Torrington History Museum
​Directions, Hours & Admission

"No Place Like Home: The History of Torrington"

The Torrington History Museum provides a comprehensive look at the scope of Torrington's history from Pre-historic times to the present. The museum is designed for residents and tourists alike who wish to gain a general understanding of the major events and trends in Torrington's history.

"No Place Like Home," the museum's permanent exhibit, uses hundreds of objects and images from the permanent collection to illustrate Torrington's unique story.  Major themes developed in the exhibit include: the Naugatuck River, Industrialization, Immigration and Community Life.

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Picture
Hot Dog Cart - Circa 1950 (Click to Enlarge)
"Pursuit of Precision: Hendey Machine Company 1870-1954"
Award of Merit: Connecticut League of History Organizations Certificate of Commendation: American Association of State And Local History.

Machine Tool: a power driven metal working machine; a machine used to produce other machines or tools. 

The Hendey Machine Company was established to produce high quality, precision machine tools such as lathes, shapers and milling machines. The exhibit is a case study in the rise and fall of one of the many manufacturing companies that were established in nineteenth century Torrington. It traces
the rapid growth and success of the Hendey Machine Company and examines issues such as the American industrial revolution, labor and immigration.

​The focal point of the exhibit is a reproduction machine shop from the 1930s furnished with three Hendey machine tools: a lathe, a shaper and a milling machine. All of the machines are fully operational and powered by a system of overhead pulleys and flat leather belts.  (see video on right)
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This 6 minute segment is an added feature on the 50 minute DVD Documentary "Pursuit of Precision - Hendey Machine" produced by the Torrington Historical Society and available in the store.
Excerpts from a documentary film about the Hendey Machine Company are available for viewing.  The archives contain a wealth of information about the Hendey Machine Company. 
 
Available for Purchase

Lathe Operator's Manual - Click Here
Pursuit of Precision (dvd) - Click Here