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An exquisite 19th century building, National Historic Landmark and a motherlode of artifacts, Norwalk's Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum reopens for its 45th season on April 8. On view is a new exhibit, "Mansion Fragments: Innovations in Architecture, Design and Technology from the Civil War Era." On display are items from the Museum's permanent collection, ones that seemed magical to 19th century citizens. These include the building's gas lighting, indoor plumbing with running hot and cold water, a ventilation system, and an early burglar alarm system, and more.
Another exhibit opening concurrently features oil paintings by Carlos Rios. In his exhibit,"Europe vs. USA," Rios's paintings compare and contrast locales he has visited during his extensive travels.On opening day and throughout the season, Museum docents lead tours to give visitors a deeper appreciation for the building's history by pointing out its unique features.
Cutting edge technology was employed to build the mansion in the mid-1860s. Commissioned as a summer residence for Legrand Lockwood, a New York Stock Exchange Treasurer, who died not long after it was built. In 1876, another New York family, the Mathews, purchased the building and its 30 acres. They lived in it until the late 1930s.
Tour hours are 12- 4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is $8 and $10. For more information, visit the Museum's website.
Have you visited the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum recently? Let us know if you plan to stop by and what you enjoyed seeing there.
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