By Geri Rhoades
What a weekend of historical charm and vibrant energy as the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society hosted two events over the May 30th weekend. For its annual “Celebrate New Canaan” fundraiser, guests gathered for dinner and danced on the great lawn. Over 300 guests enjoyed the live music from Fake ID and delicious food prepared by Diane Browne Catering. The promise of moonlight over the beautiful campus was fulfilled, thanks to favorable weather. After dinner, guests were invited to enjoy a cigar and spirit tasting on the Historic Trail.
Emcee Christian Murphy kept the evening running smoothly, beginning with a warm welcome from Executive Director Nancy Geary, who provided updates on future initiatives and expressed gratitude for the evening’s support. Doug Dooley, a long-time member and current Board Governor, followed her remarks. Nancy highlighted, “Doug’s guidance and advice has been invaluable.”
The event was magical, filled with conversation, laughter, and a shared commitment to supporting New Canaan’s History. The annual fundraiser raised more than $100,000, which, along with memberships and donations, helps cover operating expenses, as only 5% of their budget is funded by the town.
On Sunday, the 34th annual ice cream social attracted people of all ages, with help from members of the Exchange Club, mothers and daughters from the National Charity League, Canaan Parish, and New Canaan Chapters, the Dunlap family, and the Service League of Boys. Phil Luongo of Gofer generously donated the delicious ice cream and toppings. Old-fashioned games, music from the Town Band, and lots of fun drew hundreds of children who explored the festivities. This free event is hosted by the Museum “as a celebration of the community,” says Nancy.
While the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society is a significant part of our community, many residents are not familiar with its history and mission. Founded in 1889, the Society aims “to bring together and arrange the historical events of the town of New Canaan, to record the genealogies of the families who have lived in the town, to establish a library and to collect relics and curiosities, to form a museum.”
Each school year, more than 1000 school children visit for tours, and numerous other children’s events are hosted. The museum welcomes over 5,000 visitors, including groups of seniors from assisted living facilities, young adults with special needs, researchers, scholars, and individuals from across the country and around the world. The New Canaan Museum has become a global destination.
Our town is rich in history, and the Society plays a vital role in building awareness and appreciation of our town’s past. For example, their offices are located in the 1825 Town House (the original Town Hall), which houses a research library with more than 3,500 volumes, as well as numerous manuscripts, deeds, newspapers, photographs, and other documents dating back to the Colonial era.
If you haven’t taken a stroll through the Oenoke campus, it’s an incredible journey into the past, featuring the 1764 Hanford-Silliman House, which includes a fully stocked hearth and tavern. Also on the main campus are a pharmacy, schoolhouse, weaving room, and more.
Plans for the future include exciting exhibits, such as the upcoming show on architect Eero Saarinen. More than 40 events and programs are planned for the year ahead. They also have plans to install a new doll exhibit, as well as redesign the pewter exhibit to highlight these collections.
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society owns or operates eight museums and buildings, including the 1764 Hanford-Silliman House, the 1960 Gores Pavilion, and the Rogers Studio, which, with Philip Johnson’s Glass House, is one of only two National Historic Landmarks in New Canaan.
Last weekend’s events are just small examples of the open and inclusive family organization that is the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society. Open year-round, they offer a full schedule of events, gatherings, lectures, tours, and exhibitions. Their most recent exhibit, running through August 10th, showcases many of the exceptional pieces that comprise their clothing and textile collection, which is the second-largest collection in the State of Connecticut.
As Executive Director Nancy Geary states, “We constantly research so that we can continue to learn, discover, and share the stories of what makes New Canaan special.”
