Christmas at the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum

The Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main Street, Torrington, is once again decorated for the Christmas season.  Built in 1900, this grand house was home to the Hotchkiss and Fyler families for more than half a century and in 1956, was bequeathed to the Torrington Historical Society.  The interior features impressive woodwork, painted and stenciled walls, original furnishings and collections of fine and decorative arts.  

The Society will offer guided tours of the first floor which is decorated for the Christmas season.  Tours will be available Thursday through Sunday, December 10^th through December 30^th.   Hours are 12-4 p.m; the last tour is at 3:30.  Admission is $10 for adults;  FREE to Torrington Historical Society members.  Children 12 and under are free. 

One of Connecticut’s best house museums, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A tour of this house provides visitors with a rare opportunity to view an historic home as it was when last occupied.  At Christmas, the house takes on a particularly festive look.  This year, inspired by the icy landscape of winter and the season’s outdoor activities,  the Hotchkiss-Fyler House will take on a different appearance than in past years.  

Silver decorations and lights, combined with traditional decor, add a bit of sparkle against the paneled interior and gold stenciled walls.  Vintage sleds and skis, as well as skates manufactured at the Union Hardware Company of Torrington, will be on display.  The rooms on the first floor will be decorated with an array of Christmas trees and greenery.  One of the many trees will feature antique ornaments from a private collection while another will be decorated with vintage ornaments from the Society’s collection.  

Antique toys from the Society’s collection will be displayed as will a 1950s aluminum tree, both of which are sure to delight visitors.  In addition, the dining room table will be set for Christmas dinner with the fine china, crystal, silverware, and linens that belonged to Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss, the last occupant of the house.

The house will be open select days, Thursdays through Sundays, beginning December 10^th and ending December 30th.   Closed Christmas Day.  The Torrington Historical Society welcomes new members.  Join now and your tour is free!   For more information, call (860) 482-8260 or visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.