Litchfield History Museum

7 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759

About the Museum

The Litchfield History Museum exhibits the evolution of the town of Litchfield, CT from its settlement in 1719 to today. Through changing exhibits, artifacts and archives, as well as hands-on areas, visitors can explore the diverse history of the town. Litchfield was a bustling commercial,political, and educational center and is a case study for the evolution of New England towns following the Revolutionary War. The town’s history includes that of the center village, Bantam, East Litchfield, Milton, Northfield, and pre-1850s Morris. The Historical Society’s artifacts and archives document all areas. The exhibits are on the first floor of the Noyes Memorial Building.

The lower level is home to the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library.

Hours

The Litchfield History Museum reopens to the public on April 22, 2023

New hours starting April 22, 2023

Wednesday through Sunday – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plan your visit today!

Imagine taking Connecticut’s northern and southern borders and extending them west to the Pacific Ocean. Under the terms of a royal charter given to the colony in1662, Connecticut was to stretch from the “Narraganset-Bay on the East, to the South Sea on the West Part.” Following the model of other states, Connecticut gave most of its claimed land over to the federal government in 1786, but it “reserved” a territory in the northeast of present-day Ohio for its continued use and settlement. This became the Connecticut Western Reserve.

To Come to a Land of Milk and Honey: Litchfield and the Connecticut Western Reserve tells the story of the Reserve’s lasting legacy and the experiences of the men, women, and children affected by westward migration.

Opening April 21, 2023.

While Litchfield was never home to the kind of formal art colony found in other parts of Connecticut, the town has a rich and lasting connection with the visual arts. Painting Litchfield showcases paintings inspired by Litchfield scenes and landscapes from the nineteenth century to the present. Learn about one of the earliest artist groups exhibiting in Connecticut, explore the career of a painter who served in the Monuments Men, and view works by artists living in Litchfield today. 

Painting Litchfield will be on display from April 21 to July 16, 2023

Exhibits Supported by


Interested in a Private Tour?

Walking Tour Map
We have a walking tour map available for $2 that provides a self-guided tour of the historic district’s homes and businesses. Stop in and purchase one today! Or, download the free, digital version of the Walking Tour Brochure. (PDF, 3MB)

MUSEUMS FREE TO ALL!

In our continuing efforts to better serve the Litchfield community we are pleased to once again offer free admission, generously sponsored by Ericson Insurance Advisors.