Explore Norfolk's Architectural and Outdoor Attractions Before Setting Out! @ WIN!

If you are in the mood for a Saturday or Sunday drive check out these new Winter Weekend In Norfolk Connecticut videos that will help you plan a route before setting out. Winter Weekend in Norfolk made its debut virtually last weekend and is still offering on-demand videos to stream. The videos featured are series to watch that will be helpful if you are planning an in-person drive to bucolic Norfolk. These videos will show viewers a variety of points of interest that can be explored safely in Norfolk from self-guided architectural tours to nature walks and even cross-country skiing and winter photography. There are many videos to choose from when visiting the Weekend in Norfolk website that will appeal to the entire family. For the Winter Win website https://weekendinnorfolk.org

If there were a competition for the most architecturally distinguished small U.S. town of 2,000 people or fewer, Norfolk, Conn., might win it. It is the only town of that size with landmark buildings designed by eight nationally-significant architects, all within a short walk of the town green, as well as many other distinguished buildings scattered throughout. If you want to see why architecture matters, take this virtual tour or, even better, plan on visiting Norfolk in person. 

William Hosley, your tour guide, is a curator, historian, writer, and photographer. He is passionate about local history and historic preservation and has developed a deep attachment to dozens of places worth caring about. He is the former director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks and was a curator at the Wadsworth Atheneum, where he organized several major exhibitions. 

This nine-minute video takes visitors on an in-depth tour of Norfolk's architectural wonders that will give visitors and residents alike a new appreciation of why Norfolk looks like it does today.  To take the tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mTimVL-8GE

Another historic house tour offered is that of The Alders that is one of Norfolk’s grandest estates. Built-in 1898 to a design by Ehrick Rossiter, who also designed the Yale Norfolk Music Shed and the tower on Haystack Mountain, the Alders features stunning architectural details including intricate cherry woodwork, majestic Moorish arches, 20 stained glass windows, unique tile, and wood fireplace mantels and many more period details. 

Take a virtual tour of this grand estate and learn about Charles Spofford, the wealthy New Yorker who commissioned Rossiter to build the Alders and brought Gilded Age opulence to Norfolk. Spofford was the son of the country’s sixth Librarian of Congress and played a key role in the industrial revolution as a railroad magnate. He also founded companies with Thomas Edison to bring public transportation and electricity to towns and cities across the United States. To watch this video click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zoy4_RMsDu0. The Alders is located on Maple Street in Norfolk.

Norfolk is also known for its great unspoiled natural beauty. As the "icebox" of Connecticut, there is a good chance there will still be snow in Norfolk when it has melted in other parts of the state! Norfolk has three state parks and miles of cross-country skiing trails just waiting to be explored. If cross-country skiing is in your future, this video is not to be missed.

Join local resident, Star Child's to find out about Norfolk's many cross-country ski trails. Cross country skiing is a wonderful winter sport for the entire family that wants to enjoy the fresh Norfolk air. Star offers some tips on how to get the most out of cross-country skiing and shares some of the best trails in Norfolk, including the highly recommended Landtrust Trails. To watch the video for an inside peek of where and how to cross-country ski in  Norfolk click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g33zMLLIC-s. Best of all, there are links to maps of all the trails mentioned in this video - so hit the trail and enjoy!

Doug McDevitte Photo

The white on white textures of winter photography can be tricky. If you are looking for an evocative place to sharpen your winter photography skills watch this video then head to Norfolk, it is a paradise for photographers. Ardent Norfolk photographers, Chris Keyes and Doug McDevitte offer tips and tricks for creating good winter images as well as sharing some of their favorite places to take photos in Norfolk in this helpful video. 

Photo: Chris Keyes @ Mountain Road

Some wonderful opportunities talked about and shown in this twelve-minute video include the Norfolk Green, Campbell Falls State Park, the Blackberry River, Haystack Mountain, Great Mountain Forest, and many others In addition to photography tips, the best things to wear in the snow and on the ice is also shared. To watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7y5ZY3J90.

