Westport's Virtual Museum

In addition, the Westport Historical Society is offering a Virtual Museum highlighting 100 objects. In this exhibit 400 years of the towns, history is told using 100 different objects. Each week the museum posts new photos and descriptions of items that tell the story of Westport's history. By clicking on each item, visitors to this virtual website can learn more about the featured object and its relationship to a specific period. The virtual museum also has history project recipes, happy hour videos and puzzles, and games for kids.

On July 31 from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. join the Westport Historical Society with a  Live discussion on Zoom with Westport resident Edward Gerber who will discuss his personal connection with local artist George Hand Wright, in whose Westport home Gerber lives in. Gerber will go through the impacts of Wright’s artwork, as well as the book George Hand Wright: An Artist’s Life Examined, before taking questions from viewers.  This is a free program but registration is required. to Register, click here.

 

Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands - New Exhibit @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Native people have adapted to their changing environment over the course of thousands of years. Adaptation involves the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next, for Native people, this is done through oral tradition and symbols. Among the most important symbols is the snake, which had different meanings to different communities and, different meanings throughout the centuries. The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut has just opened a new exhibition called Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands that highlights the perception of snakes in the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial world. 

Prior to colonization, Native people used stories to inform each other about the surrounding environment, including the animals present in that environment. These stories and symbols, about animals like the snake, have very practical applications. An example of this is the game known as “snow snake.” This winter sport is still widely practiced by many Native communities and is usually played in teams that compete to see who can throw the wooden "snake" the farthest in a long track of snow.

 

During colonial times, American settlers were impressed and fearful of snakes, particularly, rattlesnakes. They first heard about rattlesnakes from indigenous people. Rattlesnakes were something settlers had never encountered before and they considered them ferocious. Consequentially, colonists adopted the rattlesnake as a symbolic identity that differentiated early colonists in America from people they left behind in continental Europe. The imagery of snakes, in general, continued to change and evolve over time and the colonial portion of this exhibition highlights examples of how, when, and why this occurred.

 

One of the highlights of the exhibit details the historic account of the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club in South Kent, Connecticut that dates back to the late 19^th century. Every June, club members would head up Schaghticoke Mountain in knee-high boots armed with two-pronged eight-foot sticks to capture snakes. The majority of the club members were newspapermen from as far as New York City. The adventures of these rattlesnake hunts by the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club detailed in this exhibit offer a fascinating glimpse into the Native adaptations to colonialism and detribalization in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

 

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened the Indoor Museum where this new exhibit can be seen. The Outdoor grounds have trails, a replicated outdoor Algonkian Village, a three sisters garden, and an archaeological pavilion. The Museum and Grounds are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Museum and Staff follow strict safety protocols. For more information on the safety policy implemented please click here.

 

 

Charter A Two -Hour Getaway with the Seaport Association of Norwalk

It is a perfect summer day and you're wondering what to do that is safe, different, and memorable, all at the same time. Have you ever watched a group of people on a large boat sipping wine and relaxing in the cooling breeze of Long Island Sound? If you have, you are not alone. Some of us might even daydream about owning a boat large enough to accommodate up to twenty-five friends, family, and business associates.

 

The good news is that the Seaport Association in Norwalk is now offering their comfortable vessel, the T.J. Toth, for charter at pricing that is much less expensive than you think. The charter is two hours long and is available any weekday or weekend, July – September, during the day or at sunset for $750, or just $30 a person for twenty-five of your best friends and family members. And, be assured that your guests will be comfortable. The vessel has so many amenities including comfortable seating in and out of the sun, a bar area that is the perfect place to set up the beverages and goodies you bring aboard, and a full bathroom. 

