From 1638 through the modern age, New Haven’s story is told here. We’ve unearthed artifacts throughout the nine squares and collected maps spanning four centuries. We explore hundreds of the Elm City’s unique stories, from Newsies to Nighthawks, from William Lanson’s Long Wharf to the invention of Silly Putty.

Did you know that the British invaded New Haven in 1779 in an attempt to draw George Washington down into Connecticut? Or that Benedict Arnold, infamous traitor to the Revolution, lived right on Water Street? Did you know that Abraham Lincoln gave a speech at Union Hall about labor rights, or that five U.S. Presidents received educations at Yale? From the Amistad’s Supreme Court Case through the May Day trial of Black Panther Bobby Seale, New Haven’s history has reflected U.S. History. We’ve got the ultimate cabinet of American curiosities to prove it.

Our music namesakes include the Doo-Wop of The Five Satins, Jim Morrison’s on-stage arrest at the Arena, DJ Dooley-O’s iconic Skull n’ Snaps beat sample, Elvis and Sinatra at the Coliseum, Nirvana at The Moon, The Rolling Stones at Toad’s Place, the Eagles at Yale Bowl, and thousands more. From the Loews Poli to the Shubert, New Haven theaters have debuted many notable classics in the traditions of Vaudeville, Silent Film, Broadway, and modern cinema. From WPLR FM radio to WTNH Channel 8, from Site Projects to the annual International Festival of Arts and Ideas and beyond, we tell New Haven’s story as a cultural Mecca using tangible artifacts and immersive exhibits.

This is not a typical museum. Curation of the artifacts by Founder/Executive Director Robert S. Greenberg is nothing short of artful. A seasoned fine artist and NYC Art Director, Greenberg has crafted Lost in New Haven as though it were a theatrical art installation. Careful lighting (made magical by the rescue of New Haven’s 20th century neons) perfectly compliments artistic principles of composition, balance, and juxtaposition. Each exhibit doubles as a still life for the eager life-drawing artists and observational writers.