So Much to do Memorial Day Weekend in Norwalk!

For some Memorial Day family fun head to Norwalk! At the Maritime Aquarium the "Flutter Zone" is open! Find your wonder in a magical environment flittering with beautiful tropical butterflies in “Flutter Zone,” a special walk-through encounter at the Aquarium this summer! 

The exhibit features dozens of varieties of vibrant butterflies from Central and South America. The air itself seems to dance with color as you walk through “Flutter Zone." Some of the butterflies may even land on you! "Flutter Zone" will be open through Labor Day. For tickets, click here.

The Norwalk Seaport Association's dock is steps away from the Maritime Aquarium. This weekend the Association is offering cruises to Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. On this three hour excursion that leaves at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. you will cruise through Norwalk Harbor to Sheffield Island where you can tour a historic Lighthouse, wander the private beach and look for shells and seabirds, and have a picnic snack on the beach or on the many picnic tables on the island. There is also a sunset cruise that leaves at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m.  For tickets HTTP://www.seaport.org

As an extra special highlight, the Seaport Association is also running eco-adventure bird cruises that depart at 8 a.m. and return at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. For tickets HTTP://www.seaport.org

Docktails & Oysters @ Norwalk’s Norm Bloom & Sons A Special Event Hosted by the Seaport Association

 Who doesn’t enjoy hors d’ouves, cocktails, and oysters on the dock? It is a veritable summer tradition in Norwalk and one that the Seaport Association has embraced. Back by popular demand, Docktails & Oysters is the Seaport Association’s signature event on the dock at Norm Bloom and Son, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk. This seaside, fun-filled event for gourmands is taking place on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This Luau-inspired party will get you in an “aloha state of mind” as you see folks in brightly colored Hawaiian shirts, listening to live beach music, sipping cocktails, and slurping the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for folks to get to know what the Seaport Association does, have a little fun, and experience an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

 

If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat this is an unforgettable opportunity to eat your fill of them - our advice is to come hungry! It's fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of sauces. In addition to the unlimited clam and oyster bar, this Luau-themed event also offers passed and tabled appetizers such as citrus grilled shrimp, house-smoked pork sliders, blackened swordfish tacos with pineapple salsa, vegetable spring rolls, and black bean and corn salad, in keeping with the island vibe.

An added bonus is the opportunity to explore the dock at Norm Bloom Oysters and Son, one of the few remaining traditional oyster farms in the United States to learn how oysters are grown and harvested. The oysters are incubated under the dock and, when they are big enough, they are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds you. The result of this time-consuming and meticulous process is some of the best oysters you will ever taste. Norwalk oysters are prized worldwide and known for their sweet briny flavor and plump meats.

 

Tickets to this event are limited and are $75 online and $85 @ the door. For more information and to get your tickets http://www.seaport.org, if you have questions, call 203-838-9444.

 

About the Norwalk Seaport Association 

 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

 

June 5 - Traditional Native American Bark Basket Workshop At Institute for American Indian Studies

Native Americans have created baskets for centuries. In fact, archeologists believe that basket-making is one of the oldest known crafts in the world. If you have always wanted to learn how to create a bark basket of your own, join this in-person workshop conducted by Jennifer Lee of Pequot and Narragansett ancestry on Sunday, June 5 at the Institute of American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut. This four-hour workshop begins at 11 a.m. and has a break for lunch. 

About Native American Baskets 

Baskets have been an integral part of Native American material culture for centuries. Native American baskets range from very simple to very elaborate. Often the art of basket making was passed down from generation to generation among Native American Indian mothers to their daughters. It is a skill that takes place of pride among many Indigenous people today. Bark baskets made by Eastern Woodland Indians were used for cooking, gathering berries, hauling water, storing food, as cradleboards, and even burying the dead. Most often baskets were made from pine, ash or birch bark that was harvested in the spring when the bark was most pliable. The bark was then folded into the desired shape and sewn together with spruce root and rimmed with arrowwood or other natural materials. 

• White Pine Bark mokok with collar (4 ½H x 7W x 3D)

About the Workshop 

Jennifer Lee is an 18th-century re-enactor and material culture presenter. Bark basket making is one of the programs that she offers. "I want my programs to dispel old stereotypes and increase awareness of present-day Native Americans," says Lee. 

Participants in this workshop will learn about the lore and tradition of basket making from Lee while creating their very own bark basket. A highlight is to learn about how baskets were used in every day life and what role they play in Native American communities today. Lee will guide participants through the process of creating a bark basket using white pine bark, spruce root, and willow. During the scheduled lunch break (please bring your own snack and non- alcoholic beverage) participants can wander through the museum for inspiration and brainstorm with others for ideas. 

• White Pine Bark mokok with collar (7H x 4W x 3D).

Participants can choose from three different basket designs that include a white pine bark wall pocket, and two sizes of a white pine bark mokok with collar. Whatever basket you choose to make, it is something unique to treasure at the end of the day. 

Space is limited for this workshop that is expected to sell out, so sign up early. To participate, please register and pre-pay by June 2. The cost of participation, including all materials and tools is $75 for members of the Institute and $85 for non- members. To register click here. If you have questions call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. 

• White Pine bark wall pocket, curved bottom (7H x 7W x 4D)

About the Insitute 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 a 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.

Kids Park Day @ Weir Farm National Park in Wilton

On Saturday, May 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. head to Weir Farm, National Historic Park for the National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day of celebration to encourage kids and families to visit the local, state, and national parks.

