Woodbury's New Morning Market Finds New Ways to Pay it Back

 New Morning Market​ in Woodbury has found a clever way to give back to one of their favorite causes this holiday season. ​The year 2020 has shown no shortage of canceled events.  One of which was the New Morning Market Ice Cream Social, which supported the work of Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury.  For many years this event brought the community together for food, music, and face painting, all while giving back.  And so, much like many other businesses this year, New Morning Market had to pivot in the ways that they would support local organizations.

 After brainstorming new and innovative ways to fundraise, New Morning Market is excited to share the New Morning Market Coloring Book, with proceeds benefiting Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury.  The images in this coloring book have been drawn by local artist Charlotte Chapman and is chock full of whimsical pictures of produce along with witty food puns sure to chase the winter blues away.

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury is a nonprofit committed to providing free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in a safe, caring environment. Says Lee Schlesinger, Executive Director of Safe Haven “We were saddened when the Annual Ice Cream Social was canceled this year, but we totally understand why, as we had to cancel our two major fundraisers this year as well. New Morning Market has been such a loyal supporter of Safe Haven over the years. We always look forward to this event; to stand there alongside their staff and greet the customers as they come by. We were thrilled when New Morning contacted us with an idea to continue that support by creating the coloring book.”

Stop by New Morning Market located on 129 Main Street in Woodbury to pick up one of these coloring books for a perfect holiday gift that also gives back. The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Curbside pick up is also available.

 
About New Morning Market 

New Morning Market​ has been committed to a good food lifestyle since opening its doors in 1971. With a team of over 100 employees working with countless local producers as well as partnering with dozens of local non-profit organizations throughout the year, they ensure that the environment and the community continues to be at the forefront of their vision. Recognized by Connecticut Magazine, Republican American, and Natural Awakenings as the Best Health Food Store in Connecticut they are always working to bring new, exciting, and healthful foods & products to their customers. New Morning believes good food is key to a good life. That good life is shared among good people. That good people are good to the earth and that goodness is all around.

Crafting and Image - Trading Posts and Native American Art Virtual Program November 28

The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a special virtual program on Saturday, November 28 at 4:30 p.m. centered around the Institute's new temporary exhibition, Crafting an Image. The Zoom program will kick off with a tour of the new exhibit with Curator, Paul Wegner who will delve into the history of some of the artifacts on display. To register for this event click here.

The new exhibition centers on trading posts as marketplaces where people could go to purchase a myriad of items, from furs to food to rugs. They were a quintessential part of Native trade in the 20th century, particularly when it came to Native art. They shaped the projects of many artists and artisans, urging them to create for the wider American public in ways that they hadn’t done previously.  This exhibition focuses on what happened to these trading posts, and, more importantly, what happened to Native arts as a result?

A highlight of the program will be a live discussion with managers of the Cameron Trade Post in Arizona about the importance of trade posts to Native American Art throughout the post's long history. This historic trading post was established in 1911  by two brothers. At that time the trading post was visited by the Navajo and Hopi locals to barter their wool blankets and livestock for dry goods.  Cameron Trading Post has existed for more than a century and people that work here have done so for generations making their perspectives and insights fascinating.

In addition to the live discussion, there will be the chance to listen to a previously recorded interview with Kwagu’l (Kwakwaka’wakw) artist Calvin Hunt about his work, his family legacy, and the importance of art to indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. This interview is part of IAIS's Native Artist Series, co-sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation, which features interviews and lectures by Native artists beginning November 21, 2020. 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th 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

Sign Up for a Lantern Tour in Torrington on December 5, 2020

The Mayor’s “Christmastime in Torrington” committee and the Torrington Historical Society will present a series of eight, 45 minutes long, Holiday Lantern Tours of downtown Torrington on Saturday, December 5th.

Each tour is limited to eight persons and the tours will start every 15 minutes from 5 pm to 6:45 pm. Registration is required and admission is $3 per person. To register for a tour, visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org/lanterntour. Tours will begin at the Torrington Historical Society, 192 Main Street and will end on lower East Main Street. Join in the holiday spirit by bringing your own lantern or flashlight to carry on the tour. Face masks and social distancing are required. Holiday tours will include information about the historical buildings on Main Street and the fascinating story of Torrington’s first Christmas tree. Under the Warner marquee, Dick Terhune will present Marley's ghost scene from his one-man show “A Christmas Carol." Several featured storefronts will have displays of vintage toys, clothing, and household goods from the 1950s that would have been available for purchase at that time in Main Street department stores.

