Neighbor News
Naugatuck Historical Society Announces Give Local 2026 Campaign Honoring Frank “Spec” Shea
Twenty four hour online giving event April 21 and 22 will support a permanent America 250 digital exhibit
NAUGATUCK, CT — Although Give Local 2026 is still weeks away, the Naugatuck Historical Society is inviting the community to mark their calendars now for an important America 250 initiative focused on hometown baseball legend Frank “Spec” Shea.
Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills will take place Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 a.m. through Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. During this twenty-four-hour online giving event, the Historical Society will raise funds to create a permanent, research-based digital exhibit dedicated to Shea’s life and legacy.
The campaign, titled Rooted in Naugatuck, will support the development of a comprehensive online exhibit exploring Shea’s Major League Baseball career, his service in the United States Army during World War II, and his enduring connection to Naugatuck.
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As communities across the country prepare to commemorate America 250 in 2026, the Historical Society is highlighting the unique ways Naugatuck has contributed to the American story. Shea’s journey from local youth athlete to Major League pitcher and wartime serviceman reflects hometown pride, national service, and the powerful ways local history connects to national history.
Funds raised during Give Local will support archival research, digitization of historic photographs and newspaper articles, transcription of records, historical interpretation, and the design and launch of a permanent webpage that will live on the Society’s website long term. All donors will be recognized on the completed exhibit page.
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Naugatuck Historical Society is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the people, businesses, and events that shaped the community. Through exhibits, research, and educational programs, the Society works to ensure that local history remains accessible and meaningful for all generations.
While the official giving window opens in April, community members are encouraged to begin thinking about supporting the Society during this year’s Give Local event. Updates regarding potential matching gifts or special campaign challenges will be shared as the date approaches.
More information about how to participate will be available closer to April 21.
