The Mattatuck Museum will host a special screening of Waterbury 1901, an innovative short film created by students from Wilby High School, on Monday, June 15, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Produced by Wilby High School juniors Aniah Ogman and Aneisa Scott under the guidance of teacher Mike Drew, the 20-minute film transforms historic photographs from the Mattatuck Museum archives into a vivid cinematic journey through turn-of-the-century Waterbury.

Working with the Museum’s Archivist and Librarian, Caleb Weissman, the students researched and selected images from the Museum’s extensive collections. Using artificial intelligence technology, they colorized the photographs and animated them into moving scenes, offering audiences a unique glimpse into life in the Brass City more than a century ago.

Narrated by Tom Chute, the beloved longtime voice of WATR Radio, Waterbury 1901 combines emerging technology with local history to tell the story of a city shaped by industry, immigration, innovation, and community.

The film opens with remarks from Mayor Paul Pernerewski, but then the boundary between past and present disappears!  Local leaders and community members including Ron Napoli Jr., State Representative for Connecticut’s 73rd District; Robert Haxhi, Joseph Begnal and Bob Burns, Executive Director of the Mattatuck Museum not only provide expert commentary, but assume the appearance of Waterbury citizens from 1901, allowing the city’s past to live again! 

Following the screening, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the filmmakers and learn more about the project. The event is free and open to the public.

Event Details

Film Screening: Waterbury 1901
Monday, June 15, 2026
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702