Office, Gift Shop & Museum:
Tu.-Fri. 10:00 - 4:00
Sat. 1:00 - 4:00
Sun. Dec. 4 -Jan. 16:
1:00 - 4:00
For tour info click here
Map
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Introducing History to Wilton’s Children
For more than 30 years the Wilton Historical Society has been providing curriculum appropriate programs for Wilton Schools. We have long considered making our history and heritage relevant to young people as one of the most important contributions we make to our community.
The 4th and 2nd grade programs are the cornerstone of our educational offerings for young people. We work with the schools in Wilton to give all children of those grade levels an opportunity to learn by trying their hands at many crafts important to the early settlers of Wilton.
In addition to those two programs, throughout the year we provide many different opportunities for young people to gain a hands-on experience of what life was like in small farming towns like Wilton.
And, of course, every holiday season we take everybody back to the days of the electric trains around the Christmas tree.
Second Grade Programs
In the fall, children of Miller and Driscoll Schools visit the Wilton Town Hall to learn about Wilton today. They meet with the First Selectman, visit the Fire and Police Departments, see the big equipment at DPW and learn about town services. In December, at the museum, students explore childhood in the 18th century. They learn about children’s roles and chores, try on colonial clothing, and try their hands at stitching and spoke shaving, and they get to preview the train exhibit!
Fourth Grade Programs
As part of their curriculum, every spring Wilton's 4th graders visit the Society for a day of immersion into the colonial life of early Wilton. Many museums explain and demonstrate colonial crafts, but The Wilton Historical Society has taken the field trip experience to the next level. The staff and volunteers collaborate with the teachers in advance of the student's visit. Students are given an identity as one of Wilton's families from the 18th century. Small groups take on a family identity as a weaver, a miller, a farmer or a Norwalk town merchant. This role playing is an integral part of their experience. These family groups rotate through our museum grounds to learn and try 18th century crafts and skills.
Bartering at Capt. Belden's Store:
Upon visiting Captain Samuel Belden's store the students have the experience of bartering for goods they need with the goods they produce. Each student family has been provided asset cards of what that family has to trade and also a list of things they need. They have to decide how to trade for their needs. This experience teaches them about trade, currency and products in colonial Wilton.
Overall the day lets the students see and perform colonial crafts. They learn about textile making, hearth cookery, candle making, wood working, blacksmithing and all the jobs that engaged adults and children before the industrial revolution.
Scholarships
Each year, the Society gives two scholarships to Wilton High School seniors. One, in honor of Stewart Gregory, a former president of the society and son of a founding member, is given through the Wilton Student Financial Aid Committee. The other scholarship is awarded at the High School Awards Program to a senior who has shown an interest in history and community service.
