Historical groups outline 2025 events and collection digitization plans

Norwalk — Representatives of the Norwalk Historical Society and the Lockwood Matthews Mansion updated the Historical Commission and the public on upcoming public programs, collection digitization and reopening plans.

Diane Gellerett of the Norwalk Historical Society said the society’s curator, Michael Murphy, is finishing an online catalogue of the society’s pottery collection and that the society will publish a link for public access when the work is complete. Gellerett also said the society is participating in America250 (the nationwide 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence) and will form a city committee for Norwalk’s participation. She listed upcoming events including Norwalk Earth Day on April 20 (11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Norwalk Green), a Memorial Day open house at Mill Hill on May 26, Connecticut Open House Day in June, a talk on Algonquian living history in June and music and other programming in late June.

Susie Gilgore of the Lockwood Matthews Mansion said the mansion is preparing to reopen to the public and offered a preview of upcoming museum events: a lecture series beginning April 10, a classic car culture talk on May 18, and a June 12 exhibition titled Reimagine Reflections, among other reopening events and a special ribbon-cutting for supporters. Gilgore said the mansion will run a sneak-peek lecture at HMTX while restoration work continues at the house itself.

Both speakers asked the public to watch institutional websites for ticketing details and event notices. The commission did not take action on these informational remarks; they were recorded under public participation.