Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

At the headquarters of the Shenipsit State Forest, a couple of minutes east on Main Street, you’ll discover the last remaining Civilian Conservation Corps CCC barracks in Connecticut. The barracks here was one of 21 around the state, set up following FRD’s New Deal in 1931. it houses a museum about the CCC, which provided work relief for young men during the Great Depression. With an enthralling display of artifacts, photos, personal accounts and documents from across the Northeast you can gain a unique insight into life in CCC camps and what it was like to work on their infrastructure projects. When we wrote this article in 2019 the museum was open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

There’s a lot of stuff preserved there—some little things you’d think would’ve been lost by now. This year they’ve increased the hours to Sat. & Sun., 10-4, because it’s not just volunteers there now. The employee that was there was very knowledgeable & interesting to talk to. Sometimes going to a place that doesn’t get too many visitors has its benefits—you get to really talk to the employees/guides. Only reason I only gave 4 stars is cuz it had neither A/C nor fans—altho the concrete floor helps cool it down. Also be aware the “bathroom” is a portapotty—outside in the sun, I’m glad I didn’t need to use it on this 96° day! You’d think in the middle of a forest there’d be some shade—for the portapotty or the parking—but no.

Another Connecticut treasure being missed by the state to share it's history and legacy to the creation of our State Parks ,. Please visit !