During a very special presentation at Saturday evening’s Wilton Historical Society “Taste in Time” fundraiser, guests there to celebrate Wilton’s past got a glimpse of a fortified future for the museum. Museum officials were joined by ASML representatives to announce a three-year partnership that includes a gift of $884,611.30.
“These funds will transform the museum into a place where the community will gather, build bonds through our shared history, and think critically about Wilton’s history and what it means for the town as we continue forward,” Wilton Historical Society Director Nick Foster said.
According to Foster, the partnership will bring significant updates to the museum, including the installation of two completely new exhibition spaces focused on Wilton’s Revolutionary history and agricultural past.
New interactive stations, centered on the town’s historic industries, will provide creative and hands-on experiences. Outside the gallery walls there will be an expansion of the Historical Society’s Colonial vegetable garden and throughout town there will be new signs highlighting the history that surrounds us.
Additionally, significant funds will support the Society hosting programs with prominent scholars, educators and re-enactors to audiences of all ages. As part of ASML’s generosity, the Historical Society’s programming in 2026 will reflect on America’s 250th anniversary with a series of lectures and events exploring Wilton’s connection to the American Revolution. Events will be held both at the Historical Society’s museum and throughout town so as many people as possible can take part.
Behind the scenes, ASML’s support will ensure the Historical Society’s collection of more than 14,000 artifacts and archival materials are well protected, yet easy to access. New storage equipment and funding for an annual summer fellowship for a college or graduate student will ensure these irreplaceable pieces of Wilton’s history are cared for and preserved for generations to come.
Since 1938 the Wilton Historical Society has been preserving Wilton’s history, and connecting, engaging and educating all who would look to the past to shape the future. Foster said it is through the tremendous generosity of the Historical Society’s many supporters, including ASML, that the organization is building its own future with more frequent activities and programs, new exhibitions, and improvements to its already popular annual events.
“Game Changing”
“This partnership helps the Historical Society engage our community on a new level,” Foster said. “Over the next three years, we’ll make the fascinating history of our town accessible to everyone through these new exhibit galleries and the wide variety of programs. It really changes the game for us moving forward.”
“We are excited to see what the future holds for the Society and for our community,” added Brian Amero, ASML Program Manager, Society and Community Engagement, “Together, we can honor the past while building a brighter future for Wilton.”
Foster said this new partnership with ASML builds on the already strong community connections that were celebrated at Saturday’s Taste in Time.
“Long term supporters, including Fairfield County Bank and the many people who generously donated during the evening, are the reason the Historical Society is the focal point for those who are curious and engaged in our community,” Foster said, adding, “ASML’s support is opening the next chapter in our story.”
Editor’s Note: The article title has been updated to correct an editing error. The gift from ASML was over $880,000, not $800,000.