 

Your private excursion begins from the Seaport's dock at 10 North Water Street in Norwalk. A captain and mate are on board so you can sit back and relax - it doesn't get more exclusive or fun than that! The boat cruises through Norwalk Harbor under the expert guidance of the boat's Captain while the Mate introduces the passengers to the multifaceted history of the Harbor. Imagine cruising along the waves getting close up views of Norwalk's Islands, nesting ospreys, and, three lighthouses, including Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and two rare examples of sparkplug lighthouses. This private on the water experience is simply exhilarating; so don't forget to bring a camera. 

 

If you are planning a special occasion or if you and your friends are looking for something really uplifting to do this summer, nothing says “fun on the water” like this exclusive excursion offered by the Seaport Association. For additional information to charter the boat call the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444 or email jerry.toni@seaport.org.

Live Events @ Virtual Weekend in Norfolk July 31, August 1, and 2

No holds barred! Virtual fun for all is the watchword in Norfolk, Conn., this coming July 31, August 1, and 2 during the town’s fifth annual three-day, town-wide Weekend in Norfolk Festival that will be held all online this year.

Everyone’s invited to view live streaming and online demand events starting July 31 with family and friends. Viewers will enjoy more than 20 events that Norfolk’s organizations, businesses, and individuals have put together to share the resilience, art, music, food, and natural beauty of this delightful community located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills. 

Live streaming events are a highlight of this year's Virtual Weekend in Norfolk. It is easy to sign up for a live event by visiting the website and registering. After registration, which is quick and simple a Zoom link will be sent to you about 30 minutes before the event streams live. Best of all, every event is free of charge!

The first live event on July 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. is a Puppet Show called Lisa the Wise that is sure to delight young and old alike. This colorful Russian folktale is told with imaginative shadow puppets and features a brave young girl, witches, enchanted dolls, and even dancing houses! This story has a contemporary twist sure to entertain and is recommended for children ages four and older. Expect lots of laughter and fun while watching these amazing puppets that will take you on an adventure without leaving home

On the second virtual day of Weekend in Norfolk, Saturday, August 1 is perfect for art and music lovers. 

The day kicks off with a very special concert from the highly acclaimed and internationally known Norfolk Chamber Music Festival from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. The program is the rebroadcast of an Emerging Artist Showcase concert that features the works of Klughart, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn for winds and strings. If you miss the live stream of this event, no worries, the event will be available via the Weekend In Norfolk website on-demand section on Sunday, August 2.

If you have always wanted to be a watercolor painter or if you have wondered how to improve your technique, don’t miss the loose watercolor painting demonstration by Pamela Harnois, a visual artist specializing in transparent watercolor from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. This is your chance to learn from an award-winning artist - free. Classically trained in watercolor, Pamela’s work has appeared nationally in art shows and in various publications. She has spent the last decade documenting woodland landscapes and wildflowers from across the country from Connecticut to California.

Saturday concludes with a final concert from the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. making it a perfect prelude to cocktail hour and dinner. This rebroadcast of the Emerging Artist Showcase features the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann for piano ensembles. If you miss this live stream broadcast, you can see it on-demand on Sunday, August 2, at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, August 2, from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. get ready to have some fun at the final live streaming event that features nationally renowned artist and metal sculptor, Karen Rossi. Limited to 12 adults this fascinating workshop will teach you how to make upcycled metal flowers from something as simple as aluminum soda cans! Have fun drilling, punching and riveting these whimsical flower creations together and decorating them with mixed media to create stunning three- dimensional flowers! No experience is needed and this event is free.

In addition, to live events, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, Weekend in Norfolk offers a series of on-demand events that can be watched any time of day or night! On-demand events are conveniently organized on the website by category making it easy to pick and choose what you want to watch. Here you will find everything from art studio tours and nature hikes to kids’ craft workshops and a demonstration of ways to prepare healthy food.

Five Great Places to See Coastal Birds

Summer is a great time to dust off those binoculars and stretch your birding legs. You can expect migratory birds to start appearing in April. However, if you head for the shore now, there are many different coastal species to observe, especially if you hit the right locations. Here's a list of five great places for coastal birding. As with visiting all wildlife habitats, please remember to tread lightly on the land and respect the creatures who live there. 

