The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion currently functions as both a museum and an event space. Built during the Civil War, it was the first mansion constructed in the entire Northeast. It boasts al fresco ceilings commissioned by the most popular artists of the time. And here's another interesting fact: The mansion had hot and cold running water (complete with an indoor bathroom) which not even the White House had!
The Rowayton Historical Society is a local organization working to preserve and promote the historical collection of the town. The group has one of the most important historic collections in the state of Connecticut and includes numerous artifacts, such as photos, heirlooms, documents and other items. The group offers numerous educational programs as well as the historic house plaque program and the historical Pinkney House.
The Norwalk Historical Society's mission is "research, preservation and promotion of interest in the city of Norwalk." The society is located in the Mill Hill Historic Park overlooking Wall Street.
NHS provides plaques for architecturally significant buildings in Norwalk and educates Norwalk third-graders about the early history of Norwalk through the Little Red Schoolhouse Program, featuring volunteers dressed in colonial garb.
NHS also hosts the Colonial Harvest Festival, the 4th of July Bell Ringing ceremony and other special events. Mill Hill Historic Park features three historical buildings—the Norwalk Town House, the Governor Thomas Fitch Law Office and the Downtown District Schoolhouse—as well as the Mill Hill Burying Ground. Volunteers and donations are welcome.
The Norwalk Historical Commission, housed in City Hall, protects and oversees the city cemeteries, collections and archives of the Norwalk Museum, as well as several historic buildings, including the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.
The Board members of the Commission are appointed by the mayor for five-year revolving terms and must be approved by the Common Council of Norwalk. Commission members serve on one of four committees: finance, buildings, museum and cemetery. The chairman and vice chairman of the Commission are members of all committees on an as-needed basis, and there is one staff member to serve all Commission members.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a national registered historic landmark, is available for weddings and conferences as well as tours. The Mansion Museum also hosts frequent events; there are antiques appraisals weekends, lectures and art exhibitions. There is also a gift shop.
The Norwalk Museum, located in the heart of historic SoNo, has a recognized collection of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls as well as photos and other archives related to Norwalk. Private tours and reviews of the archives can be arranged by contacting the administrator of the Commission.