Living History Bus Tour First World War in Norwalk

If you are a WWI history buff and wonder what role the city of Norwalk played in this war, then you might want to take the living history bus tour of Norwalk on Sept. 17 from  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. that will explore the the social, artistic and architectural heritage from that tumultuous time period.

Over Here is the Seventh Annual Living History Tour conducted by the Norwalk Preservation Trust. he "War to End War" reshaped the world in many ways, and Norwalk was no exception. While Europe took the brunt of the horrific battles, the American home front was also irrevocably changed. What did that mean in Norwalk?

Tour participants will visit the homes, monuments, and memorials that tell the story of Norwalk during the Great War and its participation in the expansive industrialization that fueled America's growth as a world power.

The tour will visit houses of that era and take a trip back in time at the recently restored Wall Street Theater (opened 1914). Docents will discuss the impact of European architectural themes and the emergence of a true American architecture. The tour will also provide information about the WWI cannon on the Green — why was it given to Norwalk by France? Other sites visited will include memorials to the fallen of WWI.

Costumed re-enactors will bring the historic period to vibrant life and an architectural historian will provide insight into the areas of Norwalk that the tour visits. Tour attendees will travel in comfortable buses and enjoy a reception at the conclusion. Light refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $60 until September 10, and $70 after that date.

World War I program at Torrington Historical Society

Are you interested in learning more about World War I?   Here is an opportunity to understand one of the most significant events of the 20^th century and the catalysts that led to ‘The Great War’.  History teacher and scholar Todd Bryda will give two separate presentations at the Torrington Historical Society, 192 Main Street.  The public is invited to attend.   

The first presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 13^th at 6:30 p.m.    Todd Bryda will discuss the role of imperialism, militarism, and nationalism and how it impacted the war.  He will also discuss the initial years of the war as well as the effect of technology on this conflict.  The second presentation, which will take place on October 11^th, will focus on the U.S. after it entered the war in 1917.

Todd Bryda is a full-time history professor at Northwestern Connecticut Community College where he has been teaching since 1999.  Prior to that, he taught at several other schools including Southern Vermont College in Bennington. Professor Bryda received his M.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Both programs will take place at 6:30 in the Torrington Historical Society Carriage House, 192 Main Street, Torrington.  Torrington Historical Society members are free; there is a suggested donation of $2 for non-members.  For information on becoming a member, please visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org .

40 Years -- Go to the --Oyster Festival in Norwalk

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 40th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year on Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10. This year's entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands. Festival goers will enjoy a wide variety of rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise unforgettable fun.

A festival favorite will feature the action packed Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. This show will take place on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a 65 - ft Gondola Ferris wheel, the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show, and more.The New England Seaport Village offers demonstrations, samples and displays and, the International Food Court offers a diverse selection of dining choices to add to the fun. Harbor tours are a highlight of this event.THE ENTERTAINMENTThe 2017 Oyster Festival will feature live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages. Friday night's musical highlight on the main stage is the Billy Joel tribute band, Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot. DelGuidice was hand picked and hired by Billy Joel himself, and is currently on tour with Billy Joel playing rhythm guitar and vocals, along with other members of Big Shot. Saturday's entertainment will include Latin Rock Santana tribute band, Sacred Fire, and Desert Highway, a band celebrating the music of the Eagles. On Sunday, Eight To The Bar, a colorful mix of forties jazz and swing, fifties jump blues, and their own swing-influenced music, will hit the main stage. Other musical acts during the weekend include Ripchord, of the Connecticut National Guard 102nd Army Band, singer/songwriter Alex Shillo, the VMI Commanders Jazz Band, and Funky Dawgz Brass Band.FOR THE KIDSThe festival's Kids Cove will wow children of all ages. The Kids' Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. Sunday is Family Day with special family and children's packages for entrance, rides and meals. The perk of family day on Sunday is that one child under 12 gets in free with each adult paid admission and for a mere $15 can ride all the amusement rides free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To round out the family fun there will be special live shows for kids on the festival's main stage plus kids' specials at many of the food booths.

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts. A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages. For on the water fun, head to the festival docks to tour historic vessels and to cruise the scenic and historic Norwalk Harbor. For thrills, don't miss the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show with motorcycles performing daredevil stunts.

Food demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs will take place throughout the festival. A highlight of the Festival is the wide variety of great food from around the world that is available at the International Food Court. There will be a craft beer tent with more than 40 beers. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. At the Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk's oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests. The celebrity Slurpoff will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of Oyster Pavilion.

