Volunteer with Us

Meet Some of the Faces Behind the Museum

  • Collections & Exhibits Volunteer

    Andrew has been involved with the Naugatuck Historical Society in some capacity since childhood. His first experience with local history was at six or seven years old, when he helped raise money to restore the fountain on the Green. Loving the summer concerts and wanting to see the fountain preserved, he took it upon himself to collect donations during intermissions—sometimes even playfully persuading concertgoers by entertaining their children until they contributed. His early efforts even landed him in the newspaper when an article was published about the restoration.

    More recently, Andrew helped his grandfather assemble the rubber factory model exhibit in the summer of 2023, which led to his continued involvement behind the scenes at the museum. As a volunteer, he takes on a wide range of tasks but primarily focuses on managing and updating the museum’s online database, planning exhibits, sending promotional emails, and assisting visitors. He is an active member of the Collections and Exhibits Committees and is currently working on a complete inventory of the museum’s collection, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.

    Andrew enjoys interacting with museum guests, many of whom share personal stories that help fill in historical gaps. While he doesn’t have formal training in history or preservation, he has spent time traveling to national parks and learning about conservation through ranger-guided experiences. Outside of the museum, he volunteers with the Ecumenical Food Bank’s Thanksgiving meal boxes and has supported the Naugatuck High School Marching Band for the past three years.

    A lifelong Naugatuck resident, Andrew has a distant family connection to Charles Goodyear, sharing an ancestor with his grandmother. One of his more unique experiences was competing in an official capacity on an NFL field—not in football, but in high school marching band championships at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets.

  • Membership Coordinator Volunteer

    Annette joined the Naugatuck Historical Society as a volunteer in the fall of 2024, bringing her passion for community involvement and a wealth of organizational experience. As the Membership Coordinator, Annette plays a key role in engaging with members, sending renewal letters, and working alongside Theresa to develop corporate memberships. She also serves on the Finance Committee, contributing to the society’s financial planning efforts.

    Currently, Annette is expanding her skill set by learning programs such as PastPerfect and MailChimp, finding new ways to support the Historical Society wherever she can. Before retiring in August, she spent 30 years as an Office Manager at Cadi Company in the Industrial Park, where she also handled HR and accounts receivable.

    Beyond the Historical Society, Annette is deeply involved in the local community. She is a member and officer of the Naugatuck Emblem Club, has volunteered for years at Hop Brook Elementary School, and is currently enrolled in the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library’s America Reads program.

    A lifelong Naugatuck resident, Annette has strong ties to the town’s history. She still lives in the home her father built in 1957, on a quiet dead-end street where both her sister and brother later built homes as well. Her family has shared generations of memories in Naugatuck, attending many of the same schools and growing up within a close-knit neighborhood.

    An interesting fact about Annette—she dedicated ten years to volunteering with the Naugatuck Ambulance Corps in its early days, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to helping others.

  • Museum Store Coordinator & Committee Member Volunteer

    I began volunteering with the Naugatuck Historical Society in December 2022. After retiring, I wanted to give back to the community, so my husband and I attended a Volunteer Meeting—and before we knew it, we were hooked! We’ve loved every moment of being involved and have met so many wonderful people along the way.

    I serve on the Finance Committee, the Program and Events Committee, and the Sanitary Engineer Committee, and I am also the Museum Store Coordinator.

    My family and I have lived in Naugatuck for over 30 years. Before retiring, I had a long career in education, teaching various grade levels, though I spent my last years as a 5th-grade teacher—my favorite! I even taught a class on machines that are rarely used anymore, bringing a unique perspective on how technology has evolved over time.

    Volunteering at the museum has been a rewarding way to stay engaged, contribute to preserving local history, and continue sharing knowledge with the community.

  • Sanitation Committee Volunteer

    Cindy joined the Naugatuck Historical Society as a volunteer in January 2025, shortly after retiring. A longtime admirer of the Tuttle House, she had attended several Historical Society fundraisers before deciding to offer her time in whatever way it was needed.

    Currently, Cindy is a dedicated member of the Sanitation Committee, where she helps keep the museum clean and welcoming. Her favorite part of volunteering happens every Friday morning, working alongside Leslie—the “Queen of Clean”—and Henry, the “Mop Master.”

    Although she doesn’t have a background in historical preservation, Cindy brings a wealth of experience from her career as a paralegal and Office Manager at Morrissey, Morrissey, and Rydzik, LLC. She is also a proud graduate of both Post University and the University of Connecticut.

    Cindy’s ties to Naugatuck run deep, going back three generations. Her grandfather, Sidney Baylis, once served as the Borough’s Tax Collector, and she grew up attending Western School, St. Francis Grammar School, and Naugatuck High School.

    While Cindy insists she’s “one of the most boring people you could meet,” her dedication to preserving Naugatuck’s history—one mop stroke at a time—proves otherwise.

