Haunted Lighthouse Cruise offers Fearsome and Friendly Family Fun August 4 & 5

One day of Halloween just isn’t enough for some Halloween enthusiasts!  Not to worry, the Seaport Association of Norwalk has a magical brew of events that will thrill young and old alike on the Haunted Lighthouse Cruise to Sheffield Island taking place on August 4 and 5.  This fun-filled, child–friendly event is perfect for a family summer outing…and, best of all the chance for kids to dress up in their favorite costume before October 31!

A 45 minute cruise through Long Island Sound listening to tales of the sea sets the stage as passengers approach the 150 year old Sheffield Island Lighthouse that is located on a wind and wave swept deserted Island. The only way to find out what fearsome and friendly spirits reside here is to hop off the CJ Toth ferry and get ready to explore this uniquely spooktacular place with its abandoned lighthouse that has attracted supernatural beings every August for centuries.

Witches and wizards have carefully decorated the rooms of the Sheffield Lighthouse with added touches by the ghosts of lighthouse keepers that lived here in lonely isolation for long periods of time.  In these rooms, visitors will find all manner of otherworldly fun - it is where spooks, spirits, spiders, sea witches, and creatures of the night abound. 

It is horrifically fun to roam through the rooms of the lighthouse that seem to twist and turn and where there is a surprise around every corner! There is even one very special room that is completely dark where only the strong of heart and pure of mind should dare enter

Tickets and Times

The Haunted Lighthouse Cruise takes place on August 4 and 5 and the ferry leaves at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both days from the Seaport’s Dock located on 4 North Water Street in South Norwalk.  It is best to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure in order to snag the best seat and to facilitate boarding the ferry. The ferry only carries 49 passengers by law so advance reservations are strongly recommended.  To reserve your tickets for this horrifically fun event click here https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3341933.

About the Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had a vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage.
The Norwalk 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, which strives to increase awareness, appreciation and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present and the future. 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 maritime heritage.

Digging Into the Past By Lake and Land

The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a free event on July 28 on Lake Waramaug at the Warren Town Beach located on North Shore Road off of Rte. 45 on the New Preston and Warren Town line.   From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. participants will experience the historic legacy of our Native American past by taking a free ride in an authentically made Native American dugout canoe and watching an archeological dig that is taking place in a meadow across the street.

Dugout Canoe Rides

Today cars, cell phones, social media, and the Internet connect us, it is the way most of us share ideas and keep in touch with each other.  For the Eastern Woodland Indians, rivers and waterways served as the high-speed highways that connected tribes as the quickest way to move from place to place. The importance of dugout canoes or mishoon as they are called in Wampanoag and Algonkian languages were like today's digital cables because they connected tribes and spread ideas.  Dugout canoes also facilitated fishing, hunting, and trade during pre and post contact time. 

This free opportunity to paddle in an authentically made dugout canoe is a once in a lifetime experience that gives us a glimpse into Native American's rich cultural history of how indigenous people lived in the Eastern Woodlands.  Jeff Kalin, one of the leading primitive technologists in the country made this dugout canoe using traditional Native American construction methods.

About Native American Dugout Canoes

 Making a dugout canoe is a mammoth undertaking and began with taking down a massive tree that was usually located near a river or lake.  To fell a tree for a dugout canoe, Native Americans coated the base of a tree with mud and straw and built a fire that charred the trunk.  As soon as the tree was down, the bark (that would be used to build wigwams) was removed and the ends of the trunk was cut and shaped into a point so that the canoe would move either direction. A small fire was started on top of the stripped tree trunk to burn out the top and bottom surface of the trunk.  Stone hand tools would be used to scrape out and hollow the log and flatten the bottom of the canoe.  The final step was to coat the canoe in bear grease to waterproof the wood.

The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.

The Amistad Moors off Sheffield Island July 26 and August 13

The Amistad is a replica of a Spanish Schooner and is Connecticut's official flagship and Tall Ship Ambassador.  Each summer this vessel becomes a floating classroom, the crew consists of about eight high school students who remain on the ship for about two weeks along with the Captain.  In addition to getting a firsthand lesson in American History, the students come away with many teambuilding experiences that are learned when sailing this massive ship.

