5th CT Regiment Revolutionary War Encampment in Easton

The Historical Society of Easton and Easton's Parks and Recreation Department, have organized a day of living history on Saturday October 11th when the 5th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment encamps on the grounds of the Bradley-Hubbell Homestead for an unforgettable experience that young and old will enjoy.

Children and adults can drill with the regimental soldiers and watch as they fire their weapons. Practice loading and drilling with a Revolutionary War cannon. Learn about life at camp and on the home front from soldiers, surgeons, cooks, and other colonial re-enactors. There will even be a surprise attack by British marines!

The 5th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment is made up of local individuals that enjoy learning and teaching about the history of America. Members include men, women, and children from the surrounding areas that are dedicated to the creation of a living history experience for their community. By including women and children in the regiment, a broader representation of colonial life beyond the military is brought to each event.

This Regiment was created in 1974 and is based on the original 5th Connecticut regiments during the Revolutionary War. The original 5th Connecticut was mustered in May 1775 as one of the six regiments formed by Connecticut in response to the events at Lexington and Concord, MA. It was made up of officers and men from Fairfield County. Easton (which was then part of Fairfield) would have sent soldiers to this regiment. Due to illness and casualties, the regiment only lasted one year. It was re-formed in early 1777 under the direction of Colonel Philip Burr Bradley. As the regiment was being mustered, the British launched the raid on Danbury and Colonel Bradley responded with roughly 50 untrained troops. The 5th Connecticut played a vital role in the defense of Ridgefield and two of its soldiers, Private Bradley Dean and Sergeant Clement Lloyd, were killed. The connection to local history makes this encampment a truly spectacular opportunity for the Historical Society of Easton.

This event will take place on Saturday October 11th between 11 AM to 3 PM at the Bradley-Hubbell Homestead 535 Black Rock Road, Easton, CT. (Rain Date: Saturday October 18th). The admission cost for the event will be $5 per person, $20 per family, and children under 5 will be admitted for free. Admission will be half-price for Historical Society Members.

GREENWICH, CT SHOWS OFF ITS EXCEPTIONAL HOMES IN 26th ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR

Many communities have popular house tours during the Christmas season, but few can equal the five spectacularly decorated homes to be seen at the Holiday House Tour on Wednesday, December 11^th in Greenwich, a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut famed for its fabulous residences.   

The tour, now in its 26^th year, is the grand finale of the annual Antiquarius fund raiser, a series of events to benefit the Greenwich Historical Society, which also includes the Greenwich Winter Antiques show and Design Forum December 7 and 8 and a Holiday Boutique December 10 and 11.

                                               

 Homes to Tour, Holiday Boutique

The House Tour, chaired by mother/daughter designer team Sandra Morgan and Laird Morgan Tolan, will feature homes from wooded backcountry Greenwich to the shore. Among the show-stoppers are a Hamptons-style seaside home that was featured on the cover of House Beautiful Magazine and a Gustavian-styled Federal era residence surrounded by formal gardens and filled with Swedish antiques, fine art and textiles and rugs hand-loomed by the owner. 

Also included in the five homes are a 1930s Georgian with classical details and decor done in collaboration with well known interior designer Bunny Williams, a magnificent Normandy-inspired guest cottage that has been described as “jaw-dropping,” and a post-Civil War jewel with a barn addition showcasing a surprising combination--collections of both American scrimshaw and hot rod cars.

All of the homes will have lavish holiday decorations sure to inspire visitors with ideas for their own homes.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The Holiday Boutique, with many original gift ideas, will take place at the Christ Church Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich on the evening of December 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on the day of the House Tour, Wednesday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fine Antiques, Designer Forum

The house tour will be preceded by Winter Antiques Show on December 7 and 8, at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center in Old Greenwich. The event, which always attracts top exhibitors, this year will feature period to mid-century antiques, fine art and exceptional jewelry.  Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Design Forum, with talks by designers and celebrity guest speakers is a popular feature each year. On Saturday from10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mary McDonald, a celebrated Los Angeles-based interior designer will talk on  A Life in Design, The Honorary Chair of Antiquarius 2013, Ms. McDonald has been ranked as one of House Beautiful’s Top 100 designers, and her work for international clients has been featured in major publications. She will be available after the talk to autograph her book, Mary McDonald Interiors, The Allure of Style.

On Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., editorial director D.J. Carey of CT Cottages & Gardens will lead a panel discussion with three of today’s most sought-after New York-based designers Amanda Nisbet, Matthew Patrick Smyth, and Ashley Whittaker.

Tickets for the Holiday House Tour must be purchased in advance at www.greenwichhitory.org.  Admission to the Holiday Boutique is free. Tickets for the Greenwich Winter Antiques Show may be purchased at the door on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. Space for Designer Forum talks is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised.  Further information is available online or by calling (203) 869-6899, ext. 10.

