Hidden Jewel Honoring Stratford Veterans
Stratford Veterans Museum
5952 Main St., next to Putney Chapel
The Stratford Veterans Museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the town’s men and women who have served their country through the Armed Forces. Part of the way that story is told is through a series of displays in the museum, including a “core” exhibit that takes visitors from the Revolutionary War through today’s conflicts.
These exhibits, crafted and generously donated by Chuck Lindberg, gives visitors a history of the era as well as items that are centric to Stratford.The Stratford Veterans Museum has the mission of honoring veterans from Stratford who have served our country honorably in war and in peace and to act as a repository for their stories. The museum is designed to accommodate school children to foster their appreciation of United States history and the sacrifices of those men and woman who made our country possible. A major goal of the committee is to make the Stratford Veterans Museum a site for school field trips.
The Museum, which was founded in 2020, is in the process of collecting information on our town’s veterans (any man or woman who served in the Armed Forces, was honorably discharged, and are (or were) residents of Stratford. They interview our town’s veterans (and their relatives) to get their stories. If you would like to schedule an interview please email svm5952@gmail.com.
They also are interested in artifacts to add to their collection (both physical and online) to help tell our veterans’ stories. Photos, drawings, letters, journals are welcome. They also selectively collect items such as uniforms, insignia, patches, medals and other items. If you have items you’d like to loan or donate, please contact them at: svm5952@gmail.com or billob46@yahoo.com.
A major goal of the museum is to make young students aware of the history of their country, their town and the service of the men and women of the Armed Forces. To help accomplish this, the museum houses interactive displays that allow younger students the opportunity for hands on learning. One of their rooms is a replica of a one room school house, desks and benches that students occupy while watching a video on the history of war.
Other rooms include the Blue Star Room:
The interactive World War I Trench is also popular with visitors:
A visit to the museum should be on your short list of “things to see in Stratford”.
What to expect when your group visits the Stratford Veteran’s Museum:
First Floor
- ·Exhibit Room – A chronological history of Stratford and our veterans
- ·Blue Star Room – Photos of Stratford veterans
- ·Display of uniforms and medals
Second Floor
- Introduction/review of museum in our historic classroom
- Gold Star Room – Remembering Stratford veterans who gave their lives in war.
Patio and Lower Level
- Mural designed and painted by Bunnell High School Art Students
- Replica World War One Trench
- Flight Simulator
- Touch Table of Military Personnel Equipment and Combat Gear
Visiting Hours:
Wednesday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Please call for appointment for other times at 203-583-4484.
You can also find additional information and photos by going to their website and their Facebook page.
https://www.stfdveteransmuseum.org/
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bob Mastroni, Chairman
George Grom, Vice Chairman
Bill O’Brien, Treasurer
Gail Mudre Voytek, Secretary