Sav R CT @ Jesse Camille's Restaurant in Naugatuck

For the past several years  the Naugatuck Historical Society hosts Savor CT, a wine, beer, spirit and food tasting. Due to the pandemic, we are unable to host the event. Every year restaurants graciously donate their food and time to our event. This year all February the Society wants to support them.

Jesse Camille's

Naugatuck Historical Society will feature different restaurants on different days, eat in or take out on those days. Email a photo of your receipt and be put in a raffle for a gift card from that restaurant and membership for the Society. Email your receipt to naugatuckhistory@att.net. Winners will be contacted by email within three days from the specific event date.

The Station

This is not a fundraiser, just the Naugatuck Historical Society's way of local supporting local. Contact wendy.murphy@snet.net to be added to our list of featured restaurants. Look out for dates for Corner Tavern, Tucks Tavern, Station Restaurant, and Jesse Camille’s. And a special shopping event hosted by Fascia’s Chocolates!

Fascia's Chocolates

The following restaurant will be featured on the following dates: February 18, Jesse Camille’s Restaurant,  February 22, The Station Restaurant, and February 23-27 - Fascia’s Chocolate Shopping, Code Fun$hopNHS021.

About the Naugatuck Historical Society

The Naugatuck Historical Society is an organization keeping the stories of Naugatuck alive and accessible to the public through exhibits, research, and presentations. We maintain and preserve collections for the purpose of inspiring a love of local history and contributing to civic pride.

In-Person Event @ Winter WIN - Skating Away & More!

The charming town of Norfolk located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills organizes a town-wide weekend celebration of art, music, and nature every August and February. Although most of the events being planned this year for the Winter Win are virtual, Mother Nature permitting, the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department is hosting an in-person event on Saturday, February 20th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town Skating Rink. Bring your skates and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of Norfolk while skating on this pond that is surrounded by the beautiful Litchfield Hills. There will be a bonfire going to keep skaters warm and even s'mores for that extra energy boost! WIN organizers ask that skaters wear masks while at the event and social distance in accordance with CDC protocols. If you can't make it on February 20th, no worries, the Fire Department maintains the rink through the winter season. 

After enjoying your time on the ice, take time to explore all that Norfolk has to offer. There are fabulous hiking trails at Haystack Mountain State Park and at Dennis Hill State Park. The views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular any time of year so don't forget your camera. Don't miss the Norfolk Village Green that is located at the junction of Rte. 44 and Rte. 272. Surrounding the green you will see the Stoeckel Estate, home of the Yale Summer School of Music, a Federal-style Congregational Church, a Romanesque styled Church, and the shingle style Norfolk Library that was built in 1888. At the southern tip of the Green is a memorial fountain designed by architect Stamford White. The On-Demand Video featuring an Architectural Tour of Norfolk with William Hosely, a prominent Connecticut Historian, and Preservationist is a fascinating introduction to the many treasured buildings in town. Watch it before visiting Norfolk to get the lay of the land. 

If in-person events aren't on your agenda, Winter WIN has a fantastic number of Live-Streamed and On-Demand videos that will be available to view beginning Saturday, February 20th. There are so many videos to choose from in five different categories including music, art, nature, fun for kids, and more! There is something to please every viewer on the list. 

Visit the studio of a costume designer and puppet maker or attend a workshop on winter photography. If you like music, there is plenty of it with everything from a classical Quartet to piano, drum, and guitar performances. If you like the great outdoors take a walk on the wild side with John Anderson or check out Norfolk's miles of pristine cross country ski trails with Star Childs. If the winter night sky is of interest don't miss the video with the astronomer, Mathew Moore Johnson. 

If you want to try something new to eat, check out the Spanish cooking class with Martina Gago from Santiago de Compostela. Viewers will learn how to make Tortillas de Patatas, one of the signature dishes of Spanish cuisine made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. This tasty dish can be served hot or at room temperature as tapas. 