The event is held at Veteran's Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year's old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Sunday is Family Day with special pricing on that day only -- 1 child (age 5-12) free with each paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.seaport.org. Free Parking and Free Shuttle Bus service is provided from four (4) local parking lots, just follow the signs to Oyster Festival Parking. Festival hours are Friday

Save on Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Oyster Festival Tickets
Festival goers can save on admission and rail fare when they purchase the Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival discount package. Packages are available at all ticket offices and ticket machines (except South Norwalk Station). On sale starting July 15. Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: Adults, $27; Seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $21; Children 12, $22; Children 5-11, $5; Children under 5, free. There is also other pricing from other stations. For more information visit Metro North online.

Calling all garden lovers to rare plant sale @ Hollister House

Hollister House Garden opens their gates for the annual 'Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants' Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th. Garden enthusiasts are invited to discover plants from vendors around the greater northeast at the sale. From local Connecticut based nurseries, to specialty nurseries from Maine to Pennsylvania, twelve vendors will be on the premises selling plants and sharing their expertise. Interested plant lovers can choose from two options 'Preview Buying' on Saturday, September 9th includes garden admission and cocktail party $45/pp 4-6:00 pm or enjoy the 'All-Day Plant Sale' only $10/pp (includes admission to the garden) on Sunday, September 10th from 9am-3pm.

The timing of the annual fall plant sale is ideal for autumn garden planting, since there is plant of time to get plants in the ground before cold weather sets in. "This is a great opportunity to find some very special plants not generally offered in the nursery trade," says George Schoellkopf of Hollister House Garden. Specialist growers offer the latest hybrids in addition to hard-to-find classic shrubs, trees and herbaceous perennials. Participants are encouraged to tour the garden after shopping.

The twelve nurseries that will be on premises for the 'Rare and Unusual Plant Sale' include; Broken Arrow Nursery, Cricket Hill Garden, Falls Village Flower Farm, Garden Vision Epimediums, Huntington & Hope, Linden Hill Gardens, McCue Gardens, Meadowbrook Gardens, Oesco, Inc, Opus Plants, Rare Find Nursery and Snug Harbor Farm. "The annual fall plant sale at Hollister House offers an unrivaled selection of rare plants with the splendid backdrop of the garden in its full late season glory. It's like Trade Secrets, but in time for fall planting and bit more mellow. Cricket Hill Garden will be bringing some fantastic peonies and pawpaws and persimmons." says Dan Furman of Cricket Hill Garden.

The Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants 'Preview Buying and Cocktails in the Garden' tickets for Saturday, September 10th are $45 and available through reservation at https://hollisterhousegarden.org/events/preview-buying-sale-rare-unusual-plants-cocktails-garden Tickets for the 'All-Day Plant Sale and Garden Admission will be available for $10 purchase at the gate. Please visit www.hollisterhousegarden.com for more information.

Hollister House Garden is open to visitors through October 7. Friday hours are 2-5PM and Saturdays 10-4PM. Private group visits are welcome weekdays by appointment only. Directions to the garden's 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are also available on the website. Contact: Pamela Moffett, 860-868-2200 office@hollisterhousegarden.org.

Danbury History Museum World War I Exhibit - The Great War: Danbury Answers the Call

This year the Danbury Museum has organized a new exhibit called The Great War: Danbury Answers the Call.  This is an exhibition of WWI and focuses on the contributions of Danbury citizens at home and abroad during the War.

All branches of service will be recognized and some of the topics covered include: Sacrifices on the Homefront, The Mallory War Garden, the role of Danbury Hat Factories, and the Old 8th Company.

Historic imagery of all kinds will be on display such as parades, war bond rallies, soldiers and other period images of Danbury. In addition to letters, artifacts such as uniforms, helmets, and ephemera items including posters, and memorabilia from the archives of the Old 8th Company donated by Mr. Frank Stone.

The Danbury Museum will be open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 11, 2017. Check their website for additional programs offered through the summer and fall.

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society is a BLUE STAR MUSEUM offering free admission to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

New Acquisitions @ Torrington Historical Society

The Carriage House on the grounds of the Torrington Historical Society located on 192 Main Street in downtown Torrington is hosting a new exhibition that is showing off the Society's new acquisitions. This collection showcases a variety of items that have been added to the Society's collection within the past few years.