The Amistad will be mooring off of Sheffield Island in Norwalk on July 26 and August 13 that will give visitors cruising to Sheffield Island on these days a special look at this 136 ton, 129-foot schooner.

History of the Amistad

The Amistad was made famous by a slave revolt made by Mende captives in 1839.  The captives were illegally purchased African slaves being transported from Cuba aboard the Spanish built Amistad.  The mutiny was successful and the African captives seized the ship, killing two members of the crew and ordered the survivors to sail the ship to Africa.

The surviving crew, however, steered the Amistad north where it was intercepted by an American brig off the coast of Long Island, and the crew and slaves were taken to Connecticut where they were interned.  The two Spaniards that enslaved the Africans were freed by the Americans, and the slaves were imprisoned.

At a hearing in Hartford, a federal court judge ruled that the Africans were not liable for their actions because they were enslaved illegally.  The case proceeded to the Supreme Court where former President, John  Quincy Adams defended the Africans, arguing they should be granted their freedom.  The Court agreed because international slave trade was illegal and, further, that people escaping should be recognized as free under American Law.

About the Sheffield Island Ferry Cruise and Tickets

To get a unique and close up view of this historic ship on July 26 and August 13, book your tickets on the Sheffield Island Ferry.  On this cruise you will tour the island, the lighthouse and the captain will cruise around the Amistad Vessel for close up and unique views.

On July 26 the Ferry departs the dock at 11a.m., and 3 p.m. and on August 13, the Ferry departs the dock at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Be sure to arrive about 30 minutes prior to boarding to snag the best seat and to facilitate boarding.  For tickets click here https://seaport.org/TICKETS.

Stained Glass Window Tours to Color Weekend in Norfolk Aug. 3,4,and 5

Stained glass lovers, rejoice! All three of Norfolk’s churches will be open at various times during Weekend in Norfolk, August 3, 4 and 5, to allow visitors to see their fabulous stained glass windows. 

Battell Chapel windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany depict the seasons of Norfolk and a mountain stream.

Church of Christ Congregational plans to have its Battell Chapel open most of the day on Saturday for viewing windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Maitland Armstrong. The Tiffany windows, located in a curved wall, depict the four seasons, two on either side of a woodland stream scene.

Also on Saturday, Church of the Immaculate Conception will be opening to visitors who want to see its windows. These are by Franz Meyer & Co. of Munich and were shipped to Norfolk from the factory in the mid-1920’s. The windows may also be seen after the church service on Sunday.

These splendid Franz Mayer windows adorn the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The church will be open for tours during Weekend in Norfolk

On Sunday, Church of the Transfiguration is having an open house for window viewing immediately after its service, which all are invited to attend. The windows are by several different artists; subjects include the innkeeper in the story of the Good Samaritan and the Transfiguration. 

Other stained glass will be on view at the Norfolk Library during its art show and other events, and the Manor House Inn, especially on Sunday afternoon when the Inn will be serving lemonade on the lawn. 

This window is a memorial to Olivia Langdon Clemens, wife of Mark Twain, and the gift of her daughter, Clara. Miss Clemens made her debut as a professional concert singer in Norfolk on September 22, 1906, and donated the proceeds of her concert for the window. The church will be open for tours during Weekend in Norfolk 

Weekend in Norfolk, August 3, 4 and 5, is a three-day, town-wide art, music and nature festival. Events run the gamut from art exhibits to hiking, world-class music to two ice cream socials, farm tours and kite-making lessons to the opportunity to get married on the Village Green. New events are being added all the time. Visit weekendinnorfolk.org for details.

Get Ready to Blow Out the Candles @ 150 Birthday Bash Cruise July 21

The Seaport Association has organized a "Season of Celebration" commemorating the 150 Anniversary of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. There are many exciting events planned as well as new partnerships formed that ensure the vitality and environmental health of Long Island Sound and another 150 years and more of celebrating Sheffield Island Lighthouse!

