Located in the scenic Northwest Hills of Connecticut's Litchfield County, the American Museum of Tort Law opened in September 2015 in the beautifully restored, historic Winsted Savings Bank at 654 Main St. in downtown Winsted. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Museum remains a one-of-a-kind national institution. Founded by consumer advocate Ralph Nader, this museum shines bright as an educational beacon for the importance of our civil justice system.

Winsted is known for a vibrant Main Street packed with shops, a dine-in theater, and restaurants offering diverse culinary options, including a popular small-town brewery which can accommodate large tour groups. Home to Highland Lake, walking trails, and surrounded by natural beauty, this charming, bustling village is quintessential small town America at its best.

The American Museum of Tort Law is the first and only museum of its kind in the world, garnering national attention for its groundbreaking mission. The mission of the Museum is to educate, inform, and inspire Americans about the right to trial by jury and the benefits of tort law, the law of wrongful injuries. From motor vehicle crashes, defective products, medical malpractice, to environmental disasters and many more, tort law's impacts are wide-ranging and relevant to all Americans. By telling the stories of landmark cases, courageous individuals, and the legal battles that shaped modern protections, the museum bridges the gap between citizens and their rights. The Museum has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Politico, and other top-tier outlets, reframing tort law as a tool for accountability rather than frivolity. It reminds Americans that the law belongs to everyone. This institution has also attracted a wide range of prominent visitors and supporters, including Chief Justice Stephen Breyer, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative John Larson, author and rock star Patti Smith, and a prominent AMTL Founder, talk show host Phil Donahue. In fact, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer describes the American Museum of Tort Law as “an excellent educational institution.”

Visitors to the museum will enjoy learning about this fundamental aspect of the legal system and see how it has improved our society by ensuring safeguards and protections for consumers. In a time when many Americans feel disconnected from the legal systems meant to protect them, the American Museum of Tort Law serves as a vital bridge between citizens and their rights. By transforming complex legal concepts into accessible, engaging, and often inspiring experiences, the museum invites individuals to understand the power they hold under the law. The Museum has multiple galleries full of engaging artwork, sure to make this important subject matter fun and interesting for guests of all ages. With interactive displays, a brief film, and historic artifacts, visitors may be surprised at just how compelling the law can be! From exhibits that display dangerous toys to the unsafe 1963 refurbished Chevrolet Corvair, the American Museum of Tort Law has something for everyone. There are compelling exhibits that showcase the pioneering tobacco and asbestos litigation that reshaped consumer protections and corporate accountability in America. Ralph Nader saw a void in the education of today, stating, “We don’t learn about tort law in school or college, unless you go to law school. That’s a serious gap in our educational standards.” The American Museum of Tort Law aims to bridge that gap. Stop by the American Museum of Tort Law and see why Politico called us "Fun, creative, visually stunning, and provocative" and why Yankee Magazine named us the Best New Museum in New England. While visiting the Museum, the gift shop is a must-see, stocked full of iconic merchandise, including apparel, tote bags, and a small library’s worth of fascinating literature.

The Museum's staff is happy to schedule private tours, and group rates are offered. Regular admission is $10 for Adults, $7 for Seniors and Veterans, and $5 for Students.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how the law works.

On November 1, 2017 Congressman Larson recognized the museum. Read his statement in the Congressional Record here.