Stratford Point in Stratford is a great place to see waterfowl, sea birds like Northern Gannet, shorebirds, and loons.  Audubon Connecticut manages DuPont's Stratford Point property with assistance from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (RTPI) and Sacred Heart University. The trails are generally open Monday-Friday during business hours. Birding, nature observation, and passive hiking are the primary intended uses of the property.  Stratford Point is one of the premier birding, butterfly, and fishing locations in Connecticut.

Another coastal birding hot spot is Long Beach in Stratford. The parking lot, beach, and offshore waters here attract rare gulls and waterfowl, while Sanderlings and Dunlins scurry along the water's edge. The middle sections of Long Beach are maintained as shorebird nesting areas. These areas are considered to be some of the best nesting habitats in the state for piping plovers and least terns.

Westport's Sherwood Island State Park is another birding hotspot and a great place to see gebes and loons.  A list of 234 birds spotted at Sherwood Island State Park has been compiled.

The Norwalk Seaport Association gets you out on the water where you will see lots of birdlife. Cruise through the Norwalk Islands and past three iconic lighthouses and past the Steward B. Mckinney Wildlife Nature Sanctuary that is an untouched wildlife habitat. Enjoy incredible views of possibly over a thousand newly hatched chicks from the many bird species that migrate long distances to use the privacy of these islands for their nesting area.

Greenwich Point Park is another place for viewing birds. Due to the park's peninsular geography and the variety of habitats available it is an important migrant stopover habitat for many species of birds. Good numbers of waterfowl winter offshore and in Eagle Pond, many raptors pass the park in fall migration and the park acts as stopover habitat for some of them. The offshore islands offer breeding habitat for Common and Least Terns.

Living Lights @ Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has a new exhibit. “Living Lights” will introduce you to some of the most strangely interesting creatures in the sea: animals that can give off light through a process called bioluminescence. Live animals displayed include flashlight fish, pinecone fish, chain catsharks, crystal jellyfish, and more. In addition to the marine animals in “Living Lights,” terrestrial examples featured include a scorpion – they’re naturally fluorescent – and a common forest fungus (Panellus stipticus) that glows as its spores mature.

Learn the mechanics of bioluminescence and explore how bioluminescence is used by animals to attract mates, find prey and deter predators. In addition, you also can learn about medical and environmental advances made possible through the study of bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms.

“Living Lights” is free with Aquarium admission and will be open through December!

A Weekend in Norfolk 2020 Goes Virtual – July 31 and August 1 and 2

The town of Norfolk Connecticut is hard at work this summer organizing virtual events for 2020 WIN - Weekend in Norfolk that is taking place this year on July 31, August 1, and 2! The residents, businesses, historic and natural attractions, and other organizations have pulled together, once again, this year to showcase Norfolk’s many treasures.

 

The only difference is that this year WIN will take place only online rather than at various locations throughout this peaceful hamlet. “We believe that our online WIN series of events and videos show the resilience of the citizens of Norfolk. Our goal is to be a bright spot in people’s lives at this uncertain time. We’re striving to entertain and educate all our WIN fans with the variety of videos that we are developing,” said Sue Frisch one of the founders of the WIN event.

 

Now in its fifth year, this family fun event has managed to evolve with the times. They hope to reach even more people with their virtual programs and videos that have an irresistible price tag -- they are all free of charge! Best of all, all videos can be viewed from the comfort of your home.

 

A new WIN website makes planning your time in advance easy so you don’t miss a thing. The website has a day by day schedule that highlights virtual events that will be happening live and those events that will be posted to celebrate WIN 2020 on demand. Get ready to see an exciting line-up! The virtual events range from a not to be missed tour of the Tiffany stained glass windows at the Battell Chapel, and a demonstration by a professional artist, to a cooking demonstration on how to prepare healthy foods that could have medicinal advantages.

