2026 Schedule of Events

All events take place at the Museum unless otherwise stated. Events are open to the public and free to members and children under twelve, except as noted.  Donations from non-members is $5 for regular events.
The Story Inside Whimsical Quilts presented by Diane Hamm and Dena Leidke
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM / Snow Date March 1st at 2:00 PM
Besides making beautiful bed coverings to keep their families warm, quilt makers use their craft to express themselves. "Whimsical Quilts" explores the use of quilts to convey their makers' sense of humor, from the early 1800s to the present day. Diane Hamm has created copies of historical quilts and samples of current designs, which she uses to tell the stories of these quilt-makers.

A mini-quilt show will be on display at the Museum to illustrate the beauty and humor found in quilts.
The Castle Cats of William Gillette presented by Susan Waide
Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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William Gillette loved cats. Many lived at his home in East Haddam and on his 144-foot houseboat, Aunt Polly. Author Susan Waide will present a snapshot of Gillette’s life and explore his passion for cats. The presentation will celebrate the birthday of Sir Henry Irving, the famous Lyceum Theater cat that William Gillette brought from England to live with him in Connecticut. While this cat lived over a century ago, its legacy as part of the “Caturday” atmosphere at Gillette’s Castle lives on forever.

Susan R. Waide has conducted extensive research about William Gillette’s cats for a series of children’s books she is currently writing. She has taught writing at the University of Hartford, area Connecticut colleges, at libraries, and to assisted living residents. Her STEAM children’s picture book, Dr. Ken’s Fab STEAM Lab, will be published in the spring of 2026, followed by Sir Henry Irving the Cat (historic fiction). Beyond His Narrative - Venture Smith, co-authored with Dr. Karl P. Stofko, is on track for completion by the winter of 2026.

Birthday cake and refreshments will follow the presentation.
The Lasting Legacy of Dr. Alice Hamilton with author Janet Lemond
​Sunday April 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Dr. Alice Hamilton, M.D., a local legend, was a neighbor and friend of William Gillette, but she was much more than this:
  • She helped cure the "Mad Hatters" in Danbury, CT, driven mad by toxins at their job
  • She was the first female professor at Harvard University
  • She met with the Pope and tried to stop World War One!
At the conclusion of the presentation, Janet will present a case study, with guidance on how to discover what your ancestors did for a living. She will also note some "dangerous trades" in the Haddams at the start of the Industrial Revolution in the mid- to late-1800s.

Ms. Lemond worked for both OSHA and the EPA. While at OSHA, she was responsible for sampling at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
Copies of Doctor Alice Hamilton, M.D., Neighbor of William Gillette, written by Janet Lemond, will be available for purchase and signature by the author after the presentation.
Spring Cleanup Day at the Museum!
Wednesday April 22, 2026 at 10 AM
Volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. the morning of Wednesday, April 22nd, to clean up the grounds of the Museum. We'll be raking leaves, picking up small branches, cleaning out the gardens, and generally sprucing up the outside of Museum. We could use your help! Call Pam, Museum Director, at 860-873-3944 if you can lend us a few hours of your time. We thank you!
Celebrating America 250!
In July 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Museum has exciting new exhibits and presentations, including:
  • May 15th at 6 PM: Opening Reception for the 2026 season
  • May 17th at 2 PM: The Revolutionary War Submarine, American Turtle, presented by Fred Fresé and Roy Manstan. David Bushnell of Saybrook built the first combat submarine in 1776 and deployed it in New York Harbor to attack British warships. The Turtlecarried Bushnell’s primary invention -- a highly destructive underwater mine. The Turtle was the forerunner of modern submarine warfare. Join us to learn about this engineering marvel!
  • June 28th at 2 PM: General Spencer & His Role in the Revolutionary War, presented by Alison Guinness. Joseph Spencer lived in the Millington section of East Haddam during its early settlement through the Revolutionary War and the creation of a new nation. During the Revolutionary War, he served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and as a major general in the Continental Army. He engaged in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was later dispatched to New York to block the enemy. He was appointed First Major General of the Connecticut Militia and served his country from a young age until the end of his life. Learn about his role and contribution during these exciting and troubled days at the beginning of the United States 250 years ago.
  • July 12th at 2 PM: Nathan Hale & His Family on the Cusp of the Revolutionary War. Join speaker Anne Marie Charland, Museum Administrator of the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, Connecticut, in an exploration of Connecticut State Hero, Nathan Hale, and the family who shaped him from small-town boy to a Revolutionary War Hero. The discussion will include Nathan Hale's life growing up on a farm, attending Yale University, advocating for women's education, and his fateful decision to become an intelligence officer for General Washington. 

The Museum will feature new exhibits about the Turtle Submarine, General Spencer of East Haddam, Nathan Hale, The Role of East Haddam Women in the Revolutionary War Effort, and an expanded selection of Military Uniforms that span the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War.

We look forward to celebrating with you!
Bubblemania! with Casey Carle
Thursday August 13th at 2:00 PM
Back by popular demand! Experience Casey Carle and Bubblemania as he delights the audience with his amazing bubble tricks and his humor! An East Haddam resident, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and attended the Ringling Bros. Clown College. He has performed in over 10 countries, including Mexico, China, Switzerland, Russia and India. He will amaze you with the most incredible bubbles you’ve ever seen and will teach you science too!

The program is $5.00 per family and is appropriate for all ages. A parent or guardian must accompany children.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register by clicking HERE.

SAVE THE DATE!!! Fall Gala & Fundraiser - Hale n' Hearty Party
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 6:00 - 9:30 PM
Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:30 PM for a memorable and festive evening! Dance to the swinging sounds of the band Cherry Pie, enjoy delicious food from Frank Andrews' Kitchen and Cafe Laurel, and bid on terrific items in our Live and Silent Auctions. If you came to our Fall Fundraiser last year, you know you're in for another great event!

Register now, don't miss the Early Bird price of $50 per ticket before September 10th.
Mysteries of East Haddam
Wednesday November 18th

Details to be announced at a later date.
Holiday Gathering
December 2026

Details to be announced at a later date.
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