Curling has a long and rich history that is thought to have originated in Scotland in the 16th century. In Norfolk curling has been alive and well since 1956. The On-Demand video shows the camaraderie among the players as well as how the club makes ice! 

Animal lovers will enjoy the On- Demand videos by Lost Ruby, Husky Meadows, and Broad Field Farms because they give viewers an inside peek of what life is like on a farm in the winter! 

The length of each video and a short description is included on the website. For complete information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org. The winter weekend videos are slated to go live on February 20. In the meantime to help you pass the weary winter days, the videos from the 2020 Summer WIN are still available to watch on the website. 

 About Weekend in Norfolk 

Now in its sixth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. Norfolk’s town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and a multitude of local organizations, institutions, and individuals support these two town-wide festivals.

George Washington slept in many places, but where did George Washington's horses sleep?

George Washington's horses slept in Wadsworth Stable in Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut! This stable was originally located in downtown Hartford, built by the Rev. Daniel Wadsworth on his estate in 1730. His son, Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, served as Commissary General for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 

On September 20, 1780, Wadsworth hosted the first meeting between Washington and Rochambeau at his Hartford mansion. During this meeting, Washington's horses were housed in the Wadsworth Stable. Perhaps Washington's faithful horses Nelson or Blueskin were fed and watered there! 

In 1801, the stable was razed as a firebreak. It was then rebuilt in the Palladian style to complement the Wadsworth mansion. 

In 1950, the stable was scheduled for demolition.  Katherine Seymour Day formed The Friends of Hartford and raised enough money to relocate the stable.  In 1954, the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution agreed to assume ownership of the stable.  The building was dismantled, moved to Lebanon, and reassembled in its current location.  The stable is now home to various farm tools, ironware, and numerous antique wagons including a fully restored 200 year old enclosed sleigh.  The sleigh was given to the Oliver Ellsworth Homestead by the Wadsworth Chapter of the CTDAR in 1906 and was moved to its new home in the Wadsworth Stable in 2008.

How to Celebrate Mardi Gras @ Home

 Mardi Gras is a splendid celebration -- it is a kaleidoscope of color, music, revelry, and joy. It is one of the few regional festivals that have spread across the country. It is a festival that says - catch the gold beads, dress up in outrageous costumes, dance, drink, and be merry! It is a festival that says, tomorrow we shall be virtuous, but today, we party! Mardi Gras is the French word for Fat Tuesday and is celebrated in towns along the Gulf Coast including Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Most of us think of New Orleans, known affectionately as NOLA by the locals as Mardi Gras party central. 

The History

Historians have traced the origin of Mardi Gras to Medieval Europe. It is thought to have originated in Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries. Eventually, this pre-Lentian celebration moved to France and from there it moved to Louisana. The first Mardi Gras celebration was held in 1703 in the tiny settlement of Fort Lous de la Mobile, which is now Mobile, Alabama. New Orleans was founded in 1718 and the first Mardi Gras was celebrated there in the 1730s. Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of markers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras. 

By 1856, dazzling gaslight torches or "flambeaux," floats and a masked ball was added to the festivities. In honor of a visit of a Russian Grand Duke, a parade was started in 1872 and is one of the most popular spectacles of the celebration today. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold and were selected to honor the visiting Grand Duke's imperial house colors. These royal colors are symbolic; purple stands for justice, gold for power, and green for faith.

The floats, that are the centerpiece of today's parades are financed by private social clubs known as Krewes that work year-round to get them ready. By law, all riders on the floats must wear masks and on Fat Tuesday, decorative carnival masks are legal for everyone else. Many people get into the spirit of the celebration by wearing elaborate costumes, wigs, and masks. The most delicious aspect of New Orleans' Madri Gras traditions is the King Cake which is only eaten at this time of year. 

