Unlike many of its surrounding towns, whose roots are firmly planted in farming, the town of New Milford encompasses 64.8 square miles of a fine blend of history enhanced by modernization. Located in Western Connecticut, its bordering towns of Sherman on the west, Kent and Warren to the north, Washington to the east, and Bridgewater, Brookfield and Roxbury lining the south, all remain more rural to this day.

In 1880, the population of New Milford stood at 3,000. That figure has risen to an estimated 30,000 residents according to the Town Clerk in 1998. Most of this growth has occurred in the last four decades on the heels of new industry coming to town in the late 1950’s.

Although industry has brought modernization to this largest town in Connecticut, New Milford has retained its deeply seeded historic venue, with a main street shopping district boasting a quaint village atmosphere of specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, craft shops, and cafes, designed with a seasonal diversity for enjoyment by people of all ages. The Town of New Milford is an elixir for every soul.

The recreational assets of Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah coupled with winter activities in the nearby Berkshires might lead one to believe this is more of a vacation paradise than the actual family community. New Milford residents are offered a myriad of recreational programs and special events year round for all age groups. The many local parks, along with a public golf course, hiking trails, cross country skiing, camping, and boating at nearby state parks and preservations all provide access to the area’s recreational abundance.

Quality education is a fundamental consideration in any community and New Milford is no exception. The children are offered three elementary schools - Hill & Plain, Northville, and John Pettibone School. There is one middle school, Schaghticoke Middle School, serving grades 6 - 8. New Milford High School serves grades 9 - 12. To meet the increased educational demands on an ever-growing community, a new high school is being built at Larson Farm which will accommodate 1,600 total students. Along with the excellent opportunities offered in the public school system, residents have the option of a private education at The Canterbury School in New Milford and the Connecticut Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Further learning opportunities can be found at the local library. Prominently located on the Green is the New Milford Public Library which just celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Originally established as the Union Library in 1796, its 350 volumes were first located in “public spirited homes”. In March of 1886, the collection was moved to Town Hall. The original building, built on property donated by Mr. Egbert Marsh, opened on January 19, 1898, and now houses the Jr. Library. The adult library and circulation services are located in an addition that was subsequently built in 1977. The library offices are housed in the 1839 Goodman House, The entire complex covers 18,684 square feet and boasts exhibit space, and total holdings of 92,045 including books, periodicals, newspapers, record., C.D.s, audio cassettes, videos, a computer, copy machines and a young adult paperback collection. The library is planning a building expansion project to be completed by the year 2002.

New Milford is governed by a Mayor, and a nine-member Town Council with meetings held regularly for budget approval and other pertinent issues.

The health care needs of the community are met by New Milford Hospital’s 85-bed facility offering state-of-the-an technology in both in-patient and out-patient care. Nearby Danbury Hospital’s 371-bed capacity also offers residents comprehensive care and treatment alternatives. A large number of doctors, dentists, and other health care professionals serve the community along with the local office of the Greater New Milford Visiting Nurse Association, whose caring staff provide quality care to those whose needs can be accommodated at home. New Milford boasts its own health and fitness facility, The Club, as well as its own yoga center, Still River Yoga Center.

Although New Milford has allowed new technology into their community, they continue to keep history and culture as a vibrant part of life through The Commission on the Arts, The New Milford Historical Society, Gaylordsville Historical Society, The Creative Arts Center, New Milford TheatreWorks, and The Merryall Center for the Arts, to name a few. Residents enjoy local and regional art shows, theater performances, workshops for writing, photography, and varied media exploration along with special events such as the annual Village Fair Days sponsored by The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, which offers arts, commercial exhibits, crafts, food, games, regional storytelling, a tall-tales contest and live music. Other events include fireworks, various parades, caroling on the Green, and summer concerts ranging from blue grass to classical.

The fire of 1902 could have gutted the enthusiasm and hearts of the residents, and New Milford could have been a mere shadow of the community it is today, but, with former patriots such as Roger Sherman in their lineage, the fire merely sparked the smoldering embers of pride. New Milford has erupted into a vibrant, bustling, ever-growing “hometown” atmosphere that only a town built on pride can display