Shelton Historical Society's Brownson House receives award

Community invited to visit on CT Open House Day

SHELTON - The Shelton Historical Society has just received an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations for its interpretation of the Brownson House on the grounds of Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Road.  

The public is invited to celebrate from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday during Connecticut Open House Day. 

This event is free and open to the public. Other buildings on the grounds, which include the 1872 Trap 

Fall School and the Wilson Barn, built c. 1860, will be open for viewing as well.  

For more information, call 203-925-1803, visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org, or see the Facebook page.  

Although the house was built c. 1822, it has been furnished to demonstrate how a middle-class farm family coped with the rapidly changing society of the early 1900s.   

The 1913 interpretation of the historic house was achieved after a decade of research and interviews with former Shelton residents including those of the Brownson family who used to live in the house.  

One inspiration was the discovery of a ledger that detailed the family’s every expense and all income during 1913-14.  

It revealed activities that took place in the community, how business was transacted by local farm families, and travel by the Brownsons for entertainment and business purposes.  

Enhance understanding of history

The Connecticut League of History Organizations presents Awards of Merit to institutions and individuals who demonstrate the highest of professional standards, and who enhance and further the understanding of Connecticut history. 

The purpose of the Awards of Merit is to recognize the care, thought, and effort invested in these contributions and to inspire and encourage others by acknowledging exceptional contributions to state and local history.

Connecticut Open House Day is an annual event scheduled the second Saturday of June, where cultural organizations and tourism attractions throughout the state open their doors to Connecticut residents, inviting them to discover - and rediscover - Connecticut’s fascinating world of art, history, film and tourism with a variety of special visitor incentives. 

The unique one-day event is part of a broad state initiative that began in 2005 and is coordinated by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (www.CTvisit.com).


This is a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.