Virtual Exhibits
Curiosity Cabinet
Join us this year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Stratford Historical Society by exploring our collections! Scroll down to learn about items that we rarely have the opportunity to pull out of Collections Storage. They tell the hidden stories of Stratford!
Flags of the World Card Game
This deck of cards features various flags of the world and is from around the late 19th century!
13 Star American Flag
This flag is from crica 1876!
Gift of Alma J. Braitling
1791 Lottery Ticket
You can't win if you don't play! This lottery ticket is from 1791 and was issued by the General Assembly for the purpose of raising the necessary amount of money required to build Newfield Bridge.
paper
1791
Gift of Mr. Henry Taylor, 1926
Solomon Plant's Wallet
Solomon Plant was a well-known wheelwright, not just in Stratford but all of Fairfield County and beyond. This flame stitch needlepoint wallet was made for Solomon by his mother, Bathsheba Plant, during the Revolution, according to family records. This, along with many spinning wheels made by Solomon, can be found in the collections at Stratford Historical Society!
needlepoint
circa 1780
Gift of Richard Day Bunnell
Miniature Weaver
This le Tissor, or miniature weaver, is used for darning and small weaving projects and was made in France. These samples were made using this 3.5" x 2.5" loom!
Made in France
Gift of Frederick Mills
Red Cross Uniform Insignia
This Red Cross insignia, including a button, patch, and two chevrons, were part of the uniform worn by Helen Stagg, a Red Cross driver during WWI.
Gift of Jane S. Stagg, March 1982
Field Keg
This wooden field keg belonged was most likely used during the Revoluntionary War. "D. Wooster" is inscribed along the side of the keg.
Wood with metal straps and wood plug
Circa 1777
American Shakespeare Theater Poster
In 1973, the American Shakespeare Theater put on four plays - Macbeth, Measure for Measure, The Country Wife, and Julius Caesar.
American Shakespeare Theater Poster for Macbeth, Measure For Measure, The Country Wife, and Julius Caesar
Gift of Unknown
Civil War Saber
On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began with the Battle of Fort Sumter. This saber is a Model 1833 Dragoon Saber that belonged to Capt. Wilson French, who lived in Stratford and fought in the Civil War. This type of saber would have also been used by officers.
Model 1833 Dragoon Saber
Gift of Robert H. Sammis, 2011
Candle Stand
Table model candle stand with adjustable by screw mechanism
wood
circa 1750 - 1800
Gift of Mr. Thomas Taylor, 1965
Cutrufello's Creamery Thermometer
Thermometer From Cutrufello's Creamery, Stratford, CT.
Glove Powder Shaker
This small, cylindrical powder shaker has a nozzle to direct powder into the fingers of gloves! Powder would be added to the cylinder and the nozzel would screw back on so that powder could be added to gloves to make them easier to put on!
soft, natural wood
unknown date
Valentine's Day Card
Will you be my valentine? This sweet Valentine's Day card dates back to early 1900! What love note would you have left for your sweetheart over 100 years ago?
paper card
unknown artist
unknown origin
Circa 1900
Gift of Mrs. Harold Lovell, Jr.
Ice Skates
Skating through history, one icy step at a time! These ice skates are from around 1775. They have a wood base, copper riveted straps, and the curved blades have a brass tip. Would you wear these while skating on Frash Pond?
Blade set into wood base. Blade curve finished with brass tip. Copper riveted straps. Traces of red paint on wood.
Circa 1775
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Edgar R. Thomas
Musket Ball
This musket ball was removed from Christ Church’s Golden Rooster in the 1930’s after having supposedly being fired during a French & Indian War encampment of Col. Fraser's Highland Regiment.
Musket Ball removed from the Golden Rooster in 1930's
Circa 1756
Gift of Sister Celesta Kelly
Wire Finger Cage
Having trouble keeping your toddler from sucking their thumb? It’s not a new challenge! Check out this vintage sterling silver finger cage dating back to early 1900!
wire finger case to prevent thumb sucking
early 1900s
Gift of Sister Celesta Kelly
Musket Ball Mold
This hinged steel mold made round musket balls used in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
steel
unknown maker
unknown origin
Late 1700s - early 1800s
Gift of Mr. Frank Burton
Stratford Trust Company Coin Bank
This coin bank was used as advertising for the Stratford Trust Bank. There is no key! Only Stratford Trust could open the bank to retrieve the saved money.
metal coin bank wrapped in a faux leather book cover
produced by the Stratford Trust Company
Stratford, Connecticut
unknown date
Gift of Edwin K. Len, 1990
New Year's Greeting Card
This New Year Greeting Card from the early 1900’s has been in our collections since it was donated in 1966.
paper card
unknown artist
unknown origin
early 1900s
Gift of William Howard Wilcoxson, 1966
