The Naugatuck Railroad’s Fall Foliage and Family Fun Trips

Enjoy the best of Connecticut’s fall foliage and take a train ride to the Pumpkin Patch where the kids can select their own pumpkin, and everyone can savor cider and donuts. The Railroad Museum Of New England’s Naugatuck Railroad kicks off its 11^th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Train Rides kicks off the first weekend in October.

"It's a great opportunity to fall in love with fall in Connecticut," shares Howard Pincus. Chairman of the Railroad Museum Of New England.  “Bring your cameras, capture the beauty of the season.  And great memories. Where else can you combine picking up a pumpkin and a trip back in time, aboard our restored rail cars? Only at the all-volunteer Railroad Museum of New England." 

Pumpkin Patch Trains are scheduled for Saturdays, Sundays throughout October at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm. After the children select their pumpkins and families take photos, passengers re-board the train for the ride back to the historic Thomaston Station. 

The fares are $18 for Adults and $16 for Seniors (age 62+) and Children (ages 3-12). Children 3 and under are only one dollar. Purchase tickets online at www.rmne.org or phone 860-283-7245 anytime.  All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Trains depart from Thomaston Station at 242 East Main St, Thomaston, Connecticut.  Tickets are picked up at Thomaston Station's “WILL CALL” window on the day of your train ride.  Please arrive at the Station 30 minutes before departure time.  Trains leave promptly at the scheduled times.

The RMNE, located at the historic Thomaston Train Station, is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer,, educational and historical organization that dates back to January 1968. The mission of the RMNE is to tell the story of the region’s rich railroad heritage through our educational exhibits and operation of the Naugatuck Railroad.  The museum concept is more than just artifacts; it's also a story of the region and the development of society around the railroad.

More information about the Railroad Museum of New England can be found at: www.rmne.org.

Two Hidden Tunnels in Litchfield Hills make an interesting autumn walk

Connecticut has a rich train and trolley history.  Even today, many commuters depend on the train to get them to work.  In the past, before the major commuter rail lines were established, tunnels were often carved out of living rock in order to connect towns to one another.  In Litchfield Hills, there are two examples of these tunnels, one in Plymouth and the other in Washington Connecticut.  These two tunnels are perfect places for an autumn stroll in the woods.

The Steep Rock Railroad Tunnel was constructed in just nine months between 1871 and 1872 in Washington Depot.  It was constructed as part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad. A crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania built this 235 foot long curved tunnel by hand using picks, dynamite and nitro to blast through Steep Rock Ridge. Today hikers can enjoy the cool damp air of this tunnel as they explore the natural beauty of Steep Rock Preserve.

The Pequabeck Tunnel also known as the Terryville Tunnel is located in Plymouth and is rumored to be haunted with reports of sightings of two ghostly figures.  The tunnel is about a half mile long and 32 feet wide and 26 feet high. The tracks ran as a passenger line for about twenty years, but currently, it is a still active freight line that connects New Britain to Waterbury.

Witchcraft in Colonial Connecticut

The Glebe House Museum will be kicking off the fall season of events with a brand new program; “Witchcraft in Colonial Connecticut”. Linda Barr-Gale will present the history and origins of the witch hunts in Colonial Connecticut, told from the voice of Moll Cramer, Woodbury’s very own infamous resident witch (or was she?)!  The program will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5 pm.  The cost is $12 members and $15 non-members. To register call 203-263-2855.

The keeping room of this historic house will come alive as Ms. Barr-Gale shares stories of other notable witches and tales about those who were hung for witchcraft. She will bring to light the heroes of the time and answer audience questions; all with a touch of humor!
Colonial treats and refreshments will be served. (Recipes will be available)

Linda Barr-Gale is a long time Glebe House Docent and Volunteer. Her portrayal of Moll Cramer during the Glebe’s “All Hollow’s Eve” event has made Moll one of the most popular spirits in the cemetery. Last year she presented a “one witch” show in the cottage at the Glebe during the event. While researching information to present about Moll Cramer’s full story, she became interested in the history and origins of the Connecticut Witch Trials. Her research was extensive and was much more than could be presented in such a short time during “All Hollow’s and so this program was born.

