programming; and support research that accurately interprets Meriden’s past. We inspire and engage others to learn about and take pride in the history of our community.
OUR VISION To be a vibrant center, providing multi-media access and resources for all members of our community, scholars, students, and others, to understand, appreciate, and experience the history of Meriden.
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