History:

In 1976, Gus Merwin, a photographer who is a member of one of Wilton's oldest families, and his collection of historic photographs of Wilton helped a Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commission meeting get off to a historic start. The meeting, which attracted about 70 persons, considered establishing an Arts Council in Wilton. Audience response indicated support for forming the Wilton Arts Council to coordinate arts events throughout town.

Historic start to Arts Council. In the Paul Kasper photo below, Lee Feldman, left, consultant to the Connecticut Commission the Arts; Edward Kasper and Fred Herot, PR&C commissioners; and Gus Merwin examine an old photo of today's Hubbard Building in Wilton Center. Originally a church, the building is shown about 1920 when it was the Keeler General Store.