One special event planned is the  “150^th Birthday Bash” that is taking place on Saturday, July 21, 2018.  This event is one that fans of Sheffield Island, new and old won't want to miss!  Don't forget your cameras to take photos of this historic event and enter them in our photo contest!

The party begins as you board the CJ Toth and depart from the dock for Sheffield Island. On the way to the island, enjoy unique cocktails and mouthwatering appetizers from the Blind Rhino in Norwalk.  This popular restaurant/sports bar is known for its elevated cuisine and impressive menu items all made in-house using fresh local ingredients by chefs with more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. 

Arriving on Sheffield Island there will be more great food and drinks plus a very special birthday cake!   “We need at least 49 people to help us blow out the 150 candles on the cake” noted Linda Cappello, Chairman of the Seaport Association and Trustee.  "The fun doesn't stop there, the New Orleans Beatnicks will entertain our guests with a little bit of funk and soul adding the perfect dash of pizzaz to our "Birthday Bash," Cappello said with a smile. 

The event begins with the ferry departing from the dock on 10 North Water Street at 3:30 p.m., it is best to arrive about a half hour early to make sure you snag the best seat and to facilitate boarding.  The ferry will return to the dock at 6:30 p.m.  The cost of the Birthday Bash Cruise is just $50.  The ferry is limited to 49 guests that will help blow out the candles and celebrate our maritime heritage!  For tickets click here.

Notes on Goodies...
apps on the boat:

tuna tar tar bites - on cucumber or wonton crisps
sweet potato hummus, on pita chips
mozzarella & tomato skewers
Chef Angel's famous bruschetta

apps on the island
guava bbq meatballs
bacon wrapped scallops
chicken satay skewers
buffalo chicken 

stuffed mushrooms

crab cakes

Music Mountain Harlem String Quartet and Swingtime Big Band

Music Mountain, America’s longest running summer chamber music festival, continues its outstanding 89^th season with two returning favorites! Grammy Award-winning Harlem String Quartet performs Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms on Sunday, July 29 (3pm). Swingtime Big Band is back on Saturday, July 28 (6:30pm) to thrill audiences with authentic recreations of the timeless music of the swing era! Concerts are scheduled through September 23.

The superb Harlem Quartet returns for another riveting collaboration with pianist Fei-Fei Dong on Sunday afternoon, to include Beethoven: Piano Quartet #1 in E Flat Major, WoO 36 – a Music Mountain debut! Plus Schubert: String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 29 #1, D.804 “Rosamunde;” and Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34.

New York-based Harlem Quartet, currently serving a three-year residency at London’s Royal College of Music, has been praised for its “panache” by The New York Times and hailed in the Cincinnati Enquirer for “bringing a new attitude to classical music, one that is fresh, bracing and intelligent.” Since its public debut at Carnegie Hall in 2006, the quartet has thrilled audiences in 47 states as well as in the U.K., France, Belgium, Brazil, Panama, Canada, Venezuela, and South Africa. Harlem Quartet’s mission is to advance diversity in classical music, engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers. Passion for this work has made the quartet a leading ensemble in both educational and community engagement performances. Harlem Quartet was founded in 2006 by The Sphinx Organization, a national nonprofit dedicated to building diversity in classical music and providing access to music education in under-served communities.

Praised for her “bountiful gifts and passionate immersion into the music she touches” (The Plain Dealer), Chinese pianist Fei-Fei Dong is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition and a top finalist at the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. She continues to build a reputation for her poetic interpretations, charming audiences with her “passion, piquancy and tenderness” and “winning stage presence” (Dallas Morning News). Her burgeoning career includes a number of prominent concerto engagements, recital performances, and summer festivals. Deeply committed to sharing her joy for music and connecting with communities, Fei-Fei Dong also engages students and community audiences through frequent school and outreach concerts and master classes.