  • Media & Public Engagement Coordinator

    Taylor didn’t set out to become deeply involved in Naugatuck’s history. In fact, when she first saw a volunteer flyer in the What’s Happening in Naugatuck Facebook group in July 2024, she knew little about the town’s past. But what she did know was that she needed something for herself—a space outside of raising two young boys, a way to use her skills in communication and media in a meaningful way. The social media management role at the Historical Society seemed like the perfect fit.

    What started as a simple social media role quickly turned into so much more. Taylor found herself into website redevelopment, research, marketing, and even fundraising efforts. She dove into hands-on work, from designing items for the museum store (like shirts, blankets, and handmade coasters) to sourcing local artists (Peace Love & Crochet) to create crocheted greyhounds.

    As someone with a Part 107 Remote Pilot License, she even took on the task of capturing drone images for the museum’s Architectural Walking Tour, bringing a new perspective—literally—to historical landmarks.

    But perhaps where she thrives most is in event promotions and outreach. As a member of the Events Committee, Taylor has leveraged her nonprofit background—where she helped raise over $3 million for organizations—to develop marketing materials, signage, and fundraising campaigns. One of her favorite moments? The Victorian Christmas event in December 2024, where she worked alongside Theresa Forish, the Society’s president, to create an immersive holiday experience. She designed scavenger hunts for kids, curated museum store displays, and saw firsthand how her efforts brought joy to the community.

    Despite not coming from a history background, Taylor has discovered a love for digging through archives and uncovering lesser-known stories. She believes history shouldn’t just focus on the well-known figures and businesses—there are countless untold stories waiting to be shared. That’s what keeps her coming back, researching for hours upstairs in the collections, piecing together narratives that might otherwise be forgotten.

    Taylor holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication & Public Relations and teaches Communication & Media Studies courses at the college level, covering topics like Persuasion, Media Literacy, and Interpersonal Communication. She’s always been drawn to storytelling, and now she’s found a way to merge that passion with historical preservation—even if she didn’t expect to.

    Born and raised in Naugatuck, Taylor graduated from Naugatuck High School in 2014 and was a cheerleader, even performing in the 2011 Gator Bowl Halftime Show.

    And yes, she posted this about herself and absolutely cringed while doing it.

Our organization is entirely run by volunteers, and we truly value each person who gives their time and energy to support our mission. Whether you can help a little or a lot, your contributions make a meaningful impact, and we appreciate you being part of our team.

We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. While we can provide training for certain roles, such as docents and museum support, some positions require specific skills or experience.

Below are some roles we are looking to fill:

  • The Naugatuck History Museum is seeking volunteers to serve as greeters/docents during our museum hours on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. No prior experience is required—training, guided tours, and informational materials will be provided. There will always be more than one volunteer in the museum, so support is always available.

    Responsibilities:

    • Welcome and assist visitors upon arrival.

    • Provide guided insights into exhibits and Naugatuck’s history.

    • Answer visitor inquiries or direct them to additional resources.

    • Process purchases from the museum store.

    • Assist with ticket sales for museum events.

    Commitment:

    Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two hours per month, with flexible scheduling available. Monthly sign-ups allow for personal scheduling while ensuring adequate museum coverage.

    If you’re interested in supporting local history and engaging with the community, we’d love to hear from you! Stop by the museum on a Saturday, email us your interest, or fill out the form below to get started.

  • The Naugatuck History Museum is looking for volunteers to assist with organizing and preserving our historical artifacts, documents, and collections. No prior experience is required—we’ll provide all the training you need! This is a great opportunity for beginners interested in museum work, historical preservation, or archival research to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Help organize and catalog museum collections.

    • Assist with inventory checks to keep records up to date.

    • Learn proper artifact handling and preservation techniques.

    • Support exhibit preparation by researching and arranging items for display.

    Commitment:

    We appreciate any time you can give! Volunteer hours are available on:

    • Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM

    • Wednesday evenings (time to be determined based on availability)

    If you're eager to learn, interested in history, or looking to gain experience in museum work, we’d love to have you join us!

  • Are you passionate about history and eager to dive deeper into a topic of interest? The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for volunteers to conduct independent research on historical subjects that intrigue them. This is a great opportunity for college students, educators, and adults with research experience who want to contribute to the preservation and understanding of Naugatuck’s past. Volunteers will have access to our collections and archives to support their research.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Select a historical topic of interest related to Naugatuck.

    • Conduct in-depth research using our collection, archives, and additional resources.

    • Organize findings into a written report, presentation, or other format to help expand the museum’s knowledge base.

    • Work independently while receiving support from museum staff and volunteers.

    Requirements & Commitment:

    • Some prior research experience is required.

    • This role is self-paced, allowing volunteers to work on their schedule. Whether you’d like to dedicate a few hours a month or take on a larger research project, we welcome your curiosity and dedication.

    If you love history and have a passion for research, we’d love to have you on board! Contact us to get started.

  • Are you someone who loves staying up to date with local news, events, and stories? The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to help document and archive what’s happening in our community today for future generations. No experience is required—just a passion for staying informed and preserving history!

    What You’ll Do:

    • Gather newspaper clippings, online news articles, and social media posts related to Naugatuck.

    • Track and document important local events and community updates.

