Are there any museums or other cultural highlights in North East?

In North East itself, no museums. In nearby towns, yes. For example, the Sharon (CT) Historical Society has a museum on the other side of the border to the southeast. As for culture, I am aware of a handful of art galleries in the Millerton area. A simple search turned up at least five in the village itself with several others in the surrounding area. Further, there is a movie theater in town, but the nearest stage theater is in Sharon, CT (called TriArts).