Torrington Historical Society awarded CHC grant

TORRINGTON — A grant in the amount of $2,750 has been awarded to the Torrington Historical Society from the Connecticut Humanities Council to help fund a World War I exhibit, All Hands on Deck: Torrington and World War I and to assist with funding for a World War I Living History Day. Additional funding has been provided by the Torrington Savings Bank and the Rotary Club of Torrington-Winsted.

The exhibit opened July 28 in the Carriage House Gallery at the Torrington Historical Society, 192 Main St. It will be on view through Nov. 11. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4. Admission is free. The grant funded the World War I Living History Day, a joint venture of the Torrington Historical Society and the Connecticut Civil War Round Table and featured the World War I exhibit, World War I re-enactors, period music, a World War I field kitchen and ambulance, children’s activities and a selfguided tour of veterans’ graves in Center Cemetery.

The exhibit, about Torrington’s contributions to the war, is of particular interest. “Most people are unaware of the happenings in Torrington during World War I,” said Gail Kruppa, curator. “This exhibit shares information about the Torrington men and women who served in the military, the home front activities, and the local industries manufacturing goods for the war effort. In addition, for the first time in a century, a complete list of those of served in the war will be publicly displayed. Another section of the exhibit discusses the contributions of Torrington immigrants who served in World War I; nearly 25% of Torrington’s World War I veterans were foreign-born.”

For more information visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.