All proceeds from the tours will support the city’s “Christmastime in Torrington” celebration. In case of inclement weather the lantern tours will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 6th at the same times. For more information contact Mayor Elinor Carbone 860- 489-2228 or Mark McEachern at Torrington Historical Society, 860-482-8260.

Enter the Warner Theatre's Gingerbread House Contest!

 

In the spirit of the festive winter season, Torrington's Warner Theater is welcoming young baking artists between the ages of 8-17 to put their creative hats on and enter our first-ever Warner Community Gingerbread House Contest!  To enter/participate, baking artists between the ages of 8-17 must design, build, and decorate your own gingerbread house/building/setting and submit a short video (45 seconds or less) of you showing off your creation and explaining why you chose your design and what it means to you. The winners’ entries will be featured on our Facebook page and in our e-Newsletter!  Register to enter by Tuesday, December 1 by emailing your name, age, and town to Isabel Carrington at icarrington@warnertheatre.org. Once registered, completed video entries via email must be received by Tuesday, December 15.  Most creative/unique design(s) will win! For more info email icarrington@warnertheatre.org. Happy Holidays to all!

About the Warner Theatre

Built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace (1,772 seats), the Warner Theatre was described then as "Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre." Damaged extensively in a flood, the Warner was slated for demolition in the early 1980s until the non-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (NCAA) was founded and purchased the theatre. The Warner reopened as a performing arts center in 1983, and restoration of the main lobbies and auditorium was completed in November 2002. In 2008, the new 50,000 square foot Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center, which houses a 300 seat studio theatre, 200 seat restaurant, and expansive school for the arts, was completed. Today, Warner is in operation year-round with more than 160 performances and 100,000 patrons passing through its doors each season. Over 10,000 students, pre K-adult, participate in arts education programs and classes. Together, with the support of the community, Warner has raised close to $17 million to revitalize its facilities. NCAA's mission is to preserve the Warner Theatre as an historic landmark, enhance its reputation as a center of artistic excellence and a focal point of community involvement, and satisfy the diverse cultural needs of the region. To learn more about the Warner Theatre, visit our website:

Five Animals Announce Candidacy for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

 Five animal candidates are vying for the much sought-after title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This important election will decide the Zoo’s first Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. The five candidates who have made it past the primary rounds to the general election are:

 

·      Peaches the Nigerian dwarf goat. Peaches is the mother of two sets of triplets and a set of twins. She has raised all the kids on her own, demonstrating her can-do spirit. She’s quiet and friendly unless she needs to assert herself and is rarely in a baaaaad mood.

·      Wiggles the 18-year-old chinchilla. As a long-time animal ambassador and a veteran of ZooMobile visits to senior centers as well as starring roles at children’s birthday parties, Wiggles has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Plus this crepuscular rodent has very cute ears.

·      Matilda the red-footed tortoise. Matilda is one of the quietest candidates, signaling her position on issues with head movements. Her campaign materials state that while she may not have lightning speed, she believes that slow and steady wins the race. 

·      Jolene the Whistling duck.  Jolene is a born politician. Sociable, boisterous and noisy, she has supported the rights of ducks who prefer to walk on land as well as those who prefer to perch in trees. She considers all ducks equal under the law.

·      E.O. the Giant anteater. E.O., named for famed American biologist E.O. Wilson, shares Wilson’s love of science. A devoted father of two with his partner Pana, E.O. champions ambitious science-based agendas when not enjoying an insect slurry. 

 

This highly contested race will be decided by online votes. The general public can vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote at https://CBZMayor.givesmart.com. Voting begins on Wednesday, October 21. Polls close at four p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. 

 

“Similar to other elections taking place around the country, the race for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is highly contested as each candidate attempts to win the support of voters,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Unlike other elections, we encourage people to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box.”

 

The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will be used to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research and fun. 

It Takes A Village - New Exhibit @ Keeler Tavern Ridgefield

The Keeler Tavern House Museum in Ridgefield is hosting an award-winning exhibition that explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history–showcasing individual trades and their tools. For much of its history, Ridgefield was a farming community, however, no family farm could be entirely self-sufficient. Members of the community developed specialized trades to accommodate the needs of a growing village, and by the turn of the 19th century, the nature of Ridgefield’s Main Street shifted to reflect this new market. Small enterprises had sprung up all over town, and by 1820, roughly one-third of Ridgefielders were engaged in some type of manufacturing. An online exhibit—combining maps, narrative text, and multimedia content—takes visitors on a virtual tour of the businesses on Ridgefield’s 19th-Century Main Street. To visit the online exhibit click here.

