REMINDER OF DAILY VETERANS DISCOUNT, PLUS DAY-OFF FUN FOR KIDS, AT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK

As we honor the men and women who have served – and are serving – our country on Wed., Nov. 11, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers a reminder of its year-round admission discounts for veterans and active-duty military.

Every day – not just on Veterans Day – active-duty members of the armed forces receive free admission and veterans receive a $10 admission discount. (Admission is regularly $19.95 for adults, and $17.95 for seniors 65+.)  ID/proof of service is required to receive these discounts.

For kids whose schools are closed Wednesday, a visit to The Maritime Aquarium is a fun way to get close to sharks, seals, sea turtles, jellies, river otters and other fascinating creatures – and maybe learn something new too.

Children and veterans may especially appreciate that The Maritime Aquarium is home to a real Navy seal:  in the 1980s, Rasal the harbor seal was trained by the U.S. Navy to retrieve objects from the sea floor.

IMAX^® movies playing Wednesday (and every day through Nov. 24) on The Maritime Aquarium’s six-story screen are: “Humpback Whales” at 11 a.m and 3 p.m.; “Born to Be Wild” at noon; “Great White Shark” at 1 & 4 p.m.; and “Flight of the Butterflies” at 2 p.m.

Users of TripAdvisor.com rate The Maritime Aquarium as one of the Top 25 aquariums in the U.S. and No. 1 in New England.

Get details about all of the Aquarium’s exhibits, programs, IMAX movies and more at www.maritimeaquarium.org.  For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Fairfield Museum Opens with Election Day Programs & More

Fairfield Museum and History Center escaped Sandy’s wrath and, aside from power loss, which was restored yesterday, November 5^th, the Museum re-open today for two special Election Day programs and we are excited about our upcoming programs, which are listed below along with a full range of other exciting, upcoming programs.

On November 6 there are two Election Day programs. The first, Election Day 1864 is from 1:30pm - 3pm.  This program is Free with admission.  Participants are invited to draw a political cartoon, write and deliver a speech and try out a Scavenger Hunt in the galleries.  Also from 1:30 - 3 pm is a History Day Workshop that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up. History Day encourages students to build valuable inquiry and research skills, developing fascinating research projects that are entered into a series of regional and national competitions.

On November 8 at 7 pm there is a lecture titled Men of Color! To Arms! The call to arms from impassioned abolitionist Frederick Douglass echoed the overwhelming sentiments of nearly 190,000 men of color that joined the Union cause for the promise of freedom. Learn more with David Koch, Housatonic Community College and David Naumec, Mashantucket Pequot Museum / Manchester Community College. Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $7, non-members.

On Sunday, November 11 there will be a lecture titled Living History: The Civil War Doctor's Wife at 2 pm that is co-sponsored with the daughters of the American Revolution..  The lecture will focus on the story of Dr. George Bronson, who marched off to war with the 11th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment and his wife, Mary Ann, comes to life. Mary Lou Pavlik assumes the role of her ancestor and shares observations of the War from a Northern lady's point of view and relates her husband's harrowing experiences through original letters.  Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $8 non-members.

On Veterans Day, Monday, November 12 there is a workshop for kids and a family scavenger hunt.  Hardtack & Haversacks   takes place from 10am - 12pm.  Kids 9 and up will learn about the hardships of a soldier's life in the 1860s.  Kids will make their own hardtack and put together a haversack for storing the important items no soldier would be without.  $10 Members, $15 non-members. Please pre-register.  At 1 pm there is a Family Scavenger Hunt that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up.  Participants will learn about the stories of Fairfield's soldiers and more on a special, family-friendly Scavenger Hunt for Veteran's Day.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is located on 370 Beach Rd. in Fairfield. For more information contact 203-259-1598 or visit  www.fairfieldhistory.orgwww.fairfieldhistory.org

For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com