August Events at the Fairfield History Museum

War of 1812 Exhibit through September For the dog days of summer, why not visit Fairfield Museum and History Center's (www.fairfieldhistory.org) new, special art exhibition, The War of 1812 at Sea: Marine Paintings from the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery collection, Fairfield, Conn. (jrusselljinishiangallery.com).    The exhibition, which will be on display through September 9th, 2012, will chronicle the great sea battles around the War of 1812, some of which occurred off the Connecticut Coast, and will feature dramatic marine paintings and models from art dealer J. Russell Jinishian. The War of 1812 at Sea exhibition will include 16 works, including two intricate models, from some of the most prominent marine artists working today.  The paintings and models in this exhibition capture pivotal moments during the War of 1812, a troubled and dark time for our young nation and for Fairfield as well. In addition to this fascinating exhibit other events hosted by the Museum include the following events. A Docent Meeting on Thursday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m wil introduce participants to Fairfield's past. If you have a knack for telling a good story this program could be just for you.  The Fairfield Museum and History Center hopes to introduce participants to the importance of becoming a docent and sharing the history of Fairfield. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP, please call Christine Jewell, Director of Education at 203-259-1598. On Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. the Fairfield Museum will feature a Town Hall Green Walking Tour that is expected to last one to two hours. On the tour, you wil learn about the fascinating colonial history of Fairfield, including the establishment of the town's original "four squares" in 1639 and the historic British invasion that took place in 1779. Participants will learn about the "witch dunking experiment" at Edward's Pond, the legacy of the Sun Tavern and more.  $7; Members, $5. Please pre-register by calling 203-259-1598. If you find walking an enjoyable way to experience a town center, then make sure to pick up a colorful new brochure at the Museum and follow the nine new signs created jointly by the Museum and the town of Fairfield. Visitors can begin their exploration of this intriguing historic site at the introductory sign adjacent to the Fairfield Museum and History Center and discover the hidden corners of Fairfield's fascinating past. A special summer treat is a tour of the Ogden House built in 1750 on Sundays from 1 pm - 4 pm through September.  Visitors will enjoy docent-led tours of the 1750 Ogden House and see how people lived in the 18th century. The house is furnished with period objects including textiles and fine pieces of furniture with Fairfield provenance. Participants will be invited to take a stroll through the not-to-be-missed kitchen garden, generously maintained by the Fairfield Garden Club, and view plantings used in colonial times.  The Ogden House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is an exceptional survivor of a typical mid-18th century farmhouse. If summer camps are your thing, Fairfield History Museum is also offering a series of camps through August.  Camp goers will explore history and culture in a creative and fun learning environment at the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Programs include sessions about the early settlers and how children lived in the past, through historic house tours, the garden, cooking, games, arts and crafts and more at the 1750 Ogden House and the Fairfield Museum. Campers will explore the secret corners of the house and learn its mysteries! The final day will be spent at the Fairfield Museum where students will experience a day in the life of a student in the 1804 Academy Schoolhouse and learn to use antique tools in the Victorian Barn. For more information and to register, please call 203-259-1598 or visit www.fairfieldhistory.org. The August sessions runs as follows: Session 1:  August 13 – 17    9am – 12pm Grades 1 – 2 Session 2: August 13 – 17       1pm – 4pm Grades 3 - 5 Session 3: August 20 – 24     9am – 12pm Grades 1 – 2 Session 4:  August 20 – 24     1pm –4pm   Grades 3 – 5 $175 Each Session + $50 family membership ABOUT FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER Fairfield Museum and History Center (www.fairfieldhistory.org) was established in 2007 by the Fairfield Historical Society. The 13,000 square-foot museum presents engaging exhibition galleries, a special collection library and reading room, a family education center, an 80-seat theater overlooking Fairfield's Town Green and a delightful museum shop.  The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Fairfield, Connecticut and surrounding regions for present and future generations.  The Museum provides educational programs to schools in and around Fairfield County, and helps to enrich the cultural and social life of the area.  The Museum has quickly become an integral part of Fairfield, serving nearly 18,000 visitors a year.