In addition to the virtual event, a number of trades and their tools will be featured in the Carriage Barn. The barn is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 1 - 4 p.m., through November 8. Pre-registration for timed entries required. COVID-19 guidelines apply, including masks, social distancing, and one-way traffic. FREE admission.

FREE family demonstrations will be offered outdoors on weekends, including blacksmithing this coming Sunday (see photo) and shoemaking on November 1. No pre-registration needed for outdoor demonstrations. For timed registrations and additional details click here.

And, for those of you that love scarecrows, the 8th annual scarecrow contest is going on until October 31. Voting for the scarecrow of your choice is taking place on the museum's FACEBOOK page. The scarecrow with the most "likes" by 11:59 PM on October 31 will receive a prize. Check out the pinned post at the top of our Facebook page, and cast your vote today! Vote here

35th Annual American Artisan Show Returns to Benefit Wilton Historical Society

The Wilton Historical Society will host the 35th annual American Artisan Show – but with a big change! The important benefit will take place online for an entire month, from Thursday, November 5 – Thursday, December 5! Shop online at your convenience from a “by-invitation” group of makers. There is plenty of time for thoughtful gifting and shipping for the holidays. Go to www.wiltonhistorical.org to start shopping!

 Every purchase will support the Wilton Historical Society, as well as the talented artisans who have hand-made wares for sale of states represented by artisans. According to Janet Foster, President of the Board of Trustees of the Wilton Historical Society, “We will really miss having the show and a festive party in our beautiful historic buildings, but this year that is just not possible. So we have worked very hard to find a new way to support these wonderful artisans who are hard-hit by a lack of fairs and shows at which to sell. 

You won’t have to spend a frustrating time searching online for well-made and interesting items. The American Artisan Show has pre-selected a terrific group for you, just like our usual show.” The event is an important fundraising effort for the Wilton Historical Society, supporting the education and historic preservation mission. 20+ highly-skilled artisans from across the country will be presenting their hand-crafted contemporary and traditional furnishings and wearables in an easy to use online shopping venue. Furniture, art, pottery, fine leather goods, Nantucket-style baskets, candles, Windsor chairs, art, tavern signs, fine jewelry, photography, and much more – will be available for purchase. Every purchase benefits the Wilton Historical Society. Plus, a fabulous Silent Auction is also accessible from the same site, with a diverse selection, including vintage evening purses, art, and other surprises. 

The Silent auction will run at the same time as the American Artisan Show, November 5 – December 5.

All Hollow's Eve @ the Glebe House in Woodbury October 24

As the leaves are changing color and the hint of the first frost is in the air get ready to celebrate autumn at the All Hollows Event event hosted by the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury on Saturday, October 24. This celebration takes place during the witching hours of 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tours go out every hour. To reserve your time, click here.

Ghosts, goblins, and assorted scary creatures will be on hand along Hollow Road, following a path lit by over 300 luminaries, some of Woodbury's earliest citizens will come back from the dead to lead mystery tours of the nearby Ancient Burying Grounds.

You will walk amongst the dead in burying grounds over 350 years old and hear stories of those mortal remains that lie beneath your feet as their spirits rise for the occasion and are dying to share their true-yet often-dark tales. New surprises will await visitors as the cemetery comes to life in a flurry of spectral activity. The Museum will be following all current State & CDC guidelines for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. **Due to current COVID-19 safety guidelines there will not be a haunted museum or any indoor activities. Masks and social distancing rules will be observed.

Tickets will be limited to maintain safety standards. Tours will be available by timed ticket entry beginning at 5:30 pm and will leave the grounds of the Museum every fifteen minutes, ending at 9:00 pm. To ensure your participation, pre-purchased tickets are strongly suggested. Once, a tour-slot is full, walk-ins will not be added. Tickets are $10 per adult, children 5-12 years old $5, and children under 5 years of age are free. Rain Date: Sunday, October 25th. Parking for the evening will be in Hollow Park, whose entrance is next to the Glebe House. 