 

For the most up to date information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org

 

 

 

Celestial Fireworks - See Jupiter, Saturn and the Full Buck Moon July 4

If you are bummed out about the lack of fireworks, don't be, just look to the sky for a celestial "fireworks" display. This coming holiday weekend, Mother Nature has planned her own program of fireworks! There will be a stunning full moon on July 3 and July 4 that is enhanced by two shining planets, Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system with four moons and Saturn. 

Jupiter will be very bright and hover to the moon's upper right while Saturn, one-third as bright will appear to stand off to the moon's upper left. Taken together they will form a triangle in the sky. If you have a small telescope or a pair of binoculars you will get a better view of Jupiter along with all four of the Galilean satellites that include Io, Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. They were first seen by Galileo over 400 years ago.

Like June's full moon, the full moon of July brings about a penumbral eclipse, which occurs when the moon crosses through the faint outer edge of the Earth's shadow called a penumbra. When this occurs, the moon appears to be slightly darker than usual. This eclipse will be visible from most of North America including Connecticut and will begin at 11:04 Eastern Standard Time on July 4 and end at 1:56 a.m. If you miss it on July 4, check the sky on July 5 at 10:56 p.m. The Buck moon will appear the biggest to the naked eye on the U.S. East coast during and just after moonrise.

The Algonquin people of the Eastern Woodlands did not record time by using months or calendars. They tracked time by observing the seasons and the lunar months and phases of the moon. The Algonquin people called the full moon in July the Buck Moon because at this time of year a buck's antlers are growing daily. Another Native American name for the full moon in July is Thunder Moon because of the frequency of July thunderstorms. Colonial Americans adopted some of the Native American names for the full moon and, they are still in use today. Some of the most recognized names that come from the Algonquin people include the Harvest Moon, the Blue Moon, and the Supermoon.

Take a Harbor Cruise on the 4th of July Week and Weekend with the Seaport Association

The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of Connecticut’s maritime history.  This historic lighthouse and light keeper’s cottage is located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands on the west entrance of the Norwalk River in Long Island Sound. One of the best ways to kick of the season is to take a cruise on the C.J. Toth on Wednesday, July 1, Thursday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3 at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 2 p.m., there will also be a sunset cruise on all three days beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets for this exciting excursion must be purchased in advance by clicking here .

And, if you are looking to start a summer tradition or renew one, reserve your tickets for a fabulous 4th of July weekend ride with the Seaport Association this summer!  The boat will be going out on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5 at 12 noon, and at 3 p.m. and the sunset cruise will depart on both days at 6:30 p.m. For tickets click here.

This year the Seaport cruise will take you on a breathtaking tour of the outer Norwalk Harbor where passengers will get a birds-eye view of this active and fascinating place, from the water! The cruise will then take visitors on a cruise that will take them up close to three historic lighthouses that have protected the harbor for centuries. Have your camera at the ready for unique water views of Green's Ledge and Pecks Ledge, two of only 33 remaining spark plug lighthouses that remain in the United States. The real highlight of this cruise is to see Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut's iconic maritime treasure up close and from the water. Sheffield Lighthouse has been a beacon to mariners since 1868 and to see it from the water, like mariners of old is a very special experience. 

If you can't make it on this cruise, no worries, the Seaport Association is running two daily cruises and one sunset cruise Wednesday - Sunday through August. All tickets must be purchased online in advance and all passengers must follow the Seaport's COVID protocols and must wear a mask. For the protocols click here.

 

 

Safety Guidelines @ Stamford Museum and Nature Center

The Museum and Nature Center will be open daily from 9 am to  5 pm. and no pre-registration is required. Below, please note the safety regulations.

Planning Your Visit

• Parking and entry will be at the Knobloch Family Farmhouse ONLY at 151 Scofieldtown Road

. • Scan our SM&NC QR Code to view these guidelines and our Site Map.

• Concluding your visit, please exit to the Farmhouse Parking Lot via the paved path behind the Maple Sugar House.

