Knights of Columbus Museum -- New Haven, Conn.

(Courtesy photo)

Destination: Currently closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Knights of Columbus Museum in Connecticut is worth working into your future travel plans.

Masses are not offered at the museum. 

Why to go: The Knights of  Columbus are a uniquely American order founded by Father Michael J. McGiveny in 1882. Its stated purpose is “to provide members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities’ familes and young people,” according to its website.

The museum, founded in honor of the centennial of the Knights of Columbus, has several permanent displays along with a variety of temporary ones. Among its permanent exhibits is one devoted to the charter chapter, San Salvador Council 1, founded by Father McGiveny in 1882 at St. Mary Parish in New Haven, Conn.

A memorial to Knights of Columbus members who died as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks includes two pieces of steel from the World Trade Center.

A cross that is more than 400 years old and sat atop St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome hangs on a museum stairway wall. In 1985, Pope St. John Paul II gave it to the Knights of Columbus to thank them for funding to restore the basilica’s façade.

Hours: Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch the website for reopening details. In the meantime, the museum is offering online programs through the website.

Accessibility: The museum is likely to be handicapped accessible, but it’s hard to check for sure. The website was only partially functional when we visited. You’ll be able to learn much, but in this case, a phone call may prove useful.  

(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.

Info: Address — Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St., New Haven,CT 0651 

Phone — 203-865-0400 

Website — https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/articles/knights-of-columbus-museum.html

— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story

Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org