How to Celebrate Mardi Gras @ Home

Even if you can't make it to NOLA this year, there is no reason why you can't celebrate Mardi Gras at home. This holiday isn't limited to just those folks that live in New Orleans, it is celebrated all over the world. It is easy to adopt some of the traditions of Mardi Gras no matter how far you are from New Orleans!  Here are our favorite ways to get into the spirit of this celebration.

Decorate Your House & Dress the Part

This is a great opportunity to brighten up a dreary February day and night! Decorate your house in gold, green and purple. For your dining table put on a green table cloth, use gold napkins and glittery gold placemats and plate chargers. Complete the look with purple confetti or beads around the placemats and glowing purple candles at the head and end of the table. For a centerpiece use an assortment of purple flowers wrapped in gold surrounded by colorful masks and glittering Mardi Gras beads. And, don't forget to dress the part by wearing something gold, green, and purple - the more glittery the better!

Pass Out Party Favors & Colorful Masks

Throws from the colorful floats of the Mardi Gras parade are one of the most beloved traditions. Head to the store and stock up on coins, beads, and other trinkets that you can give out to your friends and family. Make sure to have a selection of colorful masks on hand to liven things up. It is fun to look like you have just left the revelry of Bourbon Street with colorful beads and trinkets around your neck. After all, masks are such a big part of the festival it helps revelers get into the spirit of Mardi Gras - no matter where you are!

Mardi Gras for All Y'all 

A three-night signature celebration is being planned virtually in 2021, called Mardi Gras for All Y'all that is being presented by NOLA.com and Blain Kern's Mardi Gras World. This live streaming event will have appearances by Emeril Lagasse, Hoda Kotb, Preservation Jazz Band, Archie Manning, Marine Forces Reserve Band, Ashton Ramsey, and Jimmy Buffett. There will also be special guest performances by Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winners Leo Nocentelli and George Porter, Jr. For the full line-up click here.

The Music

Music inflames temperament and adds to the festivities of any Mardi Gras party at home. Everyone knows that food and music are the heart and soul of NOLA. Organized by the New Orleans Visitors and Convention Bureau, to tune into concerts that are live-streamed directly from the clubs of NOLA click here. You will find everything from steamy jazz and funky brass to soulful blues, honky-tonk piano, and much more.

Shaken, Stirred, and Savored!

If you like cocktails then you will feel right at home in New Orleans where vendors sell drinks of all manner outside and in. If you want to start your celebration off with a cocktail try the Sazerac, the cocktail most linked with New Orleans and, as of 2008, the official cocktail of the state of Louisana. It is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac brandy that is the original main ingredient.  Often described as a cousin of the Old Fashioned the Sazerac's secret ingredients, a dash of absinthe and bitters, makes this cocktail a strong aromatic drink that embodies the spirit of NOLA. For a recipe click here. Another popular drink is the sweet, red Hurricane, a rum-based drink served in a glass that resembles a hurricane lamp and embellished with a cherry and slice of orange. First served at Pat O'Brien's in the French Quarter in the 1940s, this drink remains one of the most popular today. For a recipe click here.

Cook Themed  Food or Order Out

Cook an inspired NOLA meal like po'boys or gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, or red rice and beans. Perhaps the most iconic dish of New Orleans is gumbo, a thick seafood stew served over rice. The roots of this dish go back to its French and African heritage. There are a number of variations of gumbo and each one is delicious. For the recipe by late famed chef, Paul Prudhomme that is served at Mr. B's Bistro in the French quarter click here.  A trip to NOLA isn't complete without having sweet and creamy pralines. Aunt Sally's Creole Pralines have been around since the early 1900s and are still made the traditional way starting with Louisiana pecans. For a special surprise to add to your festivities order a Mardi Gras NOLA gift basket from Aunt Sally by clicking here.

