Twilight in the Garden at Hollister House July 12

Horticultural enthusiasts and bon vivants are cordially invited to savor the enchantment of Twilight in the Garden in the cool of the evening from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Hollister House Garden. In a remarkable setting of charming views in all directions and the company of like-minded gardeners and friends, Twilight in the Garden guests can enjoy the garden with a glass of wine and cheese and hors d'oeuvres.

An exciting aspect of the garden this year is the new rill, a very narrow, 28-foot long water channel on the upper lawn behind the house. The rill is a classic but uncommon element of landscape design that places the sound and movement of water into the garden.

Stars of this very English garden at its early-summer peak are an exuberant abundance of daylilies, hydrangeas and old-fashioned phlox, plus various other happy plants spilling onto walkways, tumbling over walls and climbing up arches. Dahlias add masses of color and also offer quiet moments in certain places in the garden that are surrounded by a profusion of texture and form.

A 36-year labor of love by Washington resident George Schoellkopf, gardener extraordinaire and respected Early American antiques dealer, the romantic Hollister House Garden is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hillside behind a rambling 18th century farmhouse. The garden 's intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and the natural landscape, are lavishly planted with both familiar and exotic species in often surprising color combinations and open onto stunning vistas. 

Like many great gardens, it continues to be a work in progress. Hollister House Garden is one of only 16 exceptional gardens currently designated a Preservation Project by the Garden Conservancy, whose mission is to identify and preserve important and historically significant gardens across America for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Hollister House in 2010 achieved its prestigious listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the property was also named a Town Landmark Site by the Town of Washington.

The Twilight in the Garden party is priced at $30 per person, or for HHG members at $25 person. Reservations must be made in advance either on the Special Events page of the website a www.hollisterhousegarden.org or by phone at 860-868-2200. Hollister House Garden is open to visitors every Saturday through September. For June, July and August, hours are 8 to 10 am and 3 to 6 pm; September hours are 10 am to noon and 2 to 5 pm. Directions to the garden's 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are also available on the website.

For information on the Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Over There: Washington and The Great War

The Gunn Memorial Museum, on 5 Wykehem Rd in Washington Connecticut has  organized a new exhibition that commemorates the 100th anniversary of World War One, one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts in history, where over 70 million military personnel were mobilized around the world and more than 10 million combatants and 7 million civilians were killed, including several from Washington, CT. Over 100 men and women from Washington, and more than 150 alumni and faculty from The Gunnery served in The Great War.

Letters, pictures, and an interesting array of period artifacts from the museum, local families, and collectors, including Peter Tragni and Dr. Robert Jacobs, among others, are used to explore the dramatic experiences of Washington's soldiers, along with the extensive support efforts that were happening on the home front in Washington through such organizations as the Sister Susie Society, the Red Cross, the Women's Land Army, and the Home Guard. All of their fascinating stories will be shared in this exhibit and a diverse series of public programs (see below) through the year, sponsored in part by the Connecticut Community Foundation.

Art director Chris Zaima, designer Sandy Booth, and painter Keith Templeton, along with a team of other volunteers and staff, have created another visual masterpiece. Local history will come alive as visitors step back in time and explore the lives of Washington's residents during World War One, through their own words, and the impact this war had on our small town.

Admission to the exhibit is free, and this exhibit will be on display through January 18, 2015. For more information, call the Museum at 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for more information or email gunnmuseum@sbcglobal.net.

On June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Gunn Library, there will be a lecture, The Beginning of the End: The Origins of World War I.  Dr. Michael Nolan, a professor of European History at Western Connecticut State University, will present a lecture to mark the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austrian Empire, the spark that ignited World War One. On June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist who was a Black Hand Terrorist as they visited the city of Sarajevo. This assassination was the catalyst of World War One, a four-year event that claimed the lives of over 10 million soldiers and 7 million civilians around the globe.

Dr. Nolan will discuss the contentious years leading up to the assassination, how the events of that day unfolded, the impact the resulting war had on the 20th century, and who was really to blame for the origins of the war, the answer to which is not as clear cut as many might think and has vexed historians for the past century. Dr. Nolan is a 2001 graduate of Brandeis University and is the author of The Inverted Mirror: Mythologizing the Enemy in France and Germany, 1898-1914 (New York, Berghahn Books, 2005).

On Tuesday, July 14 & 28 and August 11 & 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gunn Library and Museum there will be a WWI Film Series featuring: The African Queen, A Farewell to Arms, Fly Boys, and War Horse.

April fun at the Institute of American Indian Studies

The Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut's Litchfield Hills has a busy April planned that will be fun for the whole family. In the Artist Corner for example, the IAIS is proud to highlight the artistry of Takara Matthews, a member of the Abenaki Sokoki tribe and  a Champion Women's Fancy Dancer and Jingle Dress Dancer. For sale will be a variety of beaded purses, medallions, earrings. Takara also proudly serves her country as Airman 1st Class in the Vermont Air National Guard.