For more information about holiday activities and a free copy of UNWIND, a full-color, 152-page booklet detailing what to do and see, and where to stay, shop and dine in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties in Western Connecticut, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, or visit their web site at www.litchfieldhills.com

Get Real at the Bruce Museum

Martin Lewis (American, 1881-1962) Above the Yards, Weehawken, 1918 Aquatint and etching, 17 ½ x 23 ¼”

Collection of Dr. Dorrance T. Kelly ©Estate of Martin Lewis

Highlighting the work of nine American artists who at the beginning of the twentieth century were inspired by the world around them to realistically depict everyday scenes, the Bruce Museum presents the new exhibition Telling American History: Realism from the Print Collection of Dr. Dorrance T. Kelly from August 31 through December 1, 2013.

The show features more than 40 original fine art prints including lithographs and etchings that chronicle daily life – the bustle of urban streets, boisterous moments of leisure, modern modes of transportation, and bucolic rural images – by leading artists who approached their subject matter through the lens of realism: George Bellows (1882-1925), Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), Edward Hopper (1882-1967), Martin Lewis (1881-1962), Reginald Marsh (1898-1954), John Sloan (1871-1951), Benton Murdoch Spruance (1904-1967), Stow Wengenroth (1906-1978), and Grant Wood (1891-1942).

The artworks present visitors with a snapshot of America from 1905 through 1967. Each print featured in the exhibition was chosen for its subject matter and artistic merit and placed together they present windows into scenes of America's past. Set amid a backdrop of events such as World War I, the Great Depression, New Deal programs, and World War II, the country was experiencing changes in its cultural, geographic, and demographic nature. The nation experienced a great upheaval as citizens and immigrants alike flocked to urban areas in hopes of greater economic prospects. At the same time, advances in technology and transportation were transforming rural regions.

Martin Lewis - Misty Night, Danbury, 1949

Drawn from different areas of the country, the artists shared a similar goal of creating artwork that was available to all. They embraced realism, using it to capture images of modern American society as it quickly changed around them.   This distinguished their work from the traditional, idealized and romanticized work of European art. By illustrating everyday scenes, the artists featured in this show created connections for the average American and invited them to become part of the artistic dialog,because their images appealed through accessible subject matter and to the pocketbook of the everyday person.

A fully illustrated catalogue of the show will be available in the Bruce Museum Store. A series of public programs will be offered to complement the show, including Monday morning lectures, hands-on printmaking workshops for adults and students, a program for families with toddlers and one for seniors suffering from memory loss, as well as school tours.

   

Wengenroth Grand Central, Lithograph, 1949

About the Bruce Museum

Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum, located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Coming to America: Washington's Swedish Immigrants

The Gunn Memorial Museum on 5 Wykeham Road in Washington Connecticut is exploring its' European roots with a new exhibit that runs through January 12, 2014 called Coming to America: Washington's Swedish Immigrants.  This exhibition shares the little-known story of Swedish immigration to this small New England town.

Known for their superior agricultural skills, 1.3 million Swedes immigrated to America during the 19th and 20th centuries, escaping conscription, famine, and poverty. Washington, Connecticut became one of their new homes, where many found employment as laborers and servants on local farms and estates owned by wealthy New Yorkers.

Beginning in 1870, over one hundred Swedish families settled in Washington and built two churches across the street from each other. One, the Salem Covenant Church, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Swedes made up 22% of Washington's population in 1910, and many of their descendants still reside in town today. This exhibit tells their story.

The Gunn Museum is located at 5 Wykeham Road, at the intersection of Wykeham Road and Rt. 47, on Washington Green. The Museum is open to the public Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday from 12pm-4pm. Call the Museum at 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for more information.

Treasures of the Jazz Age at the American Clock and Watch Museum

The American Clock & Watch Museum located on 100 Maple Street in Bristol has announced the opening of its latest exhibition Art Deco Timepieces: Treasures of the Jazz Age.  This exhibit will be on view through December 8, 2013.

In the 1920's after the "war to end all wars", with prosperity on the horizon, people wanted to sport their fashions. Watchmakers were not left behind in this fashion craze that saw the introduction of wristwatches with cushion, tonneau, and large curved cases. Today, vintage art deco watches of the 1920's and 1930's are highly sought after by collectors and some of today's large watch houses have replicated them because of their style and elegant look.

If you are an admirer of anything Art Deco, this is a must see exhibition that s a celebration of their triumph, the 'Golden Age' of timepieces and design. The exhibit that has been guest curated by Strickland Vintage Watches of Tampa showcases vintage watches and celebrates the design elements portrayed in the timepieces and advertisements of the 1920s and 1930s.

The global phenomenon of Art Deco was brilliant, pervasive, and influential. It was a class distinction that rose above class and could be found on the wrists and in the pockets of anyone during that golden era.  Watch manufacturers -- specifically the great American watch houses -- produced exquisite and attainable examples of Art Deco mastery. Art Deco design exudes sophistication and grace whether it's portrayed in furniture, fine art, clothing styles, advertising, or timepieces. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 8.