Audience-favorite Swingtime Big Band will bring its joyous music to Falls Village on Saturday evening. Dedicated to the performance of America's greatest popular standards, Swingtime Big Band is a 20-piece authentic swing band comprised of master interpreters of music from the Swing Era (mid-1930's through the early 1950's). Described by the New York Times as “musicians who make the sounds of the pre-rock era rock,” the ensemble specializes in performing original arrangements of Big Band classics from the Great American Songbook, bringing to life both the style and the spirit of this music for 21st-century audiences to experience in living color. Swingtime Big Band features female vocalist Bobbie Ruth and male vocalist Jerry Costanzo. Leading the band is saxophonist and artistic director Steve Shaiman, a passionate advocate of Big Band swing for his entire musical life. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

The Saturday Evening Twilight Series features pre-concert dinners at the charming Falls Village Inn. Experience a piece of history built over 175 years ago that helped shape the history of Falls Village.

Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut, on Music Mountain Road, where a short scenic drive will bring you to Gordon Hall atop Music Mountain. Free parking and picnic facilities are available. Music Mountain is supported, in part, by the Connecticut Commission On Culture & Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Chamber music concerts continue with Avalon String Quartet withSoyeon Kate Lee, piano (August 5); Amernet String Quartet with Chauncey Patterson, viola and Ronald Thomas, cello (August 12); St. Petersburg Piano Quartet (August 19); and Cassatt String Quartet with Paul Katz, cello (August 26).

The Saturday Evening Twilight Series continues with Jimmy Greene Quartet (August 4); Galvanized Jazz Band (August 11); Josh Lawrence & Color Theory (August 18); and Amina Figarova Quintet(August 25).

Specially Priced Concerts include Labor Day Benefit Concert & Reception on Sunday, September 2. All tickets $75. Special Concert & Wine Reception to Celebrate the Completion of the Beethoven Quartet Cycle on Sunday, September 9. All tickets: $60.

Regularly scheduled Chamber Music Concerts are $35. Twilight Series Concerts are $30. Concert & Dinner Passes are available for all Twilight Series Concerts for $70; includes Pre-Concert Dinner (5pm) at The Falls Village Inn, a Litchfield County landmark - Classic American comfort fare, seasonal - and 6:30pm Twilight Concert at Music Mountain. Dinner reservations must be made no later than the Friday prior to concert date by calling the Music Mountain box office at 860-824-7126.

Children ages 5-18 are admitted FREE to ALL CONCERTS when accompanied by a ticket holder. Saturday evening Twilight Concerts are at 6:30 pm. Sunday afternoon Chamber Music concerts are at 3 pm. Discounts apply through participating organizations. For a complete summer schedule, special ticket prices, and to download a ticket order form visit musicmountain.org or call (860) 824-7126.

Call for Entries – Seaport Photo Contest Through August 25

Do you know what an award-winning photo looks like for Sheffield Island Lighthouse?  To find out the Seaport Association of Norwalk is calling for entries to the “150 Anniversary Celebration Photo Contest” of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse that is taking place through August 25, 2018.

Get your camera ready.  It doesn’t matter if you are a first time visitor or, one that puts Sheffield Island on your bucket list every summer, the Seaport Association can't wait to see the images that connect people to Sheffield Island's 150-year-old history.

Perhaps it is a moment of family fun on the beach looking for shells with our classic lighthouse in the background or the first time you stepped foot onto Sheffield Island in full pirate garb watching pirates cavort in the shadows cast by our lighthouse.

Maybe your image will be the best view of the lighthouse tower and lantern or one that shows the pier and its natural surroundings that is a testament to why we have treasured this maritime landmark for 150 years and counting.

It could be as simple as capturing the architectural beauty of the stonework of the lighthouse, reflections on water, or a birds-eye view of Norwalk’s coastline.  The choice is yours.

Contest Rules
The rules to enter our contest are simple. The Seaport Association's Photo Contest in celebration of Sheffield Island's 150 Anniversary is open to all photographers, beginners, amateurs, and pros are invited to submit their photos that discover and captivate the ecological beauty and cultural heritage of Sheffield Island on one of our cruises to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

To Enter follow @Norwalkseaport on Instagram. Tag @Norwalkseaport and use #SILH150.
There is one entry per contestant. The First Place Prize is $250, the Second Place Prize is $100 and the Third Place Prize is $50.

