Pressed for Time: Botanical Collecting as Genteel Pastime or Scientific Pursuit?

Now through March 3, the Bruce Museum located on One Museum Drive in Greenwich is hosting the exhibition Pressed for Time: Botanical Collecting as Genteel Pastime or Scientific Pursuit?  that will introduce visitors to the hobby and profession of plant collecting around the turn of the nineteenth century. Presented in the Bantle Lecture Gallery, Pressed for Time: Botanical Collecting as Genteel Pastime or Scientific Pursuit? will be on view through March 3, 2019.

Starting in the 1820s, botanical collecting became a hugely popular outdoor activity for both amateurs and professionals. Plant collecting was an acceptable activity for women, children, and gentlemen alike. For decades, amateurs and academics respected each other as colleagues, publishing articles in the same journals, exchanging specimens, and considered one another peers.

But by 1900, a divide developed between the two camps that fractured the former collaborative spirit. As botanists moved toward academic and scholarly work, local clubs of amateur enthusiasts carried on the tradition of collecting and pressing plants as a hobby.

Highlighting amateur collectors in Connecticut from 1885 – 1944, this exhibition presents beautiful and fragile historical herbarium specimens. These pressed and dried plants were carefully mounted on paper sheets for both study and pleasure. The process preserved valuable biological information, making these artful arrangements useful for decades after collection.

Examples of specimens from seven different collectors help to illustrate the diverse personalities who collected and preserved the local flora. Some collected for purely scientific reasons; others to enjoy like-minded company and relaxing walks in nature.

Today, these striking specimens are often admired for their aesthetics. While framed antique herbarium sheets are now popular home décor, this trend disassociates them from scientific use. Many of these antique pressings are still beneficial to science by providing information such as distribution through time and the effects of climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Historical and modern botanical specimens can also provide genetic material for taxonomic research, allow for investigation of past chemical usage, and aid in teaching plant identifications.

“What we hope visitors will learn from this exhibition is that the era during which these botanical specimens were collected was a moment in time that can never be recreated,” says Timothy Walsh, Collections Manager and the Curator of the exhibition. “Leisure time abounded, distractions were fewer, and people had a closer relationship with the natural world. Fortunately, we have these marvelous records from days past to learn from and to enjoy.”

Pressed for Time draws primarily from the museum’s own collections, but also includes specimens generously on loan from the Wilton Garden Club and Greenwich Historical Society. The Bruce Museum is grateful for the support of this exhibition from The Charles M. and Deborah G. Royce Exhibition Fund and the Connecticut Office of the Arts.

Bruce Museum's Study Reveals Ancient DNA Reveals Lost Penguin Species

The raft of penguin species that once frolicked in the southern seas has grown, thanks to some modern sleuthing by DNA-tracking paleontologists. The fascinating finding of how the species came to be is tempered by its apparently abrupt demise following the arrival of humans to the isolated shores they inhabited for millennia.

In the study, published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, an international team of researchers extracted mitochondrial DNA from subfossil bones discovered in sand dunes on the Chatham Islands, an island archipelago about 500 miles east of mainland New Zealand. By comparing the mitochondrial genomes of all living and recently extinct penguin species, the team established that the bones belonged to a new species of crested penguin and demonstrated that the formation of islands helped drive penguin diversification.

“The existence of a lost species had been suspected by Alan Tennyson (a co-author on the study), who previously examined penguin bones from these islands, but we needed DNA to test that idea,” says Theresa Cole, PhD candidate at Otago University in New Zealand and lead author of the study. The team named the new crested penguin species Eudyptes warhami, in honor of Dr. John Warham, who carried out pioneering studies on crested penguins in New Zealand.

That was not all the bones had to say, however. “The study also turned up a complete surprise – revealing that some smaller bones also collected at the site belonged to a dwarf subspecies of the yellow-eyed penguin,” says Cole. The team classified the dwarf penguin as Megadyptes antipodes richdalei, in honor of the late Dr. Lance Richdale, an expert on modern yellow-eyed penguins.