About the American Clock and Watch Museum

Learn about American clock & watchmaking with particular emphasis on Connecticut, once the clock capital of the US. The museum holds one of the largest displays of American clocks and watches in the world, over 5,500! As visitors travel through the museum's eight galleries, these timekeeping devices chime and strike upon the hour. Located in the historic "Federal Hill" district of Bristol, the museum is housed in an 1801 Federal-style home with a sundial garden. For more information www.clockandwatchmuseum.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Kissable Camels At Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is known for offering special family programming during the summer months. In years past, the zoo has featured a free flight bird show, Rainforest Reptiles, and last year's Galapagos tortoises were a huge hit with the public. This summer, two camels have called Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo home through Labor Day.

The camels, named Toby and Goliath, may be found on the greenhouse lawn and rides will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $5 per person, which includes photos. Visitors will be able to purchase ride tickets at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride. While there are no age restrictions for riders, anyone five years old and younger requires an adult rider with them. The zoo also is offering a combo ticket for both a carousel and camel ride for $6.00.

Fun camel facts, courtesy of Environmental Graffiti:

Bactrian camels have two humps while Dromedary camels have one hump. (Toby and Goliath are Dromedary camels.)
The name camel comes from Arabic, meaning "beauty."
A camel's hump stores fat - not water - as many believe.
Camels can drink up to 40 gallons at one time.
Camels can go for long periods of time without drinking because of the shape of their red blood cells, which are oval, and allows them to flow easily without clumping. They are the only mammals to have this kind of blood cell.
Camels can kick in all four directions with each leg.
Camels can eat anything without injuring their mouths - including thorny twigs.
Camels can close their nostrils against wind and sand when necessary.
Their coats reflect sunlight and insulate them from the desert heat.
"Spitting" is actually a way that camels defend themselves. They don't actually spit but rather throw up a nasty smelling fluid when provoked.

For more information about Connecticut's only zoo visit www.beardsleyzoo.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Sail away this summer at Soundwaters in Stamford CT

If you ever dreamed of sailing on a tall ship, Soundwaters in Stamford Connecticut can make your dreams come true.

Once again this summer Soundwaters is offering afternoon and sunset sails on their 80 foot three masted schooner in June, July, August and September on selected weekends.  

The afternoon sails that take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. are perfect for families.  Participants will enjoy the wonder of Long Island Sound as they help raise the sails and examine first hand the rich diversity of aquatic life that exists beneath the waves.  Educators on board will teach participants about the quality of the water, how to test it and how to analyze groundwater.

The sunset sails are perfect for adults and a romantic cruise along Connecticut’s “gold coast”.  Guests on the sunset cruise are invited to bring their dinner aboard and favorite beverage and relax as the sun dips below the horizon of the Sound.

The schooner is located on 333 Ludlow Street in the Stamford Harbor Park Marina in Stamford just off of I-95.  To reserve your spot on the schooner visit http://www.soundwaters.org for dates and times and your reservation.  If you have additional questions call 203-406-3335 or email hstarks@soundwaters.org.

About Soundwaters

Soundwaters is a leading environmental education organization in Stamford CT located on Long Island Sound.  Their award winning programs take place at their Coastal Education Center and on the Soundwaters, an 80-foot three-masted schooner as well as at schools, community centers and field sites throughout the region.  Their mission is to protect Long Island Sound through education.  

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

The art of George Lawrence Nelson in Kent

Portrait of the Hirschberg/Nelson family by George Laurence Nelson, Kent Historical Society

The Seven Hearths, the Kent Historical Society Museum, will re-open this summer after being closed for two years with a series of new art exhibits focusing on the life and work of George Laurence Nelson. The Seven Hearths Museum is located on Rte. 7 north of Kent center on the corner of Studio Hill Road in Kent in the historic Flanders area that was once the original center of Kent.

George Laurence Nelson, trained at the Art Students League and the National Academy, and began teaching at the Art Students League in his early 20s. Nelson was among the founders of the Litchfield Hills Art Colony, and later one of the nine founders of the Kent Art Association. 

The Litchfield Hills Art Colony played a meaningful role on a national scale in twentieth century American art. George Laurence Nelson's studio in Seven Hearths is the only remnant of the colony that is open to the public today.

Set within Nelson's beloved pre-Revolutionary Seven Hearths, which he donated to the Historical Society located on Rte. 7 in Kent Connecticut in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, the Historical Society is presenting three changing exhibits of Nelson’s work in August, September and October.

Floral Painting by Nelson

The August exhibit beginning on the 3^rd and running through the 25^th will feature large and interesting selection of Nelson portraits.  He made his money by doing portraits, and the subjects range from well-known celebrities such as Arturo Toscanini, to NYC society dames, to familiar local faces such as Frank Goodsell as a child.

In September from the 1^st to the 29^th Nelson’s floral paintings will be on display.  While he made money-painting portraits, his heart was devoted to stunning renditions of the lovely flowers that he and his wife Helen grew in their gardens at Seven Hearths. Some are exquisitely colored oil paintings and some are perfectly detailed pencil drawings. Some even are featured on the cover of matchboxes!

Toscanini by Nelson

A show that will fill the Seven Hearths Museum with works by Nelson that are borrowed from private collections will be the final exhibit of the season and will take place from October 5 – 27. 

The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month.

Call the Historical Society office, 860-927-4587 or visit the web site for more information www.kenthistoricalsociety.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com