Bake a King Cake 

The King Cake is only available during Mardi Gras. It is a circular cake that looks like a braided crown that is frosted with green, gold, and purple icing and sugar. The cake is made of rich brioche dough and can be filled with pralines, cinnamon, chocolate, or cream cheese. Basically, a King Cake is baked like your average bundt cake, except that buried inside the batter is a tiny, plastic baby figurine. There are two theories of why a plastic baby is baked into the cake. The first is that the baby is symbolic of the infant Jesus because of the religious connections of this holiday to King's Day. The second theory is that whoever had the piece of cake with the baby in it was crowned King or Queen of the Mardi Gras celebrations. Today, it is a symbol of good luck. 

For a King Cake recipe click here. If you don't want to make a King Cake from scratch you can order Mam Papaul's King Cake mix on Amazon that includes praline filling, colored sugar, and even a plastic baby! To order click here.

We hope that until you travel with us to NOLA and take our Mississippi River Cruise that these suggestions will make your Mardi Gras at home fun and festive...it's time to let the Good Times Roll!  For information on Tours of Distinction's Mississippi River Cruise that includes NOLA click here.

Winter Weekend Walk - Lover's Leap

Since Valentine's Day is on Sunday, we decided to feature a romantic walk to Lover's Leap in New Milford. This scenic 160-acre park has a storied past as well as hiking trails, scenic vistas, and historic ruins.

Heading away from the parking lot, visitors will walk over the Berlin Iron Bridge, built-in 1895 that spans the Housatonic River. It is only one of five remaining bridges that span the river. This bridge is closed to auto traffic but can be enjoyed by hikers. The bridge provides scenic views of the Housatonic River.

Across the bridge, the Lovers Leap Trail heads southeast 1,200 feet to the rock formation that gives the park its name. From here, tradition has it, that the Pootatuck Indian Chief Waramaug’s daughter, Princess Lillinonah, fell in love with an Englishman. He left her with the intention of returning one day, but in her despair, she flung herself into the Housatonic River. As she plunged into the now buried "great falls" in her birch canoe, her lover having just returned dove in after her. Both drowned. The Chief himself died in 1735.

The path through the woods follows the Housatonic River to a lookout of Lake Lillinonah and the surrounding hills. The path is easy to walk on and shaded with oak trees.

The blue trail leads to the highest point of the area and hikers will traverse a bit of an incline. Along the way, hikers will pass the ruins of a castle and other overgrown foundations, and the tea house. The blue trail leads to a splendid scenic view of the Housatonic River and the rolling Litchfield Hills.  

For a map of the park click here. The park is located off Grove Street in New Milford. There is also a small parking area off of Town Farm Road.

This Valentine’s Day Take Your Romance to New Heights @ Salisbury Jumpfest, February 12, 13, 14

Coming up with something unusual and unforgettable for Valentine’s Day is never easy, regardless if you have been together for five years or five decades! This year, the 95th annual in-person Salisbury Jumpfest is taking place on Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 12, 13, and 14th making it perfect for people that love excitement, daredevils, amazing athletes, and the beauty of the great outdoors. 

Jumpfest promises to be the highlight of the 2021 Winter Season in Connecticut because it offers the rare opportunity to watch ski jumpers glide through the air – up close and personal. This is a sport that gets your heart pumping as you watch ski jumpers travel up to 200 feet through the air at more than fifty miles an hour! 

When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, it is important to make the day extra special for your significant other, especially if you want to do something beyond a box of chocolates and flowers. Jumpfest is perfect for people looking for a fun, safe, and different way to spend the sweetest day of the year. Here are five tips on taking your romance to new heights at Jumpfest! 

Enjoy A Change of Scenery – Jumpfest is situated in the heart of the Litchfield Hills that gently rise into the Berkshires. This area is known worldwide for its’ natural beauty. If you are looking for a change of scenery and an escape from the confines of home or the office, this unspoiled landscape is ideal for a romantic getaway. It is so rewarding to be able to unplug and enjoy the landscape together! 

Warm Up to Winter – For extra cuddles, bring a cozy blanket and outdoor seating pads so you can snuggle up and watch the ski jumpers fly through the air. 

