Talking with Norwalk Museum Curator Susan Gunn-Bromley

Susan Gunn-Bromley

Position: Curator of the ,  

Q: What do you feel is the most important function of the Norwalk Museum to the public?  

A: To present multiple aspects of Norwalk’s art, history and culture in a manner that is interesting; stimulates discussion and opens doors to new thought. I want our visitors to discover something they did not know before, or to see something that is new to them, to find the experience enjoyable. Norwalk has a rich culture and a vibrant history that extends beyond our borders. It is important for children, for people, to learn what others have done, gone through and how they managed so that when they are faced with controversy, opportunities and normal life they may be able to think back and gain a new perspective or come up with a solution. Then too it is wonderful to see beautiful and unusual things and relax.

Q: How important is it to learn about our towns (in this case Norwalk) and their history? Also, why is it important?

A: Learning about our towns gives us a sense of place and helps us to understand part of our perspective as we navigate our lives and move around physically or in our thoughts. Knowing why a street is named Cross St. or Nathan Hale Drive helps to orient us in time, to think about other people’s lives or what it was like to live at different times. Sometimes knowing the stories of people of the past can give us the courage to go forward on our own. Two strong women in the middle of the 20th C, Margaret Rudkin and Ruth Campbell Bigelow, started companies, Pepperidge Farm and R. C. Bigelow Tea, when most companies were started by men. Their factories were in Norwalk and they worked tirelessly to develop their companies into names known “Nationwide.”  Some young girl might learn about what they did and decide, they did it, I can to.   

Q: What might attract the average Norwalk citizen to the museum?  

A: Curiosity. An interest if finding out about their ancestors – genealogy.  Wanting to see what Norwalk used to look like through its photographs. A desire to study the paintings of early 20th C. Norwalk and Silvermine artists. To see Norwalk pottery, to learn what it looks like, to see for themselves how it differs from other 19th C. folk pottery. To discover the history of oyster and clamming - the why and how - Norwalk has continued to invent new technology and techniques to raise and harvest these tasty bivalves. Searching for information on their favorite Norwalk sports figure. Why did we make hats and why did the industry disappear? How can an object such as the quilt given to Horace F. Gibbs in 1858 lead to a greater understanding of Norwalk’s importance as a shirt manufacturer and later sports wear manufacturer? We are filled with stories of people past and present. We want to help people discover these stories for whatever reason they have. 

Helpful links:

• Petition to help keep the Norwalk museum open
• Hours and other Norwalk Museum Info