New IMAX Movie @ Norwalk Maritime Aquarium Opening Oct. 5

The wonders and surprises of Earth’s “final frontier” will splash across the six-story IMAX Theater screen beginning on Fri., Oct. 5 with the premiere of “Oceans: Our Blue Planet” at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

This beautiful new film offers larger-than-life encounters with such familiar animals as dolphins, sea otters, and walruses, while also introducing unusual deep-sea species like “yeti” crabs, a barreleye fish and dumbo octopus. “Oceans: Our Blue Planet” will play at 11 a.m. and 2 & 4 p.m. daily through March 14, 2019.   It’s narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet, and sponsored locally by the Santa Family Fund.

“We’re excited to give audiences this inspiring, beautiful exploration of the world ocean,” said Dave Sigworth, the Aquarium’s publicist. “We love how the movie blends new discoveries, while also serving as a primer for those who are new to the ocean environment and issues affecting it. And, of course, it is spectacular on our IMAX screen.”

The Maritime Aquarium has the largest IMAX Theater in Connecticut. Its giant screen and 70mm film-projection system combine the brightest, clearest images at almost 10 times the resolution of standard-projection formats with powerful, laser-aligned digital sound and customized theater geometry to create the world's most immersive film experience.

The 41-minute movie transports audiences through ocean habitats of increasing depths, from coral reefs in warm tropical “shallows” to the surprisingly populated deep black sea. Among the encounters are those with a very cunning octopus and an ingenious tuskfish, whose use of a tool to feed was previously believed to be beyond the ability of fish.

“Even ocean creatures that we already knew were smart are continuing to surprise us,” Winslet says of a scene that has a pod of dolphins passing down knowledge to a young calf.
In kelp forests, the balance of nature plays out as sea urchins – which can ravage kelp – are kept in check by hungry urchin-eating sea otters.

And, thanks to technologies that take ocean exploration to new extremes, the film introduces audiences to such deep-sea creatures as “yeti” crabs (with “hairy white arms on which they farm bacteria to eat”) and a barreleye fish (“with a transparent head so that it can look up through its skull”).

“Oceans: Our Blue Planet” concludes in the Arctic to show that shrinking ice caps are creating new challenges for such animals as walruses and polar bears. “Just as we’re beginning to understand the sophisticated lives of sea creatures, so we begin to recognize the fragility of their home,” Winslet says. “There has never been a more crucial time to continue this journey of discovery because our future too depends on a healthy blue planet and who knows what other secrets are out there, waiting to be discovered.”

“Oceans: Our Blue Planet” is a collaboration between BBC Earth and OceanX Media, based during a global odyssey with researchers aboard Ocean X’s 184-foot research vessel, the M/V Alucia.

Other IMAX movies showing at The Maritime Aquarium this fall – and their show times beginning Oct. 5 – are “Backyard Wilderness” (noon daily) and “Pandas” (1 & 3 p.m. daily). One daytime

IMAX movie is included with Maritime Aquarium admission: $24.95 for adults; $22.95 for seniors (65+); and $17.95 for children (3-12).

Watch the three films’ trailers, access educational materials and purchase your tickets at www.maritimeaquarium.org/imax.

From the Forest - Native American Porcupine Quill Art New Exhibit @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Native Americans have a deep artistic sense and a great knowledge of our natural environment. This aesthetic can be seen in the objects of art, both decorative and useful at the new exhibit, From the Forest at the Institute For American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut. Porcupine quillwork looks amazingly like delicate embroidery. This type of quillwork was most likely the first purely decorative art practiced by Native Americans. It is highly sought after by collectors, each piece representing hundreds of hours of work by the artist.

Porcupine quillwork is a distinctive Native American art form. The quills are folded, twisted, wrapped, plaited and sewn using a wide range of techniques to embellish articles of clothing, bags, knife sheaths, baskets, wooden handles, pipe stems and many other items.. Native Americans in 17th century New England used porcupine quills to decorate their clothing and accessories. They would also decorate containers made from birchbark because it was light, long lasting and flexible.