Don’t Forget the Hot Chocolate – Everyone knows that chocolate and Valentine’s Day go together. On your way to Jumpfest stop in at Milk House Chocolates in Goshen, the best chocolatier in Connecticut and pick up a selection of chocolates – they are the sweetest treat ever! Don’t forget to bring along a thermos of hot chocolate and your favorite snacks…like heart-shaped cookies and sandwiches! 

 Bring Your Cowbell – Choosing your favorite ski jumpers together and cheering them on by ringing your cowbell is a great way to bond and make memories. Draw a heart on your cowbell for luck! 

 Take a “Together” Selfie – Photos are the perfect way to make memories…and you will have tons of fun taking them. Photos taken at Jumpfest are especially meaningful because they are taken amid a magnificent landscape with the skiers gliding overhead. Photos that you will both treasure of this unique experience for years to come. 

Tickets and Regulations 

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association has initiated several changes in order to comply with all COVID-19 regulations to keep spectators and athletes safe. This is an outdoor event in a wide-open area. Attendance each day will be limited to the first 400 tickets sold. This number reflects 25% of the facility’s capacity as required by Connecticut regulations. Additional spectators will be admitted as people leave the venue. Tickets will be available at the gate and are $15 for adults on Saturday and Sunday, on Friday night there is no admission charge. Kids under 12 are free all three days. In compliance with CDC and State mandates six-foot social distancing should be adhered to and masks must be worn at all times throughout the facility. 

 The Jump Schedule 

There are only half a dozen ski jump facilities on the East Coast, with Satre Hill in Salisbury being the southernmost location. Some of the best athletes will be here competing in JumpFest, an event that has launched many Olympians including three of the four men that participated at Sochi. Friday, 

February 12, 2021 

JumpFest kicks off on Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m. with practice jumps. Target Jumping under the lights begins at 7 p.m. Two large bonfires and warm food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks. There is no admission charge on Friday night. 

Saturday, February 13, 2021 

On Saturday morning, February 13, things warm up with the strongest Junior Jumpers from Lake Placid, New York, and the Salisbury Winter Sports Association competing on 20 to 30-meter hills. The action kicks off at 9 a.m. with these youngsters showing off their strength, skill, and conditioning that makes them fly effortlessly through the air. Medals will be awarded on the hill. The real action of the day starts at 11 a.m. with warm-up jumps by the Development Team, composed of an elite group of jumpers from around the country. These competitors are the best of the best that have been in rigorous training at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, which was built for the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York. The competition begins at 1 p.m. This event is thrilling to watch as these expert flyers go from 0 to 50 miles an hour in seconds and seem to defy gravity with runs up to 70 plus meters. 

 Sunday, February 14, 2021 

he highly anticipated Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships on Sunday, February 14th beginning with practice jumps that run from 11 a.m. through noon. The long-awaited annual competition starts at 1 pm. At this event, there are often Olympic hopefuls competing. These expert jumpers seem fearless as they display the tremendous coordination, skill, balance, and strength that it takes to soar so far and so high in the air and to land smoothly. If you want to find some of the bravest athletes in sports just stand at the bottom of a ski jump and watch them soar through the sky. It is exhilarating. Even the most sedentary spectators will appreciate the extraordinary coordination and skill required to make a jump! After all, most jumpers tell you that it is the closest you get to flying…without the wings or a parachute.  

About the Salisbury Winter Sports Association

 In the winter of 1926, John Satre a resident of Salisbury jumped off the roof of his shed wearing skis to show his friends and neighbors a sport he learned in his native homeland of Norway. Town residents were so amazed as they watched Satre soar through the air that they decided to build a proper ski run that summer, and form the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. The Association hosted the first ski jump competition in January 1927. JumpFest has become a highly anticipated event in Connecticut and throughout much of the East Coast.