“These are magnificent fossils, combining beautiful skeletal preservation with intact DNA,” says Dr. Daniel Ksepka, Curator of Science at the Bruce Museum and a co-author on the paper. “They tell a cautionary tale, for this crested penguin species persisted for two million years only to be snuffed out in the blink of an eye. The dwarf yellow-eyed penguin reveals a different kind of tragedy -- it seems to have started on its way to becoming a distinct species, but had its evolutionary journey cut short before it had the chance.”

The penguins appear to have been wiped out when humans arrived in the thirteenth century and began hunting them for food. “Evidence suggests Eudyptes warhami vanished from the Chatham Islands soon after humans arrived,” says Cole. “In fact, some of the bones we studied were found in middens, representing leftovers from cooking sites.”

A major finding from the study is that many penguin species appear to have arisen soon after the emergence of recently formed islands, such as the Chatham Islands, Antipodes Islands, and Galápagos Islands. Cole notes: “From an evolutionary perspective, it’s fascinating to understand how and why species evolve. We were able to provide a framework for exploring these questions, and demonstrated for the first time that islands may have played a key role in penguin evolution.”

Why the link to islands? “Penguins need environments free of land predators to lay their eggs and raise their chicks,” says Ksepka. “As new islands formed due to volcanic activity or sea level change, penguins set up new breeding colonies. After thousands of generations of returning to the same islands each year, a population of penguins could become genetically distinct and split into a new species.”

Ksepka hopes that the new study will serve as a reminder of the need for conservation efforts. “For a long time, we thought penguins escaped the wave of human-driven extinctions that wiped out birds like the dodo, which disappeared in the seventeenth century, and the Great Auk, which became extinct in the mid-nineteenth century,” Ksepka says. “Finding evidence that these penguins perished should remind us that we need to be even more careful with the species remaining under our stewardship.”

Northlight Art Center Student Show @ Sharon Historical Society

The Sharon Historical Society & Museum is hosting the 9th Annual Northlight Art Center Student Show which runs from through March 8, 2019. 

The public is invited to visit the Gallery at the Museum to enjoy a broad variety of artworks created over the past year by students of all ages, including drawings, pastels, watercolors, acrylic and oil paintings, representing a wide range of subject matter. Most of the artworks will be available for purchase. A portion of all purchase proceeds will support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum's mission.

Northlight Art Center was founded in 2010 by artist Pieter Lefferts. NAC, originally located in Sharon and now operating in Amenia, offers art classes for all ages taught by working professional artists in drawing, painting, photography and more. 

Gallery SHS is located in the Sharon Historical Society & Museum at 18 Main Street in Sharon, CT. Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and by appointment. For more information and directions to Gallery SHS, call (860) 364-5688. For additional information about the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, visit www.sharonhist.org.

February Fun @ White Memorial Foundation

White Memorial Foundation located in the heart of Litchfield is the largest nature center in the State of Connecticut.  Each month they offer a series of programs for children, adults, and families that are sure to chase the winter blues away and educate and engage at the same time.  Children 12 and under get into the Museum free at White Memorial with one paying adult from Feb. 16-22 providing a terrific opportunity to explore the natural wonders on display here.

On February 16 a team of experts on the Arctic joins museum staff for a full day of programing. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with Gerri Griswold’s stunning visual presentation of her winter exploits in Iceland. Griswold has made Iceland her second home, having visited 49 times since 2002. At 11:00 a.m., you’ll hear from Iceland’s Arctic Fox expert, Ester Rut Unnsteinsdóttir. Follow Ester’s research in Iceland’s remote Western Fjords. You will be captivated by her words and photographs. At 12:00 p.m., Tom Alena will wow you with his knowledge of the Northern Lights lavishly illustrated with photographs from Iceland’s Keeper of the Northern Lights, Olgeir Andresson (www.olgeir.com). After a quick break for lunch, the afternoon programs kick off at 2:00 p.m.; Joseph Meehan will talk about his experiences with Narwhals. Meehan is an expedition and documentary photographer for Smithsonian-sponsored research on the Narwhal, undertaken by Dr. Martin Nweeia. Explorer and Arctic Expert Moki Kokoris will wrap up the day at 3:00 p.m. with a joyful program devoted to the many cultural facets of the Arctic. This hands-on program is utterly breathtaking! Pack a lunch! Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be provided. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, A. B. Ceder Room. Members and Non Members:  $10.00 per program or, for Members only, a $30.00 All Day Pass! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. The festival is limited to 30 participants per program! Register early! Call 860-567-0857 or register online at www.whitememorialcc.org.