April 26 is a big day at the IAIS as two exciting events are planned. At 1 p.m. in honor of Earth Day, the IAIS will be showing the Emmy -award winning documentary Journey of the Universe: An Epic Story of Cosmic Earth and Human Transformation. Weaving together Weaving together the findings of modern science with cultural traditions of the West, China,Africa, India and Indigenous peoples, this documentary explores the human connection to the cosmos. Fee: Included in regular museum admission: $8 Adults; $6 Seniors;$5 Children; IAIS Members Free.

Also on April 26 at 5 p.m. the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club presents A Taste of Native America.  This dinner will feature traditional foods and includes roast venison, rabbit with wild rice, steamed mussels, garlic mashed potatoes, acorn squash, pumpkin soup and Indian pudding. Non-alcoholic beverages included (BYOB if desired). Good food, music and conversation regarding the Club's recent and upcoming archeological excavations will abound. Limited seating. Prepayment and registration required. Please call for reservations. The fee is $50 per person.

On April 27 from 12:30 - 3:30 the Institute is hosting Nature's Bounty: Foraging for a Healthy Lifestyle that will teach participants to identify common edible plants in Connecticut.  

St. John’s Bazaar Returns for 22nd Fabulous Year

St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, Conn. will host its 22nd Annual Bazaar on the weekend of Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3. This event is a favorite among holiday shoppers and bargain hunters, for both the Silent Auction at the Preview Party, and the varied and charming booths that display goods throughout Saturday.The Preview Party, scheduled for Friday, December 2, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., will feature a live auction at 7:30 p.m. There is also a Silent Auction of gift certificates for dinners, spa treatments, food, concert tickets and many other items that will close at the end of the Preview Party.

There will be a great selection of antiques, silver, jewelry, decorative accessories, and The Greenhouse, a fabulous assortment of orchids, topiaries, and other fresh seasonal decorations.

The Preview Party includes a cocktail buffet and live music by Washington Depot resident Nancy Winston who will perform the Great American Songbook.

The Bazaar continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with festive shopping in the holiday booths. New vendors this year include: CMM Designs - Status Faux Jewelry; SUGS Jewelry - precious and semi precious jewelry; pashminas and cashmere accessories; Joy Newton - botanical designs; Madison James - point to point linen blankets; Catch All Gifts - gifts for the home; Roy Baker, Art from the Garden; and Zemma Mastin White, Antique Kimono Scarves. The Bargain Bungalow will be featured in the Church's cottage, and the Elegant Elephant will be open both Friday and Saturday. Lunch will also be available in the Larder. The Saturday Bazaar is free and open to the public.

Tickets for the Preview Party are $50 per person and are available by calling the Parish Office at 860-868-2527. The Bazaar will be held in the Parish Hall on Parsonage Lane. St. John's is located at 78 Green Hill Road, Washington, directly opposite the Green. For more information about this event and other programs at St. John's Episcopal Church, visit the website at www.stjohnswashington.org.

Thomas Messel to sign Oliver Messel in the Theater of Design Saturday, November 5th at Hickory Stick Bookshop

Thomas Messel will be signing copies of OLIVER MESSEL IN THE THEATRE OF DESIGN on Saturday, November 5th at 4pm at The Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot on 2 Green Hill Road.

Oliver Messel in the Theatre of Design is a vibrant study of one of the iconic figures of twentieth-century design, who's Romantic, whimsical and wholly original style influenced a generation of architects and decorators. Born into a creative family of wealthy bankers, Messel's career began in 1925 designing for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. He eventually became an internationally celebrated designer, branching out into drama, film, opera, textiles, interior design and architecture. Romanticism and eccentricity were hallmarks of Messel's style and his work was famed for its exquisite delicacy, impossible detail, subtlety of color and inventive use of materials.

This gorgeous book, edited by furniture designer Thomas Messel, is filled with previously unpublished images that chronicle a unique, eccentric, and, until now, largely overlooked oeuvre that reached across several mediums and continues to influence insiders from the worlds of interior design, architecture and fashion. A great treat for both design fanatics and lovers of beautiful books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...

Thomas Messel is one of England's most respected furniture designers and the nephew of Oliver Messel. He takes pride in creating one of a kind, commissioned pieces for some of England's foremost interior designers. Some of his private commissions have been for the Earl and Countess of Derby, the Crown Estates, Kensington Palace, Windsor Palace and Miss Joan Rivers.

This event is free and open to the public. For further information about this please visit www.hickorystickbookshop.com, call (860) 868 0525 or email books@hickorystickbookshop.com. If you are not able to attend please call to reserve an autographed copy.

Civil War Artifact Appraisal Day at Gunn Museum in Washington, October 15

This year marks the 150 Anniversary of the Civil War and Connecticut is one of many states that have commemorated this important anniversary in our nations history with a vast range of evocative events. The Civil War was perhaps the most trying time in our nation's history, as this war rocked our nation to its very core. It is estimated that 620,000 soldiers perished and every aspect of society was impacted in the north as well as in the south.

Connecticut sent 55,000 men to war; a figure that reflected 12% of Connecticut's total population and for men that were between the ages of 15 and 50, this number reflects 47% of the population, a figure that is unparalleled in Connecticut's history. Connecticut organized 29 regiments and supplied a full third of Union weaponry.

