The Norwalk Historical Society and the Lockwood Matthews Mansion reported stronger-than-expected attendance and several upcoming public events during the commission’s meeting.

Diane Gelarett, representing the Norwalk Historical Society, said the group hosted two well-attended lectures this month, including a popular talk titled "Vampires in Connecticut" by Dr. Nick Balentoni, and an Nov. 9 program on the National Guard. She invited the public to a holiday open house and the museum’s 10th-anniversary celebration on Dec. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m., saying the society will present new exhibits called "WPA treasures of Norwalk." "We have an upcoming event on December 7 and everybody is the entire public is invited," Gelarett said.

Susie Gilgore, speaking for the Lockwood Matthews Mansion Museum, said the mansion’s grand reopening has driven several thousand visitors and raised "close to $50,000" from tours alone. She listed a slate of seasonal programs and exhibits: a Tiffany talk by curator Alice Cooney on Sunday at 2 p.m.; the "Bulls of Wall Street" exhibit running through Feb. 4; a new exhibition called "Enchanted lights and toys" running through Jan. 18; and several December fundraisers, including a concert and a Santa event on Dec. 14. "Between now and December, we have several exciting events that we hope you will be able to attend," Gilgore said.

Both presenters thanked the city for recent security upgrades at museum facilities and encouraged public attendance at the holiday programming. The announcement underscores a busy season for local cultural sites and updates residents on dates and ticketed programs.

The commission did not take formal votes tied to these presentations; attendees asked a few scheduling questions about exhibits and the mansion provided exhibit end dates and curator names.