If you want an unusual stroll through the Connecticut woodlands take a one hour walk with a llama on a beautiful trail! The cost is $20 per person with a percentage donated to the White Memorial Conservation Center.   The walk starts at 2:00 p.m.and participants should meet in the Museum parking lot. Call Debbie from Country Quilt Llama Farm at 860-248-0355 to pre-register or to schedule your very own private llama walk.

On Feb. 22 there is a star party that has been organized by the members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Weather permitting, there will be star-gazing after the program. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars. FREE… Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

On February 23 there will be an Evening with Abe:1863 and highlights will include Lincoln's most remarkable year.  Guests will enjoy listening to Howard Wright as President Abraham Lincoln. Dressed in precise period attire and speaking with a Kentucky accent, Lincoln’s mannerisms, speaking style, and humanity flows over the listener with each moving sentence, witty observance, or eloquent description of a tortuous time that was the Civil War. From the Gettysburg Address to a multitude of letters, speeches, or quotes, to the Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln’s leadership through a troubled time saved the Union. Howard Wright is an inspiring embodiment of Abraham Lincoln, especially to those who want to hear “Lincoln” speak his words. This program begins at 7:00 p.m.,  and will be held in the A. B. Ceder Room on the grounds of the Foundation. Members: $15.00, Non-Members: $30.00, Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 or register online: www.whitememorialcc.org. Light refreshments will be served.

Flanders Holding “Days Off From School” Day Camps for Kids In February

While off from school for the February break on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, February 15^th, 18th and 19^th kids in grades kindergarten through 5th are invited to come to Flanders to experience “Amazing Animals” where they will spend time discovering the wonderful world of animals. Centered at the Flanders trail house they will hike the trails and learn how to track animals active in winter. They will also visit the animals that make their home in the Flanders North Barn to search for the eggs that the hens have laid and learn new facts about farmyard animals.

These will be fun-filled days packed with exploring the great outdoors, learning about the wonderful world of all types of animals as well as age-appropriate stories, games, and crafts. We will care for them, entertain them and educate them while giving them a fun, memorable day!

Preregistration is required. Flanders is offering three different sessions for each of these special fun days. Choose the morning session from 9AM to 1PM, the afternoon session from 1-5PM or a full day session which goes from 9AM -5PM.

Parents are asked to have their children dress for the weather and to bring a bag lunch or snack.  Pre-registration is required. The cost per child each day for either the morning or afternoon session is $30 members and $40 for nonmembers. Full day cost for each day is $60 for members and $80 for nonmembers. Early care is available at $8 per hour.

To register, call Flanders at (203) 263-3711, extension 10.

For a full listing of all the programs for kids and adults coming up at Flanders visit www.flandersnaturecenter.orghttp://www.flandersnaturecenter.org or find more details on their Facebook page.

                                           About Flanders

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust acquires, preserves and manages land; and uses the land to promote understanding and appreciation of nature, art, and the environment. Founded by artist, farmer, and environmentalist Natalie Van Vleck, Flanders provides a variety of environmental education programs year-round, designed to bring a deeper understanding of art, nature and farming to children, youth and adults in the Woodbury region and throughout Connecticut.

                            

                    

Ale to the Chief @ Westport Historical Society

Do you know a beer lover and are looking for a fun Valentine's Day event?  The Westport Historical Society is hosting an event, Ale to the Chief! on Feb. 22 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the museum.

Participants are invited to toast President Washington on his 287th birthday with his favorite libation and nibbles! Join WHS as we serve ale made from Washington’s own recipe as well as Madeira–his drink of choice. Food of the kind the first president would have enjoyed will be served. WHS Presidential Ale produced courtesy of Full Moon Brewing and Charter Oaks Brewing Company and Madeira wine, courtesy of Black Bear Wine & Spirits. Food prepared from colonial recipes by Westport’s own Four Brothers restaurant.  

There will also be drawings to win a growler of Presidential Ale and a signed copy of Executive Director, Ramin Ganeshram’s new historical novel The General’s Cook, about George Washington’s enslaved celebrity chef, Hercules. 