Falling Leaves Full Moon Walk Institute for American Indian Studies October 2

Respect for the natural world is embedded in their culture and traditions. The moon and stars have a special significance for Native Americans. On Friday, October 2, at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, visitors will find out why the moon is so important to the rhythm of Native American life when they participate in the Full Moon Falling Leaves Walk that begins at 7 p.m. Susan Scherf, IAIS Museum Educator, and Ecologist will lead an invigorating and easy walk on the trails of the museum that makes social distancing easy. 

It is a short but moderate walk along the museum's trails that lets participants experience the woods at night, under a bright harvest moon just like the Eastern Woodland Indians have done for millennia. This experience will give participants an understanding of what the moon meant to Native Americans and how it guided and influenced their daily lives. Early Native Americans had no access to paper calendars but they did keep track of the seasons using the lunar cycle. Learn how the moon alerted Native Americans to the change of the seasons and how they adapted to survive the coming winter. A highlight of this walk is to learn how animals including owls adapted to the change of seasons and why it is important. 

The walk concludes with hot apple cider being served around a campfire at the Institute's 16th century replicated Algonkian Village that consists of a massive longhouse, several wigwams, and a three sisters garden. The cost of this event for Non-members of the Institute is $10 per person. Members are free. To register call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. This event is weather permitting, to confirm please call 860-868-0518 or visit the Institute's Facebook Page on the day of the event. Masks are required in the museum, and outdoors when you are within six feet of other visitors or staff. For an optimal experience, it is suggested that participants bring a flashlight along. 

About the Falling Leaves Moon 

Traditionally, the full moon, called the Harvest Moon or the Falling Leaves Moon occurs closest to the September equinox, the astronomical start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun rises later and night falls earlier. What makes this October moon special is that the moon rises above the horizon around sunset. This extra early light in the evening is what makes the October full moon so special; traditionally it gave Native Americans and farmers extra light for harvesting beyond the sunset. 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th 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,

September and October are Apple Picking Time in Connecticut

 Apple picking and fall foliage go together. It is the time of year when the nights are cool and the days are warm, making it the perfect season for apples.  The Litchfield Hills has so many beautiful apple orchards where folks can get out in the fresh air and pick their own apples. Orchards are quite large making social distancing easy. Here are four of the most scenic apple orchards to be found anywhere.

Averill Farm located on 250 Calhoun Street in Washington Connecticut is a scenic hilltop farm that has been farmed by the same family for ten generations. Here you can pick your own apples - Macintosh, Macoun, Spartan, Liberty, Redcort, and Cortland. There are also pies, apple cider, apple cider donuts, and a farm stand that offers produce, gourds, pumpkins, honey, homemade jam, garlic, and much more.

March Farm is located on 160 Munger Lane in Bethlehem and is offering pyo apples and pumpkins in their orchard. There are hiking trails, a picnic area, corn maze, and a hayloft playscape, and pony rides for the kids. This year the theme of the corn maze is the Wizard of Oz. PYO apple varieties in the Farm Store Orchard include Cortland, Gala, Honey Crisp, and Macintosh. The Hill Top Orchard PYO offers  Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Macintosh, Macoun, Mutsu, Red Delicious & Rome. The farm store sells pies and seasonal produce.

Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm located in Sharon offers eight acres and 11 varieties of PYO apples. They have heirlooms apples that include Cortlands, Northern Spys, McIntosh, Macouns, Gala, Empire, Ida Reds, Crispin (Mutsu), Red Delicious, and Yellow Delicious. The property also has a giant corn maze. This year the theme is Dinosaurs. A large Lionel Interactive train display is a highlight for kids of all ages. The farm store sells a variety of seasonal fruit and baked goods.

Blue Jay Orchards located on 125 Plumtrees Road in Bethel offers PYO Macintosh, Cortland, and Macoun apples. Blue Jay also has an amazing pumpkin patch where kids can go and choose their own pumpkins! The farm market offers seasonal produce, pies, apple cider, apple cider donuts, jam, honey, cookies, and much more.

Educational Exploration - Private Classes Now Offered @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 This September, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut is offering three-hour private educational programs in the new Educational Exploration program that will spark your child's curiosity with a learning experience outside the classroom. The Institute's private lessons will teach important life skills that can be tailored for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. 

 

The new Educational Exploration Private Lessons were developed in response to the social isolation encountered by children this past spring and summer. The private lesson courses have been fine-tuned using the Institution's 45 years of experience educating countless school groups that have visited. The Museum educational staff has designed private lessons to provide students with engaging and meaningful experiences that leverage the Institute's collections and grounds. Components of these private classes will include the study of earth sciences, social sciences, social studies, survival techniques, traditional skills, and archeology. A special add on bonus is an experience in the award-winning Wigwam Escape room that will take students back to the year of 1518.