Quill working flourished from New England to the tribes of the Great Plains until the arrival of Europeans with ready-made glass beads that were incorporated into the work. Although considered a 'lost art' by many, some artists still practice the tradition from tribes such as the Sioux, Cree, Ojibway, and others carrying on the tradition of quill embroidery.

The Exhibit

This exhibit showcases artifacts on loan to the museum from the Meg Buda Collection consisting of many Native American decorative and useful items that have been embellished with porcupine quill embroidery. There are examples of flat as well as tufted quill embroidery on a variety of objects from moccasins and baskets to jewelry and containers. Some of the workmanship on the tufted birchbark baskets is extraordinary because of the variety of natural dyes used on the quills and the delicate floral or geometric patterns on the containers. Examples of tufted quillwork are only made by a few artists and are extraordinary in their detail and craftsmanship. In addition to this exhibition, the Institute has a large collection of Native American Artifacts, a 16th century reconstructed outdoor  Native American Village and a new Escape Room that is opening in late October called Escape from a Wigwam, 1518.

Porcupine Quills

One of the most enduring myths about the porcupine, a member of the rodent family that is only native to North America is that they are capable of throwing quills. The reality is the porcupine uses their quills as a defense mechanism. When in danger, the porcupine lowers its head and lashes out its tail, and if the predator is in striking range, the barbed quills are embedded in their hide or on their face. Once embedded, the quill with its needle-sharp barbules expands and every muscle movement pulls it deeper into the flesh. The porcupine quill is a modified type of hair, and like hair, it is shed when it is fully-grown. An adult porcupine has an average of 30,000 quills on its body that average about three inches in length. The spring and fall porcupine quills are said to be the best for decorative use because they are not waterlogged and don't break easily. Once the quills were carefully removed from the porcupine they were sorted by size then made pliable by soaking. Dyed and flattened, woven, wrapped, tufted or stitched the humble porcupine quill became part of a work of art as well as a means of self-expression.

About 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.

Wilton’s Architecture: An Update to the Historic House Survey

On Thursday, September 27 from 7:00 – 8:30 the public is cordially invited to an illustrated talk given by architectural historians Stacey Vairo of Scheller Preservation Associates and Lucas Karmazinas of FuturePast Preservation at the Wilton Historical Society. The pair has conducted a historic house survey primarily focused on buildings dating from 1920 – 1940 in Wilton, of which there are over 400.  In all, about 160 structures have been added to Wilton’s Historic Resource Inventory.  

The presentation will include information about how the survey was conducted and used,  interesting finds, areas that would be appropriate to be studied for historic district designation and much more.  The project has been funded by a Survey and Planning grant of $30,000 from Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) which was awarded to the Society in late 2016. At the lecture, owners of any buildings that appear on the lists will be able to pick up a copy of their home’s history.  Please register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257. 

Vairo and Karmazinas conducted the survey using a combination of research and a “windshield survey,” meaning they literally drove around Wilton looking at structures from the road or right of way (inventory surveys do not require access to the interior or rear of the structure), taking photos as they documented.  Some of the styles of the period include Colonial Revival, craftsman/bungalow, Spanish Eclectic, and Tudor revival, plus the distinctive stone houses designed by Westport architect Frazier Peters, and the stately homes of Wilton’s Nelson Breed.  They consulted old maps, researched within the town’s land records, genealogy records, the Society’s archives, and other resources including the History Room at the library. Discussions with Carol Russell, town historian, and Bob Russell, author of the definitive history of Wilton, and Society Co-Director/Chair, Historic District Commission Allison Gray Sanders, and local architect Rob Sanders were also helpful.

Please register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257

Museum of Tort Law Presents Leaders in Law

The first presentation is  on September 27^th  at 7 p.m. with legendary Attorney Thomas Girardi.  While Thomas Girardi has garnered many multi-million dollar verdicts, he is perhaps best known for the case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company. This case was the inspiration for the movie Erin Brockovich.   As Mr. Girardi commented: “That particular case revolutionized people’s thinking about all the toxic things they are exposed to. Then all of a sudden, people started to understand it and that’s had far-reaching effects clear up through today.”

