Danbury, CT Tourist Attractions
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Danbury (pop. 66,000) was formerly known as the hat capital of the world. Today it is known for being the headquarters for a number of technology, pharmaceutical and bio-medical companies. It was also the home town of composer Charles Ives.
Charles Ives Birthplace Museum
Charles Ives Birthplace Museum is the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize winning composer Charles Ives. Items from his youth, a desk used when he lived in New York, a c1840 piano, and the music stand he received from his wife are displayed among the Victorian furnishings.
Danbury Museum and Historical Society (formerly Danbury Scott-Fanton Museum)
The Danbury Museum is comprised of the 1785 John and Mary Rider House, the 1790 Dodd Hat Shop, a One Room Schoolhouse, the Charles Ives Birthplace, and the Danbury Fair Mural.Huntington Hall serves as the library and is used for exhibits.
Danbury Railway Museum
Housed in a 1903 train depot and rail yard, the Danbury Railway Museum displays vintage railway items, photos, models, and information on the history of railroading. There is also a short train ride for children.
Military Museum of Southern New England
The Military Museum of Southern New England displays military vehicles and artillery from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Uniforms, photographs and over 10,000 military artifacts are also on display.
Surroundings
There are a number of towns and attractions in the Danbury surrounding area.
Craft Center, Brookfield
The Brookfield Craft Center offers specialized classes and displays of metalsmiths, glassblowers, weavers, and potters. The center consists of four colonial vintage buildings with teaching studios, an exhibition gallery, and picnic area.
Washington
Washington is set in a beautiful area with rolling hills and the Shepaug River.
Institute for American Indian Studies
The Institute for American Indian Studies focuses on the study of the indigenous peoples throughout the western hemisphere with particular emphasis on the Eastern Woodlands.Some of the highlights include a recreated Algonkian longhouse with artifacts creations that depict daily life of Algonkian peoples prior to European contact. The Alfred M. Darlow Museum Gallery deals with the clothing and textiles of indigenous peoples. Rotating exhibits are showcased in the George A.G. Darlow Exhibit Hall. The Northeastern Native American Reservation House is outfitted to reflect the early 20th C. There is also a Children's Discovery Room.
Gunn Memorial Library and Museum
The Gunn Historical Museum, affiliated with the Gunn Memorial Library, was founded in 1899 and is housed in a 1781 residence overlooking the historic Washington Green. The museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets objects and documents which illuminate the lives and concerns of people who have lived in the town of Washington.
New Milford Historical Society Museum, New Milford
The New Milford Historical Society Museum presents a number of exhibits related to local history. Displays include an 18th C cooking hearth, an antique toy collection, and other artifacts from local historical events.
Merwinsville Hotel
The Merwinsville Hotel was built in the 1840s in anticipation of the railroad passing through the town of Gaylordsville, CT. Sylvanus Merwin discovered the route the railroad was to take and bought the land the railroad would require. He then negotiated with the railroad to use his hotel as a meal stop for the train as it traveled between Bridgeport, CT and Pittsfield, MA, in exchange for the land the railroad needed. He also requested that the station be named after himself. When more advanced, high speed trains with meal cars were developed the train no longer stopped at the hotel. As a result the hotel was forced to close.Today, the Hotel has annual art shows, celebrates Christmas in Gaylordsville, is open for tours and is available for private parties.
Highstead Arboretum, Redding
Highstead Arboretum is a 150 acre arboretum with a variety of native shrubs and trees. A self guided walking trail runs through the Highstead Arboretum allowing for a close up look at the woodlands.
Ridgefield
Ridgefield was established in 1709 and still maintains much of its heritage and historic past. Colonial houses and buildings can be found interspersed with modern constructions.
Keeler Tavern Museum
This 1713 structure was the Keeler family residence from 1769 to 1907. Prior to this time period the building served a number of purposes, one of which was as a tavern. The house has now been restored to resemble a 1700s tavern and features costumed guides.The Keeler Tavern Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
The Aldrich Museum of Art features changing exhibits of contemporary art. Also on the grounds is a 2 acre sculpture garden.
