Incorporated in 1674, Waterbury is still making history as a community for the talented, the hard-working, and the diverse.
To celebrate 350 years of Waterbury, enjoy some interesting facts and hear from several of our history-makers – people who have contributed to its recent achievements, while inspiring its forward progress.
In 2022, Waterbury's Sheryl Lee Ralph became the first black woman in 35 years to win the Supporting Actress in a Comedy Emmy.
Al Taylor
Jazz music and what he sees in the Waterbury audience.
The Spirit of St. Louis that made the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight had parts from Waterbury's French Manufacturing Company.
Hector Navarro
How Waterbury Public Schools approaches educating its students, and his hope for outcomes.
Born and raised in Waterbury, actress Rosalind Russell received four Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar Award.
Led by George Washington, the 1775 siege on Boston included 52 troops from Waterbury.
In 1957, Walt Disney was presented with the 25 millionth watch produced by the Waterbury Clock Company.
Kay Wyrick was a trailblazing African American activist who started the NAACP Youth Council in Waterbury.
Before Babe Ruth, Waterburian Roger Connor was baseball's leading home run hitter and got inducted into the Hall of Fame.
One of the first full-length movies using sound was made by William Bristol and his company at Platts Mills in Waterbury.
On May 12, 1984, more than 5,000 people lined the streets as the Olympic Torch was carried through Waterbury for the Summer Games.
Formed in 1767, the Mattatuck Drum Band from Waterbury is the oldest continually active musical organization in the country.
In 1960, more than 40,000 people waited on the Waterbury Green until 3:00am for Presidential Candidate John F. Kennedy to speak.