    • Collect and organize photographs that showcase life in Naugatuck today.

    • Maintain a digital and physical archive to ensure today’s stories are preserved for the future.

    Flexible Commitment:

    This role can be done remotely or in person, with flexible hours based on your availability. Your contributions help ensure that Naugatuck’s present is well-documented for future generations.

    If you enjoy staying informed and want to play a role in preserving local history, we’d love to have you join us!

  • Are you passionate about connecting with people and spreading awareness about local history? The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to help share information about the museum with local businesses and strengthen our community connections. No experience is required—just a friendly attitude and an interest in engaging with the local community!

    What You’ll Do:

    • Distribute museum flyers, brochures, and event information to local businesses.

    • Visit businesses to introduce them to the museum and explore potential partnerships.

    • Help build relationships between the museum and the local community.

    • Gather feedback and insights from business owners on ways we can collaborate.

    Flexible Commitment:

    This role is flexible and can fit into your schedule. Whether you can help once a month or more regularly, your efforts will make a meaningful impact in expanding the museum’s reach.

    If you enjoy meeting new people and want to help strengthen community ties, we’d love to have you on board! Contact us to get involved.

  • The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a creative and motivated volunteer to research and produce engaging video content that highlights Naugatuck’s history. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in video production, we’ll work with you based on your skill level. You’ll collaborate with our team and work alongside our volunteer, Taylor, who will provide supportive feedback and assistance.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Research historical topics, events, and figures related to Naugatuck’s past.

    • Use your research to develop compelling video content that educates and engages the community.

    • Film, edit, and upload videos to our YouTube channel, ensuring a high-quality final product.

    • Work with the communications team to align video topics with museum exhibits and programs.

    • Analyze video performance to assess audience engagement and improve future content.

    Commitment:

    This position is flexible, and scheduling is based on your availability. We ask for a commitment to producing content regularly, but we will work with you to create a schedule that fits your time and the museum’s needs.

    Who Should Apply?

    This role is perfect for anyone interested in history, research, and digital storytelling. Whether you’re new to video production or have experience, we welcome your creativity and passion for sharing Naugatuck’s history with a wider audience.

    Interested? Reach out to us to get started!

    • The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to help build and maintain relationships with religious and faith-based organizations in town. This role will support our efforts to gather current events, historical materials, and community stories to expand our collection.

      What You’ll Do:

      • Connect with local churches and faith groups to foster relationships with the museum.

      • Gather information on current events, celebrations, and milestones within these communities.

      • Explore opportunities for churches or faith groups to contribute historical materials to our collection.

      • Serve as a liaison, checking in periodically to strengthen community ties.

      Flexible Commitment:

      This role can be ongoing, with regular check-ins and relationship-building, or short-term for volunteers interested in visiting churches to introduce the Naugatuck Historical Society and ask about potential contributions.

      If you're interested in local history, enjoy community engagement, and want to help preserve Naugatuck’s faith-based history, we’d love to have you on board!

    • The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to help build and maintain relationships with local sports teams, youth programs, and athletic organizations. This role will support our efforts to gather current events, historical materials, and community stories to expand our collection.

      What You’ll Do:

      • Connect with local sports teams and youth programs to foster relationships with the museum.

      • Gather information on current events, milestones, and achievements in Naugatuck’s sports and youth programs.

      • Explore opportunities for teams, leagues, or organizations to contribute historical materials to our collection.

      • Serve as a liaison, checking in periodically to strengthen community ties.

      Flexible Commitment:

      This role can be ongoing, with regular check-ins and relationship-building, or short-term for volunteers interested in visiting teams and organizations to introduce the Naugatuck Historical Society and ask about potential contributions.

      If you’re passionate about local sports, youth programs, and preserving community history, we’d love to have you on board!

  • The Naugatuck Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to serve as a liaison between the museum and local schools. This role will help coordinate school visits, develop relationships with educators, and ensure students have engaging opportunities to connect with local history.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Communicate with local schools to schedule field trips and group visits.

    • Work with educators to align museum experiences with classroom learning.

    • Assist in developing educational activities and materials for school groups.

    • Help organize logistics for school programs, ensuring a smooth and engaging visit.

    Commitment:

    This role requires occasional communication with schools and flexible coordination of visits. If you enjoy working with educators and creating meaningful learning experiences for students, we’d love to have you!

  • The Naugatuck Historical Society is seeking volunteers, preferably retired teachers or individuals with educational experience, to assist with school visits, activities, and programs during the week. Volunteers in this role will help bring history to life for students visiting the museum.

    What You’ll Do:

    • Lead or assist with guided tours for school groups.

    • Help facilitate hands-on activities and educational programs.

    • Engage with students, answering questions and making history interactive.

    • Support teachers and chaperones in ensuring a smooth visit.

    Commitment:

    Weekday availability is preferred based on school visit schedules. Whether you can help regularly or on occasion, your expertise and enthusiasm will help make history exciting for young learners.

Please stop by the museum on Saturday, fill out the form below, or email us if you would like to volunteer with us.