February Fun @ White Memorial Foundation

White Memorial Foundation located in the heart of Litchfield is the largest nature center in the State of Connecticut.  Each month they offer a series of programs for children, adults, and families that are sure to chase the winter blues away and educate and engage at the same time.  Children 12 and under get into the Museum free at White Memorial with one paying adult from Feb. 16-22 providing a terrific opportunity to explore the natural wonders on display here.

On February 16 a team of experts on the Arctic joins museum staff for a full day of programing. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with Gerri Griswold’s stunning visual presentation of her winter exploits in Iceland. Griswold has made Iceland her second home, having visited 49 times since 2002. At 11:00 a.m., you’ll hear from Iceland’s Arctic Fox expert, Ester Rut Unnsteinsdóttir. Follow Ester’s research in Iceland’s remote Western Fjords. You will be captivated by her words and photographs. At 12:00 p.m., Tom Alena will wow you with his knowledge of the Northern Lights lavishly illustrated with photographs from Iceland’s Keeper of the Northern Lights, Olgeir Andresson (www.olgeir.com). After a quick break for lunch, the afternoon programs kick off at 2:00 p.m.; Joseph Meehan will talk about his experiences with Narwhals. Meehan is an expedition and documentary photographer for Smithsonian-sponsored research on the Narwhal, undertaken by Dr. Martin Nweeia. Explorer and Arctic Expert Moki Kokoris will wrap up the day at 3:00 p.m. with a joyful program devoted to the many cultural facets of the Arctic. This hands-on program is utterly breathtaking! Pack a lunch! Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be provided. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, A. B. Ceder Room. Members and Non Members:  $10.00 per program or, for Members only, a $30.00 All Day Pass! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. The festival is limited to 30 participants per program! Register early! Call 860-567-0857 or register online at www.whitememorialcc.org.

If you want an unusual stroll through the Connecticut woodlands take a one hour walk with a llama on a beautiful trail! The cost is $20 per person with a percentage donated to the White Memorial Conservation Center.   The walk starts at 2:00 p.m.and participants should meet in the Museum parking lot. Call Debbie from Country Quilt Llama Farm at 860-248-0355 to pre-register or to schedule your very own private llama walk.

On Feb. 22 there is a star party that has been organized by the members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Weather permitting, there will be star-gazing after the program. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars. FREE… Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

On February 23 there will be an Evening with Abe:1863 and highlights will include Lincoln's most remarkable year.  Guests will enjoy listening to Howard Wright as President Abraham Lincoln. Dressed in precise period attire and speaking with a Kentucky accent, Lincoln’s mannerisms, speaking style, and humanity flows over the listener with each moving sentence, witty observance, or eloquent description of a tortuous time that was the Civil War. From the Gettysburg Address to a multitude of letters, speeches, or quotes, to the Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln’s leadership through a troubled time saved the Union. Howard Wright is an inspiring embodiment of Abraham Lincoln, especially to those who want to hear “Lincoln” speak his words. This program begins at 7:00 p.m.,  and will be held in the A. B. Ceder Room on the grounds of the Foundation. Members: $15.00, Non-Members: $30.00, Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 or register online: www.whitememorialcc.org. Light refreshments will be served.