Support for the Union and its War against the South is only one aspect of Connecticut's history, as 40% of the state's population opposed the war and gave tremendous political strength to the Peace Democrats, a group that tried to stop Governor Buckingham from supporting President Lincoln and the war. Understanding the history of the Civil War helps to define Connecticut's past as well as our future. The many events that commemorate the Civil War helps us to understand where we have been, where we are and where we are going.

A special Civil War artifact appraisal day will take place on Saturday October 15 from 12-3pm in the Gunn Museum in the charming town of Washington. The public is invited to bring their Civil War artifacts to be evaluated by Thomas Zanavich, a long-time dealer and the guest curator of the current exhibit. He will answer your questions and verbally appraise items for estimated age and value. Do you have artifact that you suspect might be from the Civil War? It is always interesting and fun to bring in a suspected "treasure" for evaluation by an expert that knows the period and can identify authentic artifacts.

There is no charge for admission or appraisal, but donations are greatly appreciated. Registration is required, call 860-868-7756 to reserve your spot.

The Gunn Museum's exhibit, Letters from the Battlefield: Stories of Washington's Civil War Soldiers, will be open for viewing from 10am-4pm this day. The exhibit ends on October 30th. The Gunn Museum is located at 5 Wykeham Road, at the intersection of Wykeham Road and Route 47, on Washington Green. Call 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for information.

Annual Green Corn Festival in Litchfield Hills Connecticut

The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center  in Washington CT is hosting it's Annual Green Corn Festival on Saturday, August 6  from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on the grounds of the Museum located on 38 Curtis Road.  The event will be held rain or shine. Adults: $10; children: $6.

Traditionally corn has been an integral part of the annual cycle of life for Native American People and this Festival celebrates the first corn of the season.  Fun filled activities for the whole family including drumming, dancing, face painting, kids’ crafts, and more make this event memorable.

Highlights of the event include exciting Native American ceremonies including traditional Eastern Woodland song & dance with the Wampanoag Dancers & Singer,  guitar music of Ojibwa musician & artist, Allan Madahbee and singing and drumming with the Sint-Sink Singers.  A favorite of young and old alike are the Native American folktales told by storyteller, Janis Us of Mohawk-Shinnecock descent.  Kids will enjoy Native American inspired crafts and facepainting. 

Two not to be missed features of the  Festival are the crafts for sale by local Native American artisans and a taste of traditional cooking including Pow-wow style food for sale  in the outdoor Algonkian Village  hosted by Dale Carson,  of Abenaki descent. 

About the  Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center

The focus of the Institute has always been stewardship and preservation. In 1991, the name was changed to the Institute for American Indian Studies. With the name change there was a shift in focus to include education in conjunction with research.

The ethnographic collection of the Institute for American Indian Studies contains over 6,000 cultural items. While focusing on the Eastern Woodlands Peoples, the collection represents indigenous communities throughout the western hemisphere. Items vary in raw material composition - textiles, wood, stone, clay, glass, shell and semi-precious jewels – function and style from moccasins, rugs, baskets and leggings to containers, weaponry, personal accessories, recreational objects and fine art. 

The Research & Collections Building is artifact-friendly with a climate controlled vault and spacious laboratory. It is home to an abundance of collections, both ethnographic and archaeological. It also houses both an education and research library, containing over 2,000 books and journals  and is open only by appointment (860-868-0518 ext.109).   

For museum hours and other special events  visit: http://www.birdstone.org.

   

Hollister House Garden Launches 2011 Season with Escorted Daffodil Walk on April 30 Washington CT

The Hollister House Gardens sets its 2011 season in motion with a one-of-a-kind Daffodil Walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday April 30.

George Schoellkopf, the garden's creator and steward for the past 32 years, will escort an informative and entertaining tour of the 25-acre property, speaking about what to plant for the early spring garden and sharing tricks that he has discovered for better gardening in Northwest Connecticut, all born of long experience.  He will be accompanied by Krista Adams, Hollister House's chief gardener and the person responsible for planting and maintaining the extraordinary property which combines the formality of a classic English garden with a generous abundance of common and exotic plants in surprising combinations.

Mr. Schoellkopf is well known in horticultural circles as a gifted garden designer and charming raconteur. He has written articles on gardening for Town & Country, House & Garden, House Beautiful, and Rosemary Verey's The American Man's Garden. The Hollister Homestead, site of the garden, was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its significance in American history and the garden is also one of only 16 Garden Conservancy Preservation Projects.

The April 30 Daffodil Walk is the first of a series of Garden Walks planned for 2011, with a Daylily Walk scheduled for July 23 and a Dahlia Walk for August 13. In addition, there will be two festive evening events this season: Twilight in the Garden cocktail party July 9 and a Moonlight Serenade dinner dance on August 20.

Admission to the Daffodil Walk is $5, identical to the fee requested during normal garden visiting hours. Hollister House Garden is open every Saturday in season. From April 30 through May hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; from June through August hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and September to October 1 hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The garden is located at 294 Nettleton Hollow Road in Washington, CT. For more information on Hollister House Garden, its history, special events and directions, go to www.hollisterhousegarden.org.