About Torrington historical society
The Torrington Historical Society: Preserving the Past for a Better Future
The Torrington Historical Society is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Torrington, Connecticut since its establishment in 1948. The society's mission is to build a sense of community and provide a foundation for the future by preserving and understanding our shared past.
Torrington, located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, has a long and fascinating history dating back to colonial times. The town was originally settled in 1735 as part of the Western Lands of Connecticut. It was named after Great Torrington, England, where many early settlers originated from.
Over the years, Torrington has played an important role in various industries such as manufacturing and agriculture. The town also boasts several notable landmarks including the Warner Theatre (originally built as a movie palace), Coe Memorial Park (a beautiful public park), and the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum (a historic house museum).
The Torrington Historical Society plays an essential role in preserving these landmarks by collecting artifacts related to local history such as photographs, documents, maps, books, clothing items etc., which are then displayed at their museum or used for educational purposes.
One of their most significant achievements is restoring the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum which was built-in 1900 by industrialist Orsamus R. Fyler. This magnificent mansion features original furnishings from different periods that showcase how wealthy families lived during those times.
Apart from maintaining museums and collections related to local history; The society also organizes various events throughout the year such as lectures on historical topics or walking tours around town highlighting significant landmarks or buildings with historical significance.
In addition to these activities; they also offer educational programs for schools where students can learn about local history through interactive exhibits designed specifically for them.
The society's efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they have received several awards for their work in preserving local history. They were awarded the Connecticut League of Historical Societies' Award of Merit in 2015 for their outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of Torrington's history.
The Torrington Historical Society is a vital organization that plays an essential role in preserving and promoting local history. Their efforts help build a sense of community by providing a foundation for future generations to understand and appreciate our shared past. If you're interested in learning more about Torrington's rich history, be sure to visit the society's museum or attend one of their events!