FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARTFORD, CT. – The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, one of the oldest historical societies in the United States, is pleased to announce its 200th anniversary. Established in 1825 as The Connecticut Historical Society, the Connecticut Museum remains dedicated to education and cultural preservation through an inclusive lens, partnering with diverse communities across the state to share their stories and traditions. As this new chapter unfolds, the Connecticut Museum is excited to continue to provide enriching programs, new exhibitions, and a range of community events that give a glimpse into Connecticut’s past, present, and future.

To kick-off its bicentennial, the Museum will host an opening celebration on Thursday, January 30 from 10 – 11:30 am. The event will feature iconic items from the Museum’s collection rarely on view, a first look at the 200th year’s programming, and a keynote address from UCONN’s Draper Chair of American History and bestselling author Manisha Sinha in conversation with State Historian Andy Horowitz on why history and culture matter today. Light refreshments and local coffee will be served.

Throughout 2025, the Museum will introduce new programs and events that celebrate important moments and stories from across the state, including a retrospective 200th anniversary exhibition, a foodie-friendly fundraiser Taste of 200, a 200th Anniversary catalogue, a children’s book launch, and more.

“As we commemorate this momentous occasion, we are thinking about the Museum’s evolution from a society created to preserve historically significant materials to a cultural institution housing thousands of deeply significant artifacts and community-building opportunities,” Robert A. Kret, Executive Director and CEO said.

Known for its award-winning exhibitions, the Museum’s current special exhibition Coffee: A Connecticut Story, delves into the influence of coffee culture in the state. The institution also actively encourages community members to engage with local history through public access to its extensive research library, a robust schedule of monthly programs, and cultural community celebrations ranging from Lunar New Year to Día de Muertos. With its rebranding in 2023, the Museum has refined its community-focused philosophy to be more inclusive of audiences across the state.

“The history of Connecticut is comprised of millions of stories and is shared through the cultural traditions and knowledge passed from generation to generation,” Ilene Frank, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer said. “The Museum’s bicentennial is a time to celebrate the new opportunities the Museum will pursue to collect, preserve, share, and promote Connecticut’s history and culture.”

For more information and information about the Museum’s upcoming 200th anniversary events, visit https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/ or follow the Museum on social at @thectmuseum on Instagram and Facebook.

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The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1825 as the state’s premier historical society, and cultural institution. Located in the historic West End of Hartford, the Museum houses exhibitions, a library, a research center, and a vast collection that includes more than 4 million manuscripts, graphics, objects, and artifacts. The Museum strives to cultivate deep understanding of the history and culture of Connecticut, and its role in the United States and the world, through reflection of the past, active engagement with the present, and innovation for the future through collections, research, educational programs, and exhibitions.

MEDIA CONTACT
Samantha Skeels
Marketing and Communications Manager
860-969-6089 x 105
sskeels@connecticutmuseum.org