A Visit to the New Britain Industrial Museum

March 8, 2025

On a bright, blustery spring day, three IHNE stewards set out for the New Britain Industrial Museum, nestled just south of Hartford, Connecticut. As we arrived, the city’s architecture hinted at its past prosperity, yet the reason behind its nickname—“Hardware City”—was not immediately apparent. The motto adorning New Britain’s seal, Industria implet alveare et melle fruitur (“Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey”), speaks of a time when manufacturing thrived. Today, however, the honey seems to be in shorter supply.

Stepping inside, we were warmly greeted by the museum’s director, Randy Judd, whose enthusiasm quickly transported us back to the industrial heyday of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Shelves lined with dense arrays of tools, molds, and elegantly crafted mass-produced items told the story of a city that had flourished since the 1840s. Remarkably, New Britain rose as a manufacturing powerhouse without the advantage of a major waterway, relying instead on horse-drawn trolleys and railroads to move materials and products. By the late 19th century, it had become one of Connecticut’s most ethnically diverse and prosperous cities, a legacy still reflected today in its vibrant Polish community.

Randy first led us through an extraordinary collection showcasing a century of innovation from the renowned Stanley company. Among the highlights were exquisite Stanley/Bailey planes—objects of sheer craftsmanship that would make any woodworker swoon. Yet this is only one facet of New Britain’s contributions to modern industry. From locks and keys to appliances and automotive parts, the city played a vital role in shaping everyday life in the 20th century. Thanks to Randy’s expert guidance, these artifacts weren’t merely relics; they became storytellers, weaving together the past, the people, and the ingenuity that defined an era.