New This Year – Two Maple Syrup Workshops @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Maple syrup is among the oldest natural food products produced in North America. Native Americans were the first to discover maple syrup and refine the process of how this magically sweet amber elixir is made. If you have ever wondered how sap is transformed into maple sugar then don't miss the new two-part, in-person outdoor Maple Sugar Workshops at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, February 20, and Saturday, February 27. This hands-on workshop is perfect for people that want to learn about the history of this sweet tradition as well as the ins and outs of making maple syrup. The two-part Maple Sugar Workshop is part of the Institute's Winter Survival Program taught by Susan Scherf, an Educator at the Institute. 

“The Sweet Taste of Success”

At the first workshop, “The Sweet Taste of Success” on Saturday, February 20, with one-hour time slots running from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. for twenty people per session. Participants will learn the basics of modern maple syrup production. This workshop is designed for backyard hobby producers that want to start collecting sap for their own enjoyment. The first thing participants will learn is proper tree identification and how to prepare the tree for the tapping season. They will learn about tree health and why and when sap flows. The final lesson is to learn about the tapping process, what to look for, and what to avoid, and examples of the different methods of collecting and boiling sap. There will also be a discussion on the impact of climate change on maple syrup production. 

“The History of a Sweet Tradition”

The Second Maple Syrup Workshop, “The History of a Sweet Tradition” taking place on Saturday, February 27 also offers one-hour time slots for twenty people running from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. This workshop focuses on the fascinating history of maple syrup as it was produced and enjoyed through the centuries. The workshop begins with a demonstration of the traditional techniques including the collection of and boiling down of sap into maple syrup used by Native Americans living in the Eastern Woodlands. The demonstration will include different traditional technologies used for the collection and boiling process in order to gain an understanding of what methods were used and why. A highlight of the program involves the history of this sweet tradition as participants gather around the fire in the Indian village and listen to traditional Native American stories about maple syrup that have been handed down from generation to generation. 

To sign up for Maple Workshop #1, “The Sweet Taste of Success” and Maple Workshop #2, “The History of a Sweet Tradition” visit the museum website in order to reserve a space through Eventbrite or email the museum at events@iaismuseum.org. The workshop is booked in one-hour time slots from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for twenty people. The price for each Maple Syrup Workshop is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children, and $5 for members. If you have questions, call the museum at 860-868-0518. All reservations must be made in advance, as space is limited. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

A Winter Weekend in Norfolk Goes Virtual Starting February 20, 2021

The town of Norfolk, Connecticut is hard at work this winter organizing virtual events for the 2021 Winter WIN Weekend in Norfolk that is taking place this year beginning Saturday, February 20th. The residents, businesses, historic and natural attractions, and other organizations have pulled together, once again, this year to showcase Norfolk’s many treasures. 

Photo Credit Katherine Griswold

The only difference is that this year’s Winter WIN will take place online rather than at various locations throughout Norfolk. “We believe that our online WIN series of events show the resilience of the citizens of Norfolk. Our goal is to be a bright spot in people’s lives this winter,” said Sue Frisch one of the founders of the WIN event. Now in its sixth year, Winter WIN is one of the state’s premier winter events. 

The videos run the gamut from visiting a costume makers' studio, architectural tours, and learning about the winter night sky to a music lesson for the kids, visits to local farms, and even a Spanish cooking class that will help you warm up to winter. The Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk celebrates the music, art, and nature that this small village is known for, far and wide. Everyone is invited to view live stream and on-demand events free of charge from the comfort and warmth of their home. 

A special Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk website has been set up that lists video events by category making it easy to let your fingers do the walking to all the wonders that can be found in Norfolk's winter wonderland. The length of each video and a short description is also included on the website. For complete information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org. The winter weekend videos are slated to go live on February 20th. In the meantime to help you pass the weary winter days, the videos from the 2020 Summer WIN are still available to watch on the website. 

About Weekend in Norfolk 

Now in its sixth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. These two town-wide festivals are supported by Norfolk’s town officials, its Economic Development Commission, and a multitude of local organizations, institutions, and individuals.