This is your chance to submit your most beautiful and creative photos of the lighthouse. Winners will be announced at the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

KENT SIDEWALK FESTIVAL SLATED FOR AUGUST 3 - 6

The dog days of August? Not in Kent! If your idea of fun is great sales, fabulous food, toe-tapping tunes and jaw-dropping vintage cars, Kent is the place to be the first weekend of August.

Running from Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6 this year, the Festival is free and offers super-sized retail therapy as well as entertainment for the whole family. Special fun for kids will include a "National Clown Day" event on Saturday morning sponsored by the Kent Memorial Library and face painting at the Fife 'n Drum Gift Shop on Saturday (all proceeds benefit Alzheimer's Association's CT Chapter.)

Kent's unique and charming shops offer not-to-be-missed sales that include Heron American Craft Gallery, Rolling River Antiques, Main Street Antiques, Koblenz & Co. Antique & Estate Jewelry, The Covered Wagon Country Store, Bella Jewelers, the Fife 'n Drum Gift Shop, Foreign Cargo, Terston Home Accents & Apparel, Sundog Shoe & Leather and Pantages Gems & Jewelry. NAPA Auto will have some great specials and savings on discontinued tools. The Painted Can will have discounts on Annie Sloan® products and the Chalk Paint® 101 workshop on August 6.

Fabulous food offerings include lunch and dinner specials and discounted prices on margaritas and draft beers at the Fife 'n Drum Restaurant. Stop by 10 AM to 4 PM at Annie Bananie Ice Cream for breakfast sandwiches, burgers, & hot dogs and their Annual "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" on Friday evening. They will also have Sakura Blade and Tool Sharpening at the store each day of the festival from 10 AM to 4 PM.

St. Andrew's Church will once again hold its Annual Tag Sale on Friday and Saturday at the Parish Hall. Early Bird Buying on Friday from 8:30 to 10:00 AM ($10 charge). No admission fee during regular hours on Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.

Make sure to stop by the Kent Memorial Library for their Annual Book Sale and to purchase raffle tickets for a 1998 Porsche Boxster. The Chess Court will be alive with chess enthusiasts from amateur to experienced levels. Relax and stroll through the KML Gallery to view the exhibit featuring South Kent artist Linda Petrocine. The library also has public bathrooms available during library hours.

Vintage cars parade through town and park on the Kent Green on Saturday August 5 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM during Kent Car Cruise Night. Stop by to check out the cars and enjoy some music and great food.

Other happenings include the Kent Art Association's Annual President's Juried Show, and, on Saturday, right across the street, there will be a showcase of some local race cars and free popcorn & giveaways at NAPA Auto. Complimentary snacks and beverages to all visitors at the W. David Herman Gallery where they can view the work of local artist Steve Balkin.

Kent Yoga & Bodyworks will offer a big savings for first time students on their 9:30 AM yoga class on Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th. $10 per class! Annie Bananie Ice Cream will offer Caricatures by Emily, Henna by Elyse, Charms of the Heart (pick a charm, create a bracelet) and Fascia Chocolate's Sweet 'n Salty Tasting.

Check out all the events – and the full array of great activities – as we get closer to the event on www.kentct.com or contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce at 860-592-0061.

Wellness Walks @ Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm National Historic Site, on 735 Nod Hill Road in Wilton will offer two-hour wellness walks from 9:00 to 11:00 am on the following dates:  July 28, August 18, and September 8.  These walks are open to the public, registration is free, but space is limited to twenty participants, so please call early to secure a spot! To register or for more information, please call 203-834-1896 ext. 28.

Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing Wellness Walks are part of the park's Healthy Parks Healthy People program, Weir Farm National Historic Site is offering wellness walks, led by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Jennifer Salkin. Shinrin Yoku.

 

These walks are also called Forest Bathing and is a way to experience the natural world with increased attention to one's sense perceptions.  These walks are said to have many benefits including reduction of stress & improvement of immune functioning as well as lowering blood pressure, increasing vigor & improving your mood, increasing the ability to focus, and improving sleep. Join Jennifer for a slow-paced hike and re-connect with nature at Weir Farm National Historic Site!

