The Wilton Historical Society in Wilton, Connecticut helps visitors connect with stories, artifacts, and everyday people that shaped America’s past. The museum’s mission goes beyond preserving objects by bringing human experiences to life through drama, humor, and historical complexity. Visitors can see items tied to Wilton’s colonial and Revolutionary War history, including a 1750s Yale diploma belonging to David Lambert, Wilton’s first college graduate. Wilton’s history also includes connections to the Revolutionary War, the Underground Railroad, and notable individuals who passed through the town. The museum highlights Henry Chichester, who stayed overnight in Wilton while transporting parts of the King George III statue for melting into musket balls, with loyalist neighbors reportedly trying to recover pieces. It also features Wilton’s link to soccer legend Kristine Lilly.
"“We think of these great characters from history driving history forward,” said director Nick Foster. “But it's really the small people and communities like this that make history every day.”"
"Foster, who joined the Connecticut museum in 2016 as curator before becoming director in 2022, says the society's mission goes beyond preserving artifacts. It's about bringing human stories to life through drama, humor, and the complexities of history itself."
"“Wilton has some really unique stories,” he explained. “There is such a unique history connected to the Revolutionary War, to the Underground Railroad, to just an interesting cast of characters who've made their way through Wilton.”"
"According to Foster, Chichester stayed overnight in Wilton while transporting pieces of the statue north to be melted down into musket balls for the Continental Army. Loyalist neighbors reportedly attempted to recover portions of the statue before it could be destroyed."
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