Museum raising funds for renovation, preservation

WEST HAVEN — The Ward-Heitmann House Museum, in the oldest house in the city and one of the oldest in New Haven County, is in the process of raising funds for the museum’s restoration and preservation initiatives, according to a release.

Since the early 1700s, the house has had several occupants and was occupied until the mid-1990s. It was purchased by the Ward-Heitmann House Museum Foundation Inc. from the National Trust for Historical Preservation. The name of the museum was decided by the National Trust for Historical Preservation; the Ward and Heitmann families were said to have lived in the house the longest and were honored with the name.

“Although the museum is currently closed to the public, the organization has been busy obtaining grants and supervising much-needed restoration and preservation work,” the release said.

The fundraiser, “Get a Hug from Ward-Heitmann,” will showcase the nonprofit charity’s new logo on hooded sweatshirts available for purchase through Jan. 30, and, according to the release, the hoodies cost $25 and available sizes range from small to 5XL, and come in either white or navy blue.

Orders with payments may be placed via Venmo @wardheitmann. Checks made payable to the WardHeitmann House Museum can be mailed to WardHeitmann

House Museum, P.O. Box 573, West Haven, CT 06516. All orders with payments must be received no later than Jan. 30, the release said. Organizers asked that when sending payment, include in the “notes” field of Venmo or on a separate piece of paper with a check the following information: purchaser’s name, street address, email and telephone, as well hoodie color choice (s) with corresponding sizes and quantities. Orders can be picked up at the West Haven Library Main Branch, 300 Elm St., from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14-16 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 17-182, the release said.

For more information, email whhm277@yahoo.com or bcohen@launch232.com.