• Meadow tables are spaced apart for your picnicking pleasure, please tidy up after use for other guests. Our Safety Requirements

• Adults & children over the age of 4 must wear a facemask while indoors, on the playground, or anytime when social distancing is not possible.

• We ask that you stop at our Handwashing Stations upon arrival and before touching the animals. • Social Distancing must be strictly adhered to at 6 feet. Avoid Bottlenecks. Be patient and kind

 • Children must be closely supervised at all times. What’s OPEN at this time • Heckscher Farm and Organic Garden, Nature’s Playground (open 6/17), our hiking trails including the Orange Adventure Trail, and the Wheels-In-The-Woods trail, as well as the Bendel Pond Meadow

• On June 17, our Bendel Mansion building and Museum Galleries will open for our wonderful summer exhibition, Art and the Animal, the flagship showcase of work from the Society of Animal Artists. Exhibition on view through September 7, 2020.

 

2020 Seaport Association New Cruises Tales of Pirates, Native Americans, Merchants, and Lighthouses

There is nothing more refreshing than the cool, clean sea breeze flowing through your hair and the sun on your face while taking a cruise through the scenic Norwalk Harbor to a trio of Lighthouses with the Seaport Association. 

 

This fascinating two-hour cruise begins with a leisurely cruise through the historic Norwalk Harbor. Passengers will hear the tale of how Native Americans shared the joy of eating oysters with early English settlers, a Norwalk specialty still enjoyed today. The harbor area has a rich history of commercial shipping with 18th c. sloops sailing to ports as far as the West Indies and, the engaging stories of Norwalk's waters that once teemed with pirates. In the 19th century, prominent manufacturing companies lined the banks of the channel including the Norwalk Lock Company and the Lockwood rolling and slitting mill that once churned out high-grade iron ore. Today, the channel serves water-dependent commerce and recreational marinas.

 

On this cruise, passengers will see two of only thirty-three remaining sparkplug lighthouses still in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Peck Ledge built-in 1906, and Greens Ledge constructed in 1902 are maritime gems that passengers will get the rare chance to view, up close. Legend has it that Greens Ledge was named after a pirate that sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. It is said that he was executed and tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers. This is just one of many intriguing stories you will hear on this new cruise!

 

The grand finale of the harbor cruise is to pass by historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, the undisputed icon of Connecticut’s maritime heritage. Located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands the current Victorian styled lighthouse was built in 1868 of limestone masonry. It is a classic -- replete with a distinctive octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline. You will also see a wildlife refuge, cute lightkeepers cottage, and the new wooden pavilion that is available for rent and ideal for special events. 

The real bonus of the new Seaport Association’s cruise is that it gets people out of the house, in the fresh air, and on the water. It is a chance to unwind and re-energize in the scenic beauty of Long Island Sound that extends in every direction.

 

Cruise Schedule and Details

Starting Saturday, June 27 the Seaport Association will run day time cruises at 12 noon and 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through September. Sunset Cruises will be offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at 6 p.m. through September. Weekday cruises begin on July 1, with daytime cruises offered Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and on Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The boat will not run on Monday and Tuesday.

 

All ticketing will be “contactless, or tickets click here or call 203-838-9444. Adult tickets are $30, children 12 and under $18, and a family pack for four passengers is $75. Sunset cruises are $30 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure. The Association cannot accept cash or transaction at the Seaport Dock.

 

This year the Association is limiting the number of passengers to 25 people making social distancing a breeze in their comfortable vessel. All passengers are required to wear safety masks. In keeping with the most current safety and health protocols, the Association will offer hand sanitizer onboard and has established an extensive cleaning and hygiene regiment that goes above and beyond current regulations.

 

“Clambakes To Go” for Fathers Day!

