151 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 346-0746
Museum House
Tuesdays 10am - 3pm
Wednesdays 10am - 3pm
Thursdays 10am - 3pm
Fridays 10am - 12pm
Genealogy and research in archives by appointment only.
Within These Walls : One House, One Family, Two Centuries
On May 19, 2011, the Society opened its latest exhibit about the General Mansfield House, the families who lived there over the past two hundred years, and the Middletown they lived in. Charlotte Cottier, Wesleyan University class of 2012, is guest curator of the exhibit. Charlotte has been doing research into the house and the Mather/Mansfield families for two years now, ever since she began volunteering at the Society in her first year at Wesleyan. At the opening reception, Charlotte spoke movingly of the strong women behind General Mansfield, particularly his mother Mary Fenno and his wife Louisa (nee Mather) Mansfield. She noted that although the General is the most celebrated member of the family, due to his service and sacrifice in the Civil War, his wife and mother gave him strong, sometimes stern guidance and support.
Debby Shapiro, Executive Director of the Society, worked closely with Charlotte and drew on her many contacts within and outside Middletown to successfully mount the exhibit. Dave Wolfram, long-time Board member and graphic artist, did his usual splendid job creating panels with graphics that bring Charlotte's vision to life. Joe Samolis, also a Board member, did much of the work of preparing the space and safely hanging the panels. Thanks to them and to everyone who contributed to the success of the Society's latest exhibit.
Thanks as well to those who attended the opening reception, including Charlotte's parents and friends.
Links to stories about the exhibit:
Middletown (CT) Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/civil-war-era-brought-to-life-in-new-exhibit
Wesleyan University: http://bit.ly/kLUJin
Wesleyan University / University Librarian's blog: http://bit.ly/jBzPW8
Here are pictures taken by Board member Erik Hesselberg:
Charlotte Cottier (center, facing camera) at the opening reception.
Panel on General J. K. F. Mansfield's mother, Mary Fenno Mansfield.
Some family artifacts displayed in the exhibit.
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