Ahoy Mateys! The Pirate Adventure on Sheffield Island

Scallywags of all ages can step into a world of swashbuckling rogues, dastardly villains, infamous she-pirates and wicked wenches on July 14 and 15 when purchasing a ferry ride ticket to Sheffield Island for the annual Pirates Weekend hosted by the Seaport Association in Norwalk.

Find your sea legs and hop aboard the C.J. Toth Ferry for a cruise to Sheffield Island. Arriving on the Island, guests will be greeted and entertained by a roving gang of rowdy pirates.  Kids can hunt for treasure on the beach, play games, sing sea chanteys, watch swordplay, listen to tall tales of thrill and danger, and hear colorful stories of pirates near and far.  Who knows what secrets they will reveal!

This is the weekend to experience the freedom of a pirate’s life, and to learn about their lore and history! The pirates that invade Sheffield Island every summer are different.  They enjoy taking a break from their adventures on the seven seas and come to Sheffield Island to have a boatload of fun with those lucky scallywags visiting during the Pirates Weekend.

All pirate fun and games are free with the purchase of a ferry ticket.  The ferry departs the dock at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both days, Saturday and Sunday.  It is best to arrive 30 minutes before the boat departs the dock that is located on 4 North Water Street in Norwalk in the parking lot of the Maritime Aquarium.  Parking is available at the Maritime Garage.  For tickets https://seaport.org/page-18092

About the Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had a vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. 

The Norwalk 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, which strives to increase awareness, appreciation and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present and the future. 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 maritime heritage.

New Oyster Exhibit @ Westport Historical Society

Oysters were the quintessential American food – especially in the estuaries and inlets of shoreline Connecticut where they grow in natural abundance.  The Westport Historical Society is celebrating the culture and lore of oystering on Long Island Sound with a month-long exhibit through July 29 entitled Westport Is Your Oyster.

The exhibit offers a glimmer into Westport and Norwalk’s oystering history using original artifacts and objects from the private collections of Ms. Robin Tauck and Mr. Norman Bloom as well as items from our permanent collection.  Ephemera relating to the consumption of oysters round out a display that includes tools of the trade and archival documents.  Oysters have been enjoyed by native people who seared them in hot coals, in a method later adopted by European colonists.  In those days, the oysters pulled from the waters around Westport were as large as dinner plates. 

The Westport Historical Society is located on 25 Avery Place in Westport and is open Tues.-Sat. 10 am - 4 p.m. and Sun. noon to 4 p.m. 

CT's Beardsley Zoo welcomes Eight Spur Thigh Tortoises!

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomes eight spur-thigh tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) who are making the Zoo their home for the summer. The African spur thigh tortoise, also known as the spurred tortoise, is the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. It is the largest of all mainland tortoises.

“Summertime is the right time, so it’s a great time to bring such special animals here as our temporary guests,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Tortoises also love summer heat, and the spur thigh tortoise is particularly well-adapted to hot temperatures. Also there is the educational message that these wonderful animals do not make good pets! Make wise not wild choices!"

“The Zoo will be home to the tortoises until sometime this fall,” added Dancho. “Guests can find them next to the Victorian Greenhouse.” 

African spur thigh tortoises are large, and push and knock over heavy objects with ease. One of their unusual behaviors is that they may ram each other, with males especially ramming females. The force with which one tortoise rams another can be intimidating, given their strength. They are generally slow moving, however, in order to conserve energy. They dig burrows in the ground to take shelter from their harsh, hot habitat, with some tunnel systems extending ten or more feet underground. 

Adult tortoises average 18 inches in shell length and 70-100 pounds in weight. Specimens reaching two to three feet length and more than 150 pounds, however, are not uncommon.

They are able to go weeks without food. In the wild, they mainly eat grasses and leaves of desert scrub. They get the water they need from the plants they eat. African spur thigh tortoises’ conservation status is listed currently as vulnerable, due to habitat loss and over collection for the pet trade. 

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $15.00, children (ages 3 -11) is $12.00, senior admission (62 and older) is just $11.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:  About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:

Spend the day a world away! Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 96^thanniversary this year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers and tiger cubs, maned wolf family with three pups, Amur leopards, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, sloths, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.com.