From Wire Mills to Microchips: Wilton’s History of Technology at Wilton Historical Society

Wilton’s history of innovation extends from early cottage industries to some of the world’s most advanced technologies. On Thursday, September 24, from 6 pm to 7 pm, the Wilton Historical Society will host a panel discussion exploring the industries, inventions, entrepreneurs, and technological developments that have shaped the community.

The discussion will follow the stories of three major companies connected to Wilton: Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Co., the precision optics work of PerkinElmer and its evolution to ASML, and Cannondale Bicycle. Panelists will explore how these companies contributed to Wilton’s technological history and what has made the town a unique home for innovation.

The panel will feature Wilton Historical Society Director Nick Foster, ASML Fellow Chip Mason, tech policy lecturer Bill Bonvillian, and Cannondale Director of R&D and Testing Curtis Detwiler. Mason has spent more than four decades working in semiconductor lithography technology, while Detwiler leads global research, testing, and advanced technology development at Cannondale.

The event is free for Wilton Historical Society members and $10 for non-members. The program is co-sponsored by the Wilton Library and will take place at the Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897.

For more information, visit wiltonhistorical.org.