Mr. Girardi will be interviewed and then offer a Master Class in a Town Hall-style format with the opportunity for live, interactive conversation. The Museum staff would like to invite you and your friends to attend.

This presentation is the first in a series of three.  The other two presentations scheduled for the Fall are: Thomas Fortune Fay, Esq, on November 8th and John Barylick, Esq. on December 6th.  

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.tortmuseum.org and are $20. If you have any questions please contact Joan Bowman, Director of Engagement at the Museum at joan@tortmuseum.org or call the Museum at 860-379-0505.

______________________________

The 37th Annual Family Nature Day! White Memorial Foundation Sept.22

Our annual celebration of Mother Nature is a must for folks of all ages. This 37th edition is chock full of the greatest presenters! Brian Bradley will be here with his beautiful free-flying hawks and falcons. 

Learn about Bats and Porcupines from Gerri Griswold. Riverside Reptiles’ Brian Kleinman is perhaps the greatest mind in reptiles in our state. 

Come visit the many friends he’ll be bringing along. Meet a Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and more with Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center! Music will be provided by The Redwood Hill Band and The Zolla Boys. 

The day is filled with live animals, guided nature walks, information booths, horse-drawn wagon rides, and yummy food provided by The Litchfield Lions Club, Hardcore Cupcake Truck, and Cups and Cones Ice Cream. Shop until you drop at the artisans market. Get in a bidding war at our silent auction. 

Lots of nature crafts for the kiddies too! Will you be the winner of a trip for two to Iceland (donated by Krummi Travel LLC) with Gerri Griswold in January or be spending three nights in the Catskills at The Beaverkill Valley Inn? Those are the first and second prizes in our annual raffle! 

So much to do!  Feed your mind, body, and soul! 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Admission: $6.00, Center Members and children under 12 are FREE!

Rare Red Wolf Makes His Entrance at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

 Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is pleased to announce the newest addition to the Zoo family, a three-year-old male Red wolf named Peanut. After arriving on July 18, 2018 from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York, the last several weeks have been devoted to making him familiar with his new home. Verified to be in excellent physical condition by the Zoo’s on-site veterinarian, Peanut has joined the Zoo’s existing female Red wolf, Shy, in the Red wolf habitat. Guests will be able to view Peanut and Shy between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily from the W.O.L.F. Cabin (Wolf Observation Learning Facility).

Born on May 2, 2015, Peanut’s transfer is part of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP). 

Red wolves are facing extinction in the wild for the second time.  Thirty years after the Federal Government reintroduced Red wolves to the 150,000-acre Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina, a mix of swamp and forest, the only distinctly American wolf is losing its fight for survival. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists introduced more than 100 captive-bred wolves into the refuge and saw the population peak at more than 225 wolves a decade ago. Their numbers have plummeted today to fewer than 40. Wolves have been shot by homeowners and farmers, hit by cars, and removed for doing what comes naturally to wolves: roaming to find new territory. 

Seeing a red wolf in the wild today is one of the rarest sights in nature. The Species Survival Plan for the endangered Red wolf has played a critical role in preserving this imperiled species through carefully managed breeding. It is hoped that Peanut and Shy will breed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Red wolves in human care. The future of Red wolves in the wild remains unknown. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a second public comment period for its final decision on removing management efforts from private lands, a move that scientists and Red wolf biologists fear will mean the end of the species in the wild. The second comment period closed on August 28, 2018. 

 “Peanut is a beautiful Red wolf and an important ambassador for his critically endangered species,” explained Gregg Dancho, zoo director. “Welcoming Peanut to the Zoo at this time gives us a platform for alerting our guests to the fragile state of Red wolves in the wild. They have a very uncertain future, except in SSP programs in Zoos.” 

“The Zoo’s SSP/breeding program exists to bolster the dwindling number of animals still in the wild,” explained Dancho. “It’s a real testament to our Zoo’s strong reputation for working to protect endangered species and to educate our guests about them. It’s an important part of our mission.”

