The Gunn Museum
Our national award-winning Museum presents an ever-changing view of local history in one of the most beautiful locations in Connecticut. The museum is housed in a 1781 residence overlooking the historic Washington Green in Litchfield County, and we feature innovative exhibitions in our galleries. Come step into the world that was and see it through the images, artifacts and stories of the many people, great and ordinary, who have made and make our town a memorable place.
Our beginnings date back to 1899 when the local Judea Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), led by Abigail Gunn, opened the Judea Historical Room in the Canfield House on Washington Green. When the Gunn Memorial Library was built in 1908, our founders including Ehrick Rossiter and others, envisioned an athenaeum where patrons could learn not only from books, but also through history, art and artifacts, and so they created a museum in the library. The DAR gifted their collection to the Gunn Memorial Library in 1907 and it was moved across the street into the museum on the lower level of the library (the room behind the current circulation desk). In 1965 June S. Willis bequeathed her house to the Library and the museum moved next door, where it remains today. The mission of the Museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and share the objects and stories which illuminate the history of Washington, Connecticut.
Hours of Operation:
Thursdays/Fridays from 10am-4pm
Saturdays from 10am – 3pm
*Free Admission*
1-hour guided exhibit tours every Saturday at 1pm. Please email museum@gunnlibrary.org or call 860-868-7756 at least one day in advance to register.
** Please note: The Museum is located in a colonial home and is not currently handicap accessible.**
New Exhibit
Homespun Virtue
Join us for an Exhibit Open House on Saturday, August 19 at 11:00am at the Gunn Museum. Explore our new exhibit Homespun Virtue and revisit our permanent exhibit Washington Connecticut – An American Story.
Adele Worsley Garden
The panel gardens at the Museum were created and are maintained by the Washington Garden Club in memory of Adele Worsley. Adele was a much-loved member and horticulturist who worked tirelessly for the Washington Garden Club. The flowers are in bloom from spring to fall and we encourage all to stop by and visit our beautiful gardens.
WASHINGTON, CONNECTICUT – AN AMERICAN STORY
Visit our exhibit about the unique people, places and events that have shaped Washington’s rich history.
The Museum is attracting visitors from far and wide…
Staff Listing:
For all inquiries please email museum@gunnlibrary.org or call (860) 868-7756
Amy Campanaro, Curator, acampanaro@gunnlibrary.org
Susan Ruppert, Office Assistant, museum@gunnlibrary.org
Corinne Tabolt, Collections Manager, ctabolt@gunnlibrary.org
E-newsletters:
If you’d like to receive the Museum’s monthly e-newsletter, which contains information about Museum programs, Washington’s history, and more, sign up here.