Tickets are $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Day of price is $75, to purchase tickets click here or call 203-222-1424 x5.

Audubon Sharon hosts MapleFest along with Maple Bake Sale March 16

Audubon Sharon will be holding its annual MapleFest on Saturday, March 16 between 11am  and 4 pm at the Sharon Audubon Center, Route 4, Sharon, CT.  On-going guided 45-minute tours will lead visitors through the Center’s sugaring operation, including a working sugarhouse and a re-creation of Native American and early colonial sugaring methods.  

Participants can watch as pure sugar maple sap is collected from the trees and turned into delicious maple syrup.  Admission for the event is $6.00 adults and $4.00 children (2 and under free.) Wear warm clothes and boots, as much of the tour is outdoors.  

Fresh, homemade maple baked goods and coffee will also be available for purchase during the day as part of the Maple Bake Sale. Each treat will be made with the Center’s very own maple syrup!  Fresh syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last, as well as locally made maple candy, maple cream, and maple sugar.

For more information on MapleFest or the Audubon Sharon sugaring operation, contact the Audubon Center at (860) 364-0520, visit www.sharon.audubon.org, or like us on Facebook.

Audubon Sharon hosts MapleFest along with Maple Bake Sale

Audubon Sharon will be holding its annual MapleFest on Saturday, March 16 between 11am  and 4 pm at the Sharon Audubon Center, Route 4, Sharon, CT.  On-going guided 45-minute tours will lead visitors through the Center’s sugaring operation, including a working sugarhouse and a re-creation of Native American and early colonial sugaring methods.  

Participants can watch as pure sugar maple sap is collected from the trees and turned into delicious maple syrup.  Admission for the event is $6.00 adults and $4.00 children (2 and under free.) Wear warm clothes and boots, as much of the tour, is outdoors.  

Fresh, homemade maple baked goods and coffee will also be available for purchase during the day as part of the Maple Bake Sale. Each treat will be made with the Center’s very own maple syrup!  Fresh syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last, as well as locally made maple candy, maple cream and maple sugar.

For more information on MapleFest or the Audubon Sharon sugaring operation, contact the Audubon Center at (860) 364-0520, visit www.sharon.audubon.org, or like us on Facebook.

The Magic of Courting FLutes

The Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington has a perfectly unique way to top off Valentine's Day week.  On Saturday, February 16 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Ojibway artist, and musician Allan Madahbee will explain the cultural significance and the hauntingly beautiful sound of the Native American courting flute.   The flute is deeply rooted in the traditions of Eastern Woodland indigenous peoples. 

Today, makers of Native American Flutes like Ojibway artist and musician AllanMadahbee craft their personal style and sound into their creations.   Madahbee began to research the Chippewa flute culture and was influenced and mentored by Joseph Firecrow of the Cheyenne Nation. "We became friends and he provided guidance and feedback and explained some of his methods of flute making. With his passing last year, we have all lost a great Native American flute maker and musician. I am proud to continue our flute making traditions." The sound of the courting flute that is usually made of cedar has an uncommon scale for Western music and is entrancing.

Born on the shores of Lake Huron, Allan Madahbee is a member of the  Ojibway (Chippewa) Nation that has pursued the traditional arts and crafts of his ancestors. He has been making Native American flutes for about ten years. "I had always thought they were a product of the Southwest Indian tribes, but a book that I found that was written during the 1800s about Chippewa culture, had a passage about the Chippewa flutes, along with pictures. This made me realize that they were indeed a part of my Chippewa culture. Knowing that my ancestors constructed these flutes for hundreds of years has inspired me to continue this tradition. Also, the haunting sound from these mystical instruments is a large part of my inspiration."

Along with constructing Woodland flutes, beaded moccasins, woodcarvings, Native American regalia, and rock sculptures, Madahbee always returns to his artistic roots in paintings. Mainly self-taught, Madahbee attended school with fellow Ojibway artists Blake Debassige and James Simon - two well known Anishnawbe artists that are respected and have their paintings displayed around the world.

Space is limited and reservations are suggested.  To make sure you get a spot call the Institute for American IndianStudies at (860) 868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org to reserve your spot.  The program is included in the price of admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 children; IAIS Members free.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

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.

 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.