 

Age-appropriate private lessons are a good educational balance for children that are either learning remotely from home or going to school just two or three days a week. The Institute's private lessons offer one-on-one education and mentorship for those interested in further developing skills, working on special projects, or fulfilling a special interest. They will feature hands-on, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programs led by experienced museum educators on a variety of interesting topics that will have connections to core social studies, science, reading, and writing curricula.

 

Educational Exploration programs are three hours long and are offered in the morning or in the afternoon and range from the minimum cost of $85 for members to $105 for non-members per lesson for one to three children. To book private lessons, call the Institute’s Education Department at 860-868-0518, Ext. 103 or email education@iaismuseum.org. Siblings, cousins, neighbors, and friends are welcome. There is an additional per child charge of $20 for more than three children. Wigwam Escape, an award-winning escape room can be included in any program for an additional fee.

 

Educational Exploration programs can be customized based on age, the number of participants, and topics for an additional fee. Students and staff are required to wear masks inside the museum. First aid and CPR certified staff members will be present at all times

 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th 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,

 

See Wampum Demonstration with Top Native American Artist Sept. 19 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Wampum has been treasured for its' beauty, spiritual and social bonds by Native peoples of New England and beyond for centuries. On, Saturday, September 19 visitors to The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut will find out why wampum has been revered for so long and what it means to Native people. 

Today, Native artists continue to craft wampum jewelry and belts to record tribal history. To learn about the significance of wampum and how it continues to provide social and spiritual bonds among Native peoples, visitors are invited to join Allen Hazard, of the Narragansett tribe and one of the most well-known wampum artists in the country for an outdoor presentation about wampum from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Hazard is a renowned jewelry sculptor and wampum artist that will share both the traditional way wampum was made and how he uses modern tools and techniques to create handcrafted bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and medallions. Hazard’s designs are inspired by his Narragansett heritage and from the generations of his family members that have passed this art form down.

A highlight of this demonstration is to watch the remarkable processes of how wampum is made from two different shells. The white pieces of wampum are made from the whelk, a sea snail, and the purple pieces are made from a quahog. These shells are found in the ocean water south of Cape Cod to New York, with an abundance of them in Long Island Sound. Another interesting aspect is how Hazard uses modern tools such as wet saws and dremels to show how he makes modern wampum jewelry based on his cultural traditions.

The color of the beads had meaning for the Algonquians that lived in the Eastern Woodlands. The white beads represented purity and light and were used as gifts to mark important events like births and marriages. The purple beads represented serious events like war or death. The combination of these beads represents the duality of the world, light, and darkness, man, and woman, life, and death.

This program is included in the price of admission: IAIS members are free, Adults are $10, seniors are $8, and children are $6. Please call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org to reserve your spot. In accordance with health protocols, when attending this event, masks are required inside the museum and outside the museum when you are within six feet of other visitors, museum staff, or visiting presenters. This program is partially funded through a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located 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.

Take a September Cruise with the Norwalk Seaport Association

 A cruise with the Seaport Association through the Norwalk River into Long Island Sound is blissful on an autumn day. This cruise is just long enough, about two hours, to feel refreshed and recharged when you are back on land. There are 25 islands that stretch about six miles from Norwalk to Westport located about a mile off the coast.

Geologically, the islands are considered to be terminal moraines that consist of materials left by the last glacier. Some islands are rather large and others are mounds of boulders, silt, clay, sand, and vegetation from trees and beach roses to tall seagrass that sways in the breeze. These islands act as a barrier to rough seas and are one of the things that boaters like about Norwalk Harbor. This area is designated as a federal navigation channel of recreational and small harbor variety.

The cruise begins just past the Metro-North Rail Bridge and goes under the Stroffolino Bridge, a bascule bridge spanning the Norwalk River that swings upward to provide clearance for boat traffic. Mr. Stroffolino was active in the passage of a bill in the 1949 General Assembly that gave the bridge and Rte. 136 to Connecticut.

As the vessel makes its' way through Norwalk Harbor and into Long Island Sound, passengers will see Isochoda Yacht Club, one of the oldest in America founded in 1886, and Calf Pasture Beach that was used for disembarkation and encampment during the Tryon raid of the American Revolutionary War in 1779. Passengers will also glide by many of Norwalk's Islands, many with large homes on them including "Tavern Island" that was the home of Billy Rose in the 1920s, a famous entertainer and bootlegger that used this island for rum-running. 

