Science & technology museums in Connecticut

The Eric Sloane Museum, previously known as the Sloane-Stanley Museum, is located in Kent, Connecticut. The museum showcases the studio and antique hand tool collections of Eric Sloane. These collections provide a unique insight into the artist's life and work, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and craftsmanship.

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is a significant piece of naval history, being the first submarine in history to be powered by nuclear propulsion. It was named after the submarine from Jules Verne's novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. This connection to a popular piece of literature adds an extra layer of interest for visitors.

The Mystic Seaport Museum, located in Mystic, Connecticut, holds the title of the largest maritime museum in the United States. It is renowned for its extensive collection of sailing ships and boats. Additionally, the museum is known for its re-creation of a 19th-century seaport village, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the past.

The Connecticut River Museum, located at Steamboat Dock in Essex, Connecticut, is an educational and cultural institution that emphasizes the marine environment and maritime heritage of the Connecticut River Valley. This focus provides a unique perspective on the region's history and culture, making it an interesting destination for those interested in maritime history and the natural environment.

The United States Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum is situated on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. This location is not only scenic but also significant, as it is the only submarine museum managed exclusively by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the Navy. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in naval history and submarine technology.

The Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House, located in Stonington, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was constructed between 1852 and 1854 and stands as a testament to the architectural transition between the Greek revival and the Victorian Italianate styles. The house was built for Nathaniel Brown Palmer, a seal hunter, pioneering Antarctic explorer, and a major designer of clipper ships.

The Sheffield Island Light is a historic lighthouse situated at the southern end of the Norwalk Islands in Norwalk, Connecticut. This lighthouse marks the west side of the mouth of the Norwalk River on northern Long Island Sound. It's a significant part of the region's history and offers a unique insight into the maritime past of the area.

The United States Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum is situated on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, providing visitors with a scenic view of the river while they explore the rich history of the submarine force.

The Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill, originally known as the Main Sawmill, is a historic 19th-century sawmill located at 175 Iron Street in Ledyard, Connecticut. Built in 1869 by Israel Brown, it is the only known operational mill of this type in the state. The sawmill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is now owned by the town and administered by the local historical society as a museum.

The Museum of Connecticut Glass, established on February 12, 1994, is situated in the historic Captain John Turner House, built in 1813, in Coventry, Connecticut. The museum's location is significant as it is one of the last remaining sites on the National Historic Glass Factory District. The museum focuses on the glassmaking industry in Coventry, which was active from approximately 1814–1848.

The National Helicopter Museum, located in Stratford, Connecticut, is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the helicopter and aviation industry. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the development of helicopters and the aviation industry in the United States.

The Discovery Science Center and Planetarium, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a hands-on science center that serves as both a tourist destination and an educational resource for area schools. It provides dynamic, hands-on STEM experiences designed to resonate with the innate curiosity, learning desire, and spirit of exploration of visitors.

The Connecticut Science Center, a nine-story museum, is situated on the Connecticut River in Hartford, Connecticut. The museum, designed by César Pelli & Associates, opened its doors to the public on June 12, 2009. Its location on the river provides a scenic backdrop for visitors, while its architectural design adds to the overall appeal of the museum.

The Windham Textile and History Museum is situated in the New England region of the United States, specifically in Willimantic, Connecticut. The museum is currently located on Main Street, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The New London Custom House, located at 150 Bank Street in New London, Connecticut, is a historic site built between 1833 and 1835. This significant landmark offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the period and the city's maritime history.

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) is an American aerospace museum situated next to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling by air. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and development of aviation in the United States.

The American Clock & Watch Museum (ACWM) in Bristol, Connecticut, is a unique institution in the United States, focusing exclusively on horology - the history, science, and art of timekeeping and timekeepers. This specialization makes it a distinctive destination for those interested in the evolution of timekeeping devices and the science behind them.

The Danbury Railway Museum is a significant historical site located in the former Union Station in downtown Danbury, Connecticut. The museum was established in the mid-1990s following the closure of the station by the Metro-North Railroad. It primarily focuses on the history of railroading in southern New England and neighboring New York. The museum is housed in a building that is architecturally distinctive, with Colonial Revival touches on a Richardsonian Romanesque structure.

The William Jillson Stone House, located at 561 Main Street inside Jillson Square Park in the Willimantic section of Windham, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the history of the area through the lens of one of its early industrialists.

The Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum is situated on Route 32 in Willimantic, Connecticut. It was established by the Connecticut Eastern Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. The museum is a testament to the rich history of railroads in the region and offers a unique insight into the development of rail transport in the area.

The Stonington Harbor Light is a significant historical landmark located on the east side of Stonington Harbor in New London County, Connecticut. This well-preserved mid-19th century stone lighthouse offers a glimpse into the past and is a testament to the region's maritime history.

The Eli Whitney Museum, situated in Hamden, Connecticut, serves as an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in hands-on learning experiences, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history, design, and invention.

The Connecticut Air & Space Center is an aviation museum situated near the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, Connecticut. The museum's primary focus is on the rich history of aviation in Connecticut, offering visitors a unique insight into the state's contribution to the field of aviation.

The Brayton Grist Mill is a historic grist mill situated at the entrance to Mashamoquet Brook State Park off United States Route 44 in Pomfret, Connecticut. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of 19th-century rural history while also enjoying the natural beauty of the state park.

The Railroad Museum of New England, located in Thomaston, Connecticut, offers a unique experience for visitors. Through its operating subsidiary, the Naugatuck Railroad, the museum operates excursion and freight trains on the Torrington Secondary between Waterville and Torrington. This provides an opportunity for tourists to enjoy a scenic train ride while learning about the history and significance of railroads in New England.