Kids will spend the afternoon with a Junior Ranger and delight in a black bear-themed activities. There will be an Art Bears scavenger hunt on the beautiful grounds of Weir Farm. Afterward kids and check out the new and very colorful Art Bears installation. Kids can also earn a Junior Ranger Badge by completing one of the fun activities that promote black bear awareness like creating their own bear hat. Take Part in Art will be providing free art supplies for children to borrow and create their very own work of art! 

While visiting the park don't miss hiking to the pond and stepping back in history by touring the fabulous Weir House and artists’ studios. It is sure to be a great day at the park. 

All activities are free and open to “kids” of all ages. Rain or shine. No registration is required, just stop by for some family fun.

About Weir Farm

Weir Farm National Historical Park is a National Park for Art, a place that has been inspiring artists since 1882 when America’s most beloved Impressionist, Julian Alden Weir, made this his summer home. Today, artists and visitors of all ages come to the park to enjoy the stunning landscape, walk in the footsteps of American masters, and create art! 

Litchfield Garden Tour

 On Saturday, May 28 at 4 p.m. the Litchfield Historical Society is hosting a tour of three iconic North Street Gardens. Tickets for this special event are $75 per person and can be purchased online by clicking here. 

Oil on board painting of a garden scene

by James Lamond

Helga J. Ingraham Library, Litchfield Historical Society

The tour begins with light refreshments at the gardens of the 1886 Frederick Barnard House before moving on to the historic 1771 Lynde Lord House which has five distinct garden rooms. The tour concludes with more refreshments in the garden of the 1775 Benjamin Tallmadge House.

The Tallmadge House's Gardens c. 1915

Litchfield Garden Club Records

Helga J. Ingraham Library, Litchfield Historical Society

If you miss the garden tour, no worries. The Litchfield Historical Society is offering weekly walking tours starting June 4 @ 1 p.m. These walking tours are the perfect way to discover Litchfield's vibrant history and celebrate the town's historic district. Each tour provides visitors with an overview of Litchfield’s history - from the stories behind famous landmarks to anecdotes about past residents to appreciation of prominent buildings. Members are free and non-members are $10. To register click here.here.

 

Sheffield Island Gets Ready For Summer 2022

Sheffield Island Lighthouse located off the coast of Norwalk has been renovated and maintained by the volunteers of the Seaport Association since 1978 so that summer visitors taking the Association's ferry to the island can enjoy its' unspoiled natural beauty. The outing to Sheffield Island is one of the most popular activities in Connecticut, not only because of the thrill of being out on the water but also for the chance to tour a historic lighthouse on the National Register and, explore a private island. 

Paul Lourd cleans the Memorial Brickway at the entrance to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse

Seeing how beautifully maintained the island is, it begs the question, what goes into opening Sheffield Island for the season? The short answer is a lot! Linda Cappello, a long-time Trustee on the Executive Board has taken on the task of putting together a team of volunteers that get Sheffield Island ready for summer guests that take the Seaport's ferry to it. "The first thing I do is visit the island prior to putting together a work party to see how the island and lighthouse have weathered the winter. I have to access if there are any particular concerns that need to be addressed in addition to the routine tasks that have to be accomplished each year before we open," Cappello said. "I inspect the interior and exterior of the lighthouse and grounds to determine what tasks need immediate attention, as well as those that require eventual attention." 

On the initial trip to the Island, the work party spends about five hours cleaning the place up. Tasks like cutting up fallen limbs, painting picnic tables, cutting down all seagrass, and weeding the pathways are just some of the many things to do. Lighthouse tasks are a bit more challenging. All the windows, that were boarded up have to be uncovered, the gutters and downspouts have to be cleaned and checked for damage, the tower has to be checked, the lighthouse rooms have to be cleaned, and the furniture and displays polished and set -up for the season. The work party, consisting of 20 to 25 volunteers will go out to the island several times before Memorial Day Weekend in order to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. 

Expect a warm welcome

When asked, why she organizes this seasonal pilgrimage, Cappello says, "It is my passion. I have cruised the waters of Long Island Sound and the Norwalk Islands for as long as I can remember. My father introduced me to the Sound when I was a child, and I have loved it ever since! If I could live on the Island I would! As for our volunteers, and we always welcome the help, just contact us. I think it offers them a unique opportunity for a good cause, especially if they have a love for Norwalk's maritime history and Long Island Sound,” Cappello concluded. 

The work of course doesn't end there. Throughout the summer season, the lighthouse has to be cleaned, the grass has to be mowed, and the shells along the pathways have to be maintained, along with a myriad of other tasks to keep Sheffield Island and Lighthouse welcoming for visitors. 

This year, the Seaport Association is offering a sunset cruise on Thursday, May 26, Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A cruise to Sheffield Island is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Special bird cruises departing at 8 a.m. are scheduled for Sunday, May 15, Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Beginning in June sunset cruises will run from Wednesday to Sunday and three-hour cruises to Sheffield Island and Lighthouse will run on Saturday and Sunday. Starting June 28, cruises to Sheffield Island will run twice a day, Tuesday – Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The vessel does not offer cruises on Mondays. For tickets and more information http://seaport.org. 

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock on 4 North Water Street in Norwalk. The dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage across the street from the dock. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here. 

Take a summer cruise to Sheffield Island Lighthouse

About the Norwalk Seaport Association    

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.