The Islands of Norwalk are surrounded by oyster beds that are marked by stakes with red flags on them. At one time oystering was one of the lynchpins of Norwalk's economy and the city's primary industry. Oystering declined for many reasons in the 19th century, but today in the 21st century it has made a strong comeback. Part of the thrill of a cruise to Sheffield Island is to watch the oyster boats hard at work. Watching oystermen hauling up their catch of the day is an activity that has embodied the history of Norwalk for centuries and is still a commodity that the city is known for.

A highlight any time of year on this cruise is to get a water view of the three historic lighthouses that lie off Norwalk's coast, two spark plug lighthouses, Greens Ledge and Peck Ledge and, the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, the crown jewel of Connecticut's maritime heritage. Located on the 57 acre Sheffield Island the Lighthouse is on the National Historic Register and is owned, maintained, and preserved by the Seaport Association. In addition to the Lighthouse, there are many wading birds that make the island their home including the roseate tern, Brant, scouter, black duck, and other waterfowl. Nesting birds on the island include ospreys and herons. Always keep an eye peeled for harbor seals that frequent the southwest end of the island.

The Seaport Association is offering sunset cruises Wednesdays - Sundays as well as two daily cruises on Saturdays and Sundays. Please purchase your tickets in advance https://www.seaport.org/sunset-cruises The comfort and safety of all passengers and staff are important to the Seaport Association, for a complete list of safety protocols https://www.seaport.org/covid-protocol. The vessel is limited to twenty-five passengers and masks must be worn throughout the entire cruise. The vessel is also available for charter, for additional information call 203-838-9444. To help preserve and maintain Sheffield Island Lighthouse please visit the gofundme page https://www.gofundme.com/f/preserve-the-sheffield-island-lighthouse

The Wonders of Wampum @ Institute for American Indian Studies September 19, 2020

Wampum has been treasured for its' beauty, spiritual and social bonds by Native peoples of New England and beyond for centuries. On, Saturday, September 19 visitors to The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut will find out why wampum has been revered for so long and what it means to Native people. 

Today, Native artists continue to craft wampum jewelry and belts to record tribal history. To learn about the significance of wampum and how it continues to provide social and spiritual bonds among Native peoples, visitors are invited to join Allen Hazard, of the Narragansett tribe for an outdoor presentation about wampum from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hazard is a renowned jewelry sculptor and wampum artist that will share both the traditional way wampum was made and how he uses modern tools and techniques to create hand-crafted bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and medallions. 

A highlight of this demonstration is to watch the remarkable processes of how wampum is made from two different shells.  The white pieces of wampum are made from the whelk, a sea snail, and the purple pieces are made from a quahog.  These shells are found in the ocean water south of Cape Cod to New York, with an abundance of them in Long Island Sound.  

The color of the beads had meaning for the Algonquians, that lived in the Eastern Woodlands.  The white beads represented purity and light and were used as gifts to mark important events like births and marriages. The purple beads represented serious events like war or death.  The combination of these beads represent the duality of the world, light, and darkness, man, and woman, life, and death.

This program is included in the price of admission: IAIS members are free, Adults are $10, Seniors are $8 and children are $6. Please call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org to reserve your spot. In accordance with health protocols, when attending this event, masks are required inside the museum and outside the museum when you are within six feet of other visitors, museum staff, or visiting presenters. This program is partially funded through a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located 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.

Virtual Program Hosted by Torrington Historical Society September 9

The Torrington Historical Society is excited to offer several FREE virtual programs for the fall 2020 season. This series of programs is sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities.  The first program, Pushing Past “No”:  Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Success, will be presented by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 9^th at 6 pm, via Zoom.  

In order to view this online program, attendees must first download and install Zoom.  Registrants will be sent a link for the program.   Attendance is limited; to register for Pushing Past No, please visit the Society’s website, www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org. 

Pushing Past “No” is inspired by some of Connecticut’s remarkable women who overcame obstacles and objections to achieve great things! Learn from the determination of women in science and medicine like Barbara McClintock, Helen Smits and Emeline Roberts Jones; women pioneers in law like Constance Baker Motley and Torrington native Patricia Wald; female sports icons like Joan Joyce and Donna Lopiano, and others from across all fields of endeavor.

To learn more about upcoming programs or to add your name to the         Society’s email list, please visit the Torrington Historical Society website, www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.