The fun and novel “Clambakes To Go” are selling quickly as Father's Day approaches.  These clambakes come in one pot to conveniently cook at home and are only available for pick-up on Sunday, June 21^st which is Father's Day.  Orders can only be made online at www.Chowdafest.org by Friday, June 19^th at 11pm.  Unfortunately, only orders made online by this date can be accepted.

Each clambake includes a live, banded 1.5 lb lobster, clams, mussels, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob plus it comes all in one pot that the customer keeps and cooks in.  Cooking is both easy and quick as you just add water, beer, or wine to each pot which takes between just 20 and 40 minutes depending on how many clambakes are in each pot.

 

“Sales have been brisk as Father's Day draws closer,” said Jim Keenan, Chief Experience Officer of Chowdafest who is organizing the effort.  “We have no idea what the demand will be so we had to limit these clambakes.  Hopefully, people will order early before we run out” he added.  Meals are $42 each.

 

“Clambakes To Go” can only be picked up in Westport on Sunday, June 21st at pick-up times chosen by the customer online between Noon and 4pm.  Order tickets will be scanned in and then delivered to your car in line.  For pick-up details, please visit www.chowdafest.org.. 

 

To make this “curbside clambake” more special for the occasion, the clambakes will include complimentary beer from Sam Adams to both cooks with and toast your Dad, seltzer-ade from Polar Beverages, butter from Cabot's Creamery, plus lobster bibs, wet naps and a unique lobster tool compliments of Aitoro Appliances and Knot Norm's Catering.  All are available with each pot while supplies last and the recipient must be over 21 with ID to accept the beer.

 

For additional information about this Taste of Summer effort by Chowdafest please visit  www.ClamBakeToGo.com or visit www.Chowdafest.org.

 

The Taste of Summer is sponsored by Aitoro Appliances, Cabot Creamery, CCO Habitats, Friends of Sherwood Island, Knot Norm's, Polar Beverages, Sam Adams and The Westport Hub.

 

 

Stamford Museum and Nature Center Opens June 17

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center has planned to reopen on June 17, 2020. They have noted that the facility will be open to all visitors and no pr-registration is necessary. 

In addition to all of the outdoor activities including Nature's Playground the Bendel Mansion building and Museum Galleries will also reopen for the new summer exhibit called Art and the Animal. This is the flagship exhibition of The Society of Animal Artists, which is regarded worldwide as the most prestigious artist membership organization dedicated to the theme of animals in art. A juried exhibit for art and animal lovers alike, visitors will get a chance to view more than 50 diverse artworks combining natural history and fine art in various styles and ranging in medium from oils, and watercolors, to exquisite pencil and ink works, paper cutouts and sculpture.

The Society’s 59th Annual Exhibition premiered at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio.  The mission of The Society of Animal Artists is to promote excellence in the portrayal of animals, domestic and/or wild, in art. The Society was founded in 1960 and over the past 60 years, works created by members of The Society of Animal Artists have established new standards of artistic preeminence in fine art. ​Art and the Animal ​ Annual Exhibits and Touring Exhibitions have been featured at more than 60 venues including museums and zoos, and art, cultural and science centers throughout North America.  

The Gallery will allow a maximum of 15 gallery guests at a time to ensure social distancing. For complete regulations related to COVID_19 click here.

Institute for American Indian Studies Modified Summer Camp June 26-August 7, 2020

We all know that this summer will be different. We also know that it is important for children to get out of the house and be engaged socially, mentally, and safely. With that in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut announced that they are opening a modified summer camp program of weekly themed outdoor fun and education that follows strict state guidelines. The Summer Camp is available one week at a time, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., from June 26 through August 7. The programs are geared for children ages 6-13. “We decided to offer our camp programs because we feel it can be a gateway back to normalcy for children. We expect these experiences will help our young campers face new challenges with resilience,” Chris Combs, Executive Director said.

