Exhibition: About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits
Whittemore & Noonan Galleries
April 26, 2026 – August 16, 2026

In celebration of the country’s semiquincentennial, About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits explores American history through the images and experiences of diverse Americans. This exhibition both elaborates on and challenges the role of portraiture in asserting identity, navigating citizenship, and expressing belonging. Featuring portraits from 250 years of American life, this exhibition speaks to the importance of portraiture as mode of artistic, political, and cultural expression throughout American history.

Support Provided by Post University

Red, White & Broadway: Songs for America’s 250th

July 9

Time: 7–8:30 PM
Price: Adult $20 | Member $15 | NVCC Student $10
In celebration of the Semiquincentennial, the Naugatuck Valley Cabaret Singers return to the Mattatuck Museum with a musical tribute to “America at 250.” Directed by Professor Gil Harel, the group will chronicle American history through songs from 1776, Ragtime, Assassins, and Hamilton. This performance uses part-harmony and storytelling to explore the narratives that have shaped the nation over the last two and a half centuries.

Register Here

Kid’s Art Workshop — TetraPak Printmaking

August 1

Time: 12–1 PM; 1-2 PM
Price: Free
Learn intaglio printmaking techniques using recycled TetraPak materials and water-based inks. Focus on self-portraits inspired by About Face: 250 Years of American Portrait Art. Parent supervision required.
Sponsored by: Art Bridges

Register HERE

Intermediate Art Workshop — America in Pop Art

August 1

Time: 2:30–4 PM
Price: Non-Members $15 | Members $10 | Adventure Passholders Free | WPS Students Free
Teens ages 12–18 explore American pop culture through bold Pop Art-inspired techniques influenced by Andy Warhol.
Support provided by: American Savings Foundation and Post University

Register HERE

Screen Printing Workshop: Create Your Own Portrait

Time: 10 AM–12 PM
Price: Free

Come will learn the art of screen printing. In conjunction with the exhibition About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits, and instructors from the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, participants will learn how to design and create stencils to use for a direct screen printing process. In addition to making your prints on paper, show off your handiwork by printing your image and the museum logo on a canvas shopping bag. No previous experience necessary just bring your creative spirit and imagination. 

Sponsored by: Art Bridges

Family Fun Day: Celebrate America!

Time: 1 PM–5 PM
Price: Free

The perfect day for all generations to connect, create, and share in the American spirit together. Participate in a scavenger hunt, enjoy a storytime, hands-on art activities, and explore the galleries.

Support provided by: State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program

History and Hops: Politics of Treason
The Descent of Benedict Arnold with Dayne E. Rugh

Time: 1–2 PM
Price: $10
At Brass Works Brewing Co., Dayne E. Rugh examines Benedict Arnold’s transformation into America’s most infamous traitor.
Support provided by: George and Grace Long Foundation; Linford and Mildred White Charitable Fund

Register Here

July 6–10, 2026 – Archiving America: 250 Years of Stories Join us as we embark on a visual journey through time to explore the diverse faces and identities that have shaped the American narrative over the last 250 years. Campers will learn how history is recorded through art and experiment with different ways we can tell our own unique stories.

FULLY BOOKED

History & Hops: Red, White, & BINGO!
Sunday, June 28 | 1-3 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a game that combines the exciting elements of trivia and bingo! Participants will be challenged to listen and answer questions for clues about American history, culture, landmarks, and famous figures while marking their cards. From the Revolutionary era to modern milestones, every round brings a chance to showcase your patriotic knowledge while competing to get a bingo. This engaging program blends friendly competition, patriotism, and fascinating facts as we commemorate 250 years of American history.
Cost: S10
Register Here

Van Trip: America 250: Two Revolutions
Thursday, June 25 | 8:30 AM to 7 PM

Come reflect on our country’s past and peek into its future in Cambridge, MA.
Learn More

Lunch and Learn: The Connecticut Sons of Liberty
Wednesday, April 8 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

The year 1765 changed everything in American History. Hear from historian, Dayne E. Rugh, about the bands of secret organizations known collectively as “The Sons of Liberty” that gathered in the shadows to plot against England and chart a new course for the American colonies. Learn some of the hidden history behind these revolutionaries and see how they changed the course of history in Connecticut.

COST
$10.00 per Non- Member
$5.00 per Member

Register Here

Sponsored by Christine and Eugene Shugrue

Join us as we kick off Waterbury’s America 250th celebration with a special evening at the Mattatuck Museum!

 About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits &  Waterbury America 250th Kickoff Event will take place on Friday, May 15th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This exciting event offers residents a first look at upcoming America 250th celebrations planned throughout the community.

Guests will enjoy complimentary gallery access to the About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits exhibit, showcasing the rich history and diversity of American identity through portraiture.

 This event is open to all; RSVP is highly recommended.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate history, art, and community as we begin the journey toward America’s 250th anniversary!

FREE | RSVP

Cocktails and Conversations: Reflections on 250 Years in American Art
Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Join panelists Chief Curator Rebecca McNamara from the Mattatuck Museum and Marcia Brady Tucker Fellow Kate Criscitiello from Yale University Art Gallery to discuss and explore American history in art through two exhibitions commemorating the United States’ semiquincentennial: About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits (Mattatuck) and Keeping Alive the Remembrance: Commemorating America’s Founding, 1776–1876 (YUAG). The talk will conclude with a gallery discussion in About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits.

$15 Adult
$10 Sober Adult
$10 Member Adult
Register Here