Joseph Steward

Joseph Steward (July 6, 1753 – April 15, 1822) was an American minister, portrait painter and museum curator.

Under the guidance of Reverend Doctor Levi Hart of Preston, CT, he continued his divinity studies and was licensed to preach in 1786.

In 1788, he moved to Hampton, CT to fill in for the town's reverend, Samuel Moseley, who had recently become gravely ill.

In 1799, he joined with Reverends Nathan Strong and Abel Flint to compile a hymnal titled The Hartford Selection of Hymns.

The Connecticut General Assembly had given him permission to use a room in the newly completed capitol's third floor as a painting studio.

He regularly used newspaper advertising to solicit donations for the museum, thank contributors, and promote his displays.

His collection included portraits, wax works, and other curiosities, man-made as well as natural.

His natural curiosities included a dwarf cow, a two-headed calf and a "sagacious" goat.