Meet some of our amazing staff, volunteers, and supporters who help fulfill our mission. The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is a cultural institution that focuses on preservation, modernism, education and community. Through exhibits, programs, library services and events, we celebrate history and explore its role in shaping the future.
SHOES
COMMON GROUND: IRWIN BY TORRANCE YORK
HISTORY OF NEW CANAAN’S FIRE COMPANY
Donna Gorman, board governor and owner of SeeDesign, Inc., conceived of, and curated, Shoes, an extensive exhibition of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes. Drawn from the Museum’s 400 pairs, she selected 200 based on a number of factors including age, condition, originality, and function. Read more
Common Ground: Irwin reflects York’s love of Irwin Park. “To me it feels like an outdoor museum with a rotating collection,” she says. “This park is a manageable size to circle completely on each visit so it is very satisfying to track changes in nature from one day to the next. There is a new discovery around each bend in your path.” Read more
Mike Tiani, the Historian for the New Canaan Fire Company, curates a special exhibit in honor of Fire Prevention Awareness Month. Chronicling 140 years of the Fire Company’s history, the show includes photographs, memorabilia, medals, uniforms and other artifacts. Read more
NEW CANAAN HISTORY DAY
MEMBERS ONLY ARCHITECTURAL NIGHT
The inaugural New Canaan History Day celebration will take place the last Sunday in September. Museum buildings will be open with knowledgeable docents in the Hearth and Craft rooms of the Hanford-Silliman House, the Tool Museum, Rock School and Cody Pharmacy.. Read more
Join members of the Historical Society for this special evening of architecture. First, wander down the hill and enjoy a private tour of 4 Main Street, the 2019 “This Old House – Idea House” built by KARP Associates, Inc. Return to 13 Oenoke Ridge at 7 pm for a presentation by Christopher Wigren from the CT Preservation Trust. Read more
SHOES
Donna Gorman, board governor and owner of SeeDesign, Inc., conceived of, and curated, Shoes, an extensive exhibition of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes. Drawn from the Museum’s 400 pairs, she selected 200 based on a number of factors including age, condition, originality, and function. Read more
COMMON GROUND: IRWIN BY TORRANCE YORK
Common Ground: Irwin reflects York’s love of Irwin Park. “To me it feels like an outdoor museum with a rotating collection,” she says. “This park is a manageable size to circle completely on each visit so it is very satisfying to track changes in nature from one day to the next. There is a new discovery around each bend in your path.” Read more
HISTORY OF NEW CANAAN’S FIRE COMPANY
Mike Tiani, the Historian for the New Canaan Fire Company, curates a special exhibit in honor of Fire Prevention Awareness Month. Chronicling 140 years of the Fire Company’s history, the show includes photographs, memorabilia, medals, uniforms and other artifacts. Read more
NEW CANAAN HISTORY DAY
The inaugural New Canaan History Day celebration will take place the last Sunday in September. Museum buildings will be open with knowledgeable docents in the Hearth and Craft rooms of the Hanford-Silliman House, the Tool Museum, Rock School and Cody Pharmacy.. Read more
MEMBERS ONLY ARCHITECTURAL NIGHT
Join members of the Historical Society for this special evening of architecture. First, wander down the hill and enjoy a private tour of 4 Main Street, the 2019 “This Old House – Idea House” built by KARP Associates, Inc. Return to 13 Oenoke Ridge at 7 pm for a presentation by Christopher Wigren from the CT Preservation Trust. Read more