Wine for Your Valentine @ Jones Family Farm

Jones Family Farm in Shelton is offering two of their wines for Valentine's Day at a discount. The Blush and Bubbles Special is a holiday delight with their lightly sweet, pretty pink First Blush and their refreshing Whimsical White sparkling wine.  

For a fun twist, combine the two wines to make your own Blush and Bubbles wine cocktail! You can customize the sweetness to your sweetheart's taste. This First Blush and Whimsical White combo will be at a 15% savings.

The Sweetheart Special is a special surprise and delight for your Valentine. Surprise that someone special with the Red Orchid and Strawberry Serenade gift set. The Red Orchid, a deep, ruby-red wine, that is perfect for sipping by the fireplace, and the very special, bubbly Strawberry Serenade is a perfect way to toast your love!  This gift set includes a bottle of each wine, four dark chocolate medallions, and two Jones winery glasses, at an approximate savings of 20%.

These specials are available this Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6 as well as next Friday and Saturday, February 12, and 13 at Jones Family Farm Wine Stand on 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road in Shelton from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. You can also order online at https://jonesfamilyfarmswinery.myncrsilver.com

Derby Historical Society Celebrates Black History Month by Highlighting Quash and Rosewell Freeman

Black history is everyone's history. We celebrate Black History Month by remembering accomplishments that helped shape our Nation by Black individuals and their contribution to our communities. Included in that narrative are the realities that history records, whether dark and shameful or worthy of celebrating - the events of the past influenced the path that led to today. 

This is an interpretation by The Hartford Black History Project of Black Governors

The Derby Historical Society is highlighting Quash and Roswell Freeman. Father and son, both men went on to become Derby’s first and third Black Governors, the latter serving three terms. This was an office that began in the northeast in 1755, and in Derby, 55-years later, that officer would be held by Quash. Indeed, Connecticut would need to come a long way before satisfying the duty to abolish slavery, which in Derby still existed until 1840, one-year after the Amistad Rebellion, eight-years prior to the State ending slavery as a whole, and 56-years after Connecticut passed gradual emancipation laws. The context and significance of the date here must be understood and these revolutionary individuals are thus remembered. 

What a powerful story it is to share - Quash who was born in Ghana, was captured and sold into slavery, traveled the Middle Passage, and received his freedom in Derby to then become Derby's first Black Governor. There is much discourse that we could have on the institutions that appointed them or the reasons behind the Governorship.

An anecdote that Orcutt (1880) shares about Quash describes that, "He [Quash Freeman] was a man of herculean strength, a giant six-footer, and it is said of him that he could take a bull by the horns and the nose and at once prostrate him to the ground. No one ever dared to molest or tried to make him afraid, and when he was approaching from a distance he awakened the sense of a coming thunder cloud... Physically speaking. Quash was probably the strongest and largest man that ever shared the gubernatorial honors of this commonwealth." At the time of the Rev. War/Pork Hollow incident, when Quash was still a slave, he was Isaac Smith Sr.'s personal bodyguard.

Below is a listing of CT’s Black Governors, courtesy of The Hartford Black History Project - you will notice that Jubal, Nelson, and Wilson Weston were Humphreysville Governors. Horace Weston, whose father was Nelson, was regarded as the world's best banjo player in the 1880s (Raechel Guest, 2018). 

Name	Location	Approximate date
Quash Freeman	Derby	1810
Tobias	Derby	1815
Roswell Freeman	Derby	1830-1835
Eben Tobias	Derby	1840-1845
Caesar	Durham	1800
Peter Freeman	Farmington	1780
William Lanson	New Haven	1825
Quash Piere	New Haven	1832
Thomas Johnson	New Haven	1833-1837
Boston Trowtrow	Norwich	1770
Sam Huntington	Norwich	1772-1800
Jubal Weston	Seymour	1825
Nelson Weston	Seymour	1850
Wilson Weston	Seymour	1855
London	Wethersfield	1760
Cuff	Woodbridge	1840

The Derby Historical Society is located on 37 Elm Street in Ansonia. It was founded in 1946 to serve the Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. For more information visit their website.