About Red Wolves

The Red wolf (Canis rufus) is one of the world’s most endangered wild canids. Once common throughout the southeastern United States, red wolf populations were decimated by the 1960s due to intensive predator control programs and loss of habitat. A remnant population of red wolves was found along the Gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana. After being declared an endangered species in 1973, efforts were initiated to locate and capture as many wild red wolves as possible. Of the 17 remaining wolves captured by biologists, 14 became the founders of a successful captive breeding program. Consequently, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) declared red wolves extinct in the wild in 1980.

In 1987, a few animals were released as part of an experimental resettlement program. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo contributed eight Red wolf pups, born in Bridgeport, to the 1987 release program. By the early part of this century there were perhaps 150 red wolves in the wild, more than half of what the wildlife service calculated would be necessary for a sustainable population. In 2006, wolf populations began to decline as private landowners complained about wolves on their land and the USFWS began issuing permits to landowners who wanted to shoot Red wolves on their land. The current rule change being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would decrease the size of their range from an area the size of Delaware to one the size of Chicago, which biologists fear is a death knell for the wild wolves. 

# # #

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Spend the day a world away! Connecticut's only zoo 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, Brazilian ocelot, Red wolves, 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, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, deer, and more. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

Sixties Music, Sixties Cars, Food, and Family Fun in Weston

The Weston Historical Society transports you back to a time when young people of the ‘counterculture’ generation gathered for a historic happening of music, peace, and love.  Presenting Westonstock – a six-hour music festival featuring three bands and 15 musicians, with a 60s car show, and kids crafts and activities on Saturday, September 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Coley Homestead at 104 Weston Road, Weston CT. 

Westonstock will feature Old School Revue and popular NY Vocalist Susan Didrichsen with The Saugatuck Horns, a versatile six-piece classic 60s R&B band decked out in vintage 60s attire. They will be joined by a dozen other artists throughout the day, treating the audience to musical favorites spanning genres from Early Folk, Beatles/British Invasion, Motown, Classic 60s Soul and R&B, Psychedelic, Soft, Hard and Kitsch Rock. It’s all “happening” from the stage of the big, red Coley Barn.

The roster of musical artists includes: The Bar Car Band, Frank Barrese, Chance Brown, Rob Carlson, Crispin Cioe, Chris Coogan, Bob Cooper, The Cinnamon Girls, Susan Didrichsen, Billy Foster, Charlie Karp, Roger Kaufman, Joe Kos, Tyger MacNeal, Joe Meo, Big Steve Silver, Jeff Southworth, David Weber, and special surprise guests!! 

To round out the 60s experience, vintage cars will be on display to take you back to the golden age of the American automobile. Many of the vehicles will be on loan from Dragone Classic Motors along with an “Air Cooled” section of VW Beetles and Vans.  In addition, local vendors will sell various arts and crafts.

This family event includes games, with arts & crafts activities for the kids. There will be fun for everyone with 60s music trivia contests throughout the day, as well as 60s dance demonstrations, hula-hooping and more. Junior’s Hot Doggin’ Food Truck and Olive & Julip Craft Cocktails will be on premises, along with other food and beverage suppliers. Bring a lawn chair and/or blankets and spend the day.

“The Historical Society hopes to take visitors back to the 60s with this exciting community event,” said Pam Kersey, President of the Weston Historical Society. “Come and spend an hour or the entire day on our three-and-a-half acres of open field and museum space. Proceeds will support our renovation projects of both the historic Coley Barn and Coley Farm House.”

“This might not be Yasgur’s Farm – but it will be a fun-filled day of peace, love and treasured 1960 ’s music from all genres… just what we need!” said Roger Kaufman, Old School Music Productions and co-ordinator of Westonstock.

Tickets are available on-line at www.westonhistoricalsociety.org.  Advance tickets are available now through September 1: members $15, Non-Members $20, Kids $5.  After September 1: members $20, non-members $25, Kids $5.  Tickets will be available at the door the day of the event.