What You Will See

Collections on display include: a guitar made in Torrington ca. 1856 by noted American luthier James Ashborn; photographs of the Conley Inn (later the Yankee Pedlar) taken in 1891 when the inn first opened; paintings of local people and places; photographs of Torrington from the 1850s through the 1950s; a machinist's toolbox used by Joseph Ruwet; products manufactured in our city including a 19th century Hendey lathe; and, one of the most popular items in the exhibit - a sign from The Sugar Shack, a 1970s gathering spot for local teens.

Hours

Admission to the Carriage House Gallery is free; the gallery is located behind the Hotchkiss Fyler House.  The Gallery and House are open Wed. - Sat. from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

A Taste of Litchfield Hills Sept. 10

This year, a Taste of Litchfield Hills is being held at South Farms on 21 Higbie Road in Morris on September 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is the culinary event of the year that will feature restaurants, specialty markets, winemakers, craft brewers, and others in the beautifully restored white barn and through out this beautiful 90-acre property.

Expect to be wowed at South Farms as  participants serve their signature cuisine, curated cocktails and beverages to foodies and fun-loving folk in the area. To add to the fun, there will be two live bands as well as engaging and convivial roving entertainment.

The pre-purchased general admission is $50, which includes food, drink, and entertainment all afternoon. A VIP pass is $100 and provides food, drink, entertainment, private parking, and access to a lounge with TV and food service. Children 15 and under are $20. Day-of-the event tickets are $60 for general admission and $110 for the VIP lounge. You do not have to be 21 to purchase a ticket, however, you do have to be 21 to drink alcohol, so don't forget to bring along your ID.

Parking is available at the facility. If you are directed to overflow parking there will be a shuttle to transport you to the event and back to your car.

Go to the Colebrook Fair Labor Day Weekend

As the summer season begins to come to an end, the country fair and festival season is just beginning. Once again, this year, the bucolic village of Colebrook located in the far northwest corner of the Litchfield Hills is hosting their annual Labor Day Weekend Festival on Sat. Sept. 2 from 9 am - 4 pm. Colebrook is an architectural gem; the heart of this village located at the crossroads of Rtes. 182A and 183 is a perfectly preserved reminder of Connecticut's architectural past.

The Colebrook Fair began as an event of the school children at the old Center School, a two-room schoolhouse once located at the foot of Schoolhouse Road. The year was 1943, and the country was embroiled in the sad events and worries of World War II. Ruth Bushnell, the teacher of the 5th through 8th grades, came up with the idea of a children’s fair to instill a sense of happiness when happiness was in short supply and, 73 years later, the Colebrook Fair is still providing family fun with lots of smiles.

This year, fair goers will enjoy unique crafters, a variety of vendors, great food, raffles, a flea market and more.  Kids can compete in pie eating or frog jumping contests, a pet show or the “make-your-own” Cardboard Boat Regatta.  

The frog jumping contest dates back to the first fair held in Colebrook and kids have fun competing in several categories in this time-honored tradition.   To round out the fun, kids will enjoy, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, games, the Fire Department’s “touch-a-truck” and smokehouse.

 The 5th Annual Car Show will feature an incredible array of antique and classic vehicles. There are several awards categories and cars run the gamut from antiques, muscle and classics to imports, trucks and, new and cool!

For additional information visit the website of the fair.

Paint to the Music and Hands on Drumming @ The Mattatuck Museum Waterbury

Go on a creative journey with a Paint to the Music studio class @ The MATT, led by artist Amber Maida, on Tuesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Listen to music and interpret the sounds you hear in a painting, drawing or mixed media work. Amber Maida, winner of the Museum’s 2015 MIXMASTER Juried Members Exhibition, will give a demonstration and assist each participant in creating their own sound-inspired work. Before you begin, enjoy a glass of wine and mingle with other art lovers.

Cost is $12 for Members and $20 for General Admission. Materials will be provided. To register call (203) 753-0381 x130 or at www.mattmuseum.org.

On Friday, Sept. 8 from 1:00-3:00 p.m, the  Mattatuck Museum will hold a hands-on drumming program with instructor Craig Norton.

Join Craig Norton for a few hours of participatory musical merriment in one of the galleries @ The MATT and experience the joy that comes with making music! Everyone gets to play a drum or two, dance, laugh and learn while playing rhythms from around the world. Bring your own drums or play one provided. Craig Norton is the founder of Hands On Drumming, an organization that specializes in leading fun and engaging community drum circles.

The program is $8 for Museum members, $12 for General Admission, and $3 for BRASS Members.

About the Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Waterbury’s architectural district, the Mattatuck Museum is a vibrant destination, known locally and regionally as a community-centered institution of American art and history. For more information on all of the Museum’s programs, events, and exhibits visit the website at www.mattmuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381.