There are so many benefits to sending children to summer camp, especially this summer. It gives children the chance to develop confidence and get unplugged; it allows them to make new friends, experience the great outdoors, and to explore new interests while learning at the same time. “This year, parents can definitely expect to see safety as the first and foremost focus at our camp, Chris Combs, Executive Director said. “ For all of our staff, the health and safety of our campers is paramount. All camp activities will be held outdoors and there will be regular sanitizing, social distancing, and smaller group activities as well as staggered arrivals and pick-ups, all in accordance with guidance issued by various state and federal agencies,” Combs continued. For more information, registration and protocols click here 

Camp Director Gabriel Benjamin and Assistant Camp Director Susan Scherf have developed a range of exciting activities and projects that follow current health guidelines. Each week, campers will join experienced educators on a journey through one of several themes that relate to the museum's core mission, such as ecology, archaeology, and traditional skills. While hiking in the woods, playing games, and creating crafts, campers will practice survival skills, teamwork, and problem-solving as they develop confidence while experiencing the great outdoors, and making new friends. Besides the memories that will last a lifetime, campers will learn valuable skills and connect with a culture that has more than 10,000 years of history in this area.

Summer Camp Themes

Weekly camps will have different experiences. On June 29- July 3 the theme is “Wonderful Wildlife” and will include exploring the forests and rivers of the Eastern Woodlands. The camp running from July 6- July 10 will focus on the gifts of the natural world and how Native Americans used their understanding of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years right here in Connecticut.

On July 13 to July 17, children will learn outdoor survival skills similar to those used for centuries by Native Americans. And, if your children love science and technology sign them up for the week of July 20-24 to learn how people of the past figured out creative ways to move around, construct shelter, find food, and make tools."

For budding archeologists and kids that are intrigued by puzzles, don’t miss the July 27 – July 31 camp where they will learn how to dig and discover.

The last camp of our 2020 summer season, from August 3-7 is for kids that like a challenge – and don’t they all! If your kids want to be amazed, sign them up, and challenge them to put their skills to test! They will come away enriched and confident.  

About The Institute for American Indian StudiesLocated on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Wilton's Farmer's Market Opens June 3, 2020

The Wilton Historical Society located on 224 Danbury Road in Wilton will be holding its Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 pm starting in June. The Wilton Farmers Market will run through October 28, 2020.

The market is comprised of local farmers and artisans who come together and provide shoppers a venue to purchase the finest locally sourced products. Featured are local Connecticut farmers offering seasonal and organic produce, fresh baked goods and pastries, food trucks with a selection of lunch items, local artists and crafters featuring their original and one of a kind art pieces, craft breweries for non-alcoholic beverages and premium imported Italian goods direct from Italy to name a few.
With the onset of COVID-19, they will be implementing new guidelines for the 2020 season. The goal is to provide a safe market environment while limiting potential exposure to consumers, food, volunteers, vendors, and market manager. The operating guidelines are as follows:

• They will limit the number of customers within the market at one time. Each vendor is allowed one shopper per space at a given time.
• The recommended social distancing protocols of six (6) feet of separation between individuals will be applied by placing markers six (6) feet apart in front of vendors and around the market where necessary.
• Foot traffic will be one-way. A designated entrance for shoppers will be staffed to implement proper headcount within the market during hours of operation.
• All shoppers MUST wear a cloth face covering at the market. We encourage families to limit the number of people coming to the market to the primary buyer only.
• Per Executive Order 7S, all market managers, staff/volunteers, and vendors must wear gloves and face masks at all times if they’re interacting with customers and/or handling products.
• If a customer brings a reusable bag, vendors are not required to handle the bag or fill the bag.
• Each vendor will wipe down the EBT/credit card terminal with an approved disinfectant after each use.
• Each vendor will have their own hand sanitizing station available.
• Each vendor is responsible for intermittently wiping down and disinfecting their work area and high touch points on the shopper's side of their tables.
• Picnic tables will be off-limits to shoppers for dining purposes.
• We HIGHLY recommend pre-ordering with vendors that are offering online orders. A designated “pick up only” table by the pedestrian entrance of the market will be available for quick accesses.