new haven museum

The displays were interesting. This is a self guided tour where you need to read each exhibit to appreciate the display. Free entry the first Sunday of the month. Donations accepted

My husband grew up in New haven some 70 years ago and we enjoyed this exhibit for very different reasons. We went with other friends who had grown up here and a few transplanted here (like me). It contains early photos and descriptions of New Haven ethnic neighborhoods of a generation ago. Interesting if you have a connection to those who were part of this history.

I only wish the show was more elaborate in its captioning. Some displays and handouts were clearly meant to appeal to school children, which is a commendable aspiration but in limited display space seemed distracting and out of place. No mention of Berger Bros. or Greist Manufacturing - was the intent to showcase downtown and Fair Haven only? Glad Chabaso label was in a display case, nice example of continuing enterprise, but again no captioning details. A time line display on a wall might help pull the exhibit together. Wonderful that we have this vehicle to showcase New Haven.

First thing is first, I have lived in New Haven all my life, this was my first visit but not my last. I was very impressed with the amount of information the museum has on display and in its library. The exhibits were well presented with artifacts, artworks, and even audio recordings. The museum goes over New Havens entire history from colonial times to the current day. There one exhibits that is themed around the Amistad Slave Revolt and Trail. Another on New Haven's Maritime legacy. Overall this is a historian paradise and only a $4 entrance fee. I left with a better appreciation for New Haven and its place in world history.

I honestly thought this was going to be a one-room museum with a bunch of stuff about the founding of Yale and we'd be done in 10 minutes. As it turned out, there was so much to see that we actually ran out of time. We'll definitely be back soon.On the first floor we took a tour of the history of New Haven, from its founding as part of New Haven colony up through its founder leaving in a hissy fit when it was absorbed into the greater Connecticut territory. There's vintage maps and paintings of the area; newspaper clippings; artifacts of early life in New Haven; pieces of old storefronts (keep an eye out for the Benedict Arnold drug store!) and more. On the top floor (which we unfortunately had to rush through) we also saw this weirdo art exhibition on the "Lincoln Oak," a tree in New Haven that was toppled by lightning to reveal a human skeleton underneath. I think my favorite exhibit here was the giant log with Abe Lincoln's severed head carved out at the top, though the video-art with two people doing interpretive dances of the tree limbs was a close second.Also, the hype about the gift shop? It's no joke; their collection is eclectic (Mark Twain stuffed animals? Comic books about the underground railroad? ...New Haven snow globes?) and well worth the stop by itself. Pro-tip: It's only $4/ticket, but if you visit on the first Sunday of the month (between 1-4 PM), it's free.

This is an awesome place--fabulous library full of materials on New Haven and Connecticut history; beautifully curated exhibits; interesting presentations; and world-class permanent collection.

a bit harder to navigate since the expansion, but wonderful. great variety of art. beautiful rooms/halls between the 2 buildings. free!

The main exhibit changes, so I would suggest going when the exhibit is something you are interested in or would like to learn more about. Not a very big place, but clean and kept nice. Small gift shop, parking off street (free).

This is a well-thought out museum with interesting exhibits, friendly staff, their own research library and a cool gift shop. It won't take a large commitment of your time to visit, and in a short time will fill you in on many of the historical highlights of the great city of New Haven. If your people came from New Haven, you might want to phone or email the research library staff ahead of time and make an appointment to check out their local history resources. The staff at the library couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating during our visit. Do not miss the gift shop! Not only do they have a nice selection of interesting new items, but a few vintage local items as well.

Greeted by a lovely volunteer who graciously explained the lay-out of the building. Wonderful exhibit about New Haven, attractively displayed. And there is an extensive library with librarian available to answer any research questions.

its really simple one of the most proffessional, polite,efficient,kind museum's/libarys i have visited in fourty years. quality in a age of change

This place is really the historical memory of New Haven. The librarian and other staff are experts and very helpful.

Where else but in New Haven could you possibly visit a museum with such material culture? Don't miss this.

It's sitting in plain view right on Whitney Ave., but this sleepy little museum gets little foot traffic, and just quietly keeps its New Haven history to itself and a few lucky visitors. My wife and I went to a small chamber music recital that they had last year. Nice.

Usually empty. Lot's of competiton on the museum front in New Haven but this is well worth a visit.