Bullets, Bonds, and Butter: Wilton Responds to War, 1776 – 2006

The Wilton Historical Society has a new exhibit that is running through September 14, 2019, called Bullets, Bonds and Butter: Wilton Responds to War, 1776-2006. 

This new exhibition at the Wilton Historical Society, located on 224 Danbury Road in Wilton commemorates the contributions of both the soldiers and the townsfolk who have answered the call of war.  While troops fought on the front lines, back at home, Wilton residents of all ages were engaged in supporting the war effort in ways both large and small. Rationing, writing letters to the troops, knitting socks and making bandages, buying war bonds, manufacturing diverse supplies, spotting airplanes from observation towers, collecting scrap, sending soccer balls to underprivileged children around the world, and in some cases, protesting against war were all part of the response.  

Bullets, Bonds, and Butter: Wilton Responds to War, 1776 – 2006 includes material from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, and the war in Iraq. 

To mark the anniversary of the birth of the American Legion in March of 1919, the Wilton Historical Society worked with Adjutant Tom Moore of Wilton’s James B. Whipple Post 86 to develop a special section on the history of the organization, which includes some of their artifacts.

The Wilton Historical Society is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. 

Party Time @ the Palace - May 17

he annual fundraising event that culminates another successful theatrical season happens on Friday May 17 when " PALACE 10.4  aka Party at the Palace" returns for its fifth year! Be there  to celebrate with a one-of-a-kind experience that invites guests to explore a century of good times at this remarkable venue throughout six different spaces in the theater, each filled with entertainment, specialty bars, and plentiful food stations. Tickets are $75 and include food plus two drink coupons. Purchase tickets at the box office 203.346.2000 on-line www.palacetheaterct.org or in person at 100 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT.

The annual "Party at the Palace" returns for its fifth year! Be there as we celebrate the culmination of the Palace’s 2018–2019 season with a one-of-a-kind experience that invites guests to explore six different parties in the theater, each buzzing with live entertainment, specialty bars, and plentiful food stations.

The festivities kick off outside at 5pm with Cajun Ray and the Steamers jamming on the Loading Dock, where attendees enjoy complimentary craft beer tastings and treats from local restaurants, before the theater doors open up at 6pm to the Grand Foyer. Thomas Chute from WATR Radio, 1320 am serenades the audience with the assistance of Sean Lewis on piano.

The calypso rhythm of Caribbean steel drums from the Roylety Steel Pan Band brings the party upstairs to the Mezzanine at 8pm. At the same time, in the more intimate Poli Club, patrons can listen to acoustic musical entertainment from Charlie Apicella & Iron City, Joe Carter, and Eran Troy Danner while they enjoy a drink, and catch up with friends. The next stop is the Main Stage, featuring Timmy Maia, where guests can boogie the night away, before ending the evening on a high note with a nightcap and today's hits in the Orchestra Bar Lobby provided by Powerstation Events.

Whether you stay in one place or sample all the locations, guests are guaranteed an incomparable night of interactive entertainment at the Palace.

Tickets: $75
Includes food, two drink tickets and complimentary beer tasting

Food Vendors: Emily's Catering, Domenic & Pia Pizzeria, Frankie's Hot Dogs, Sweet Maria's, The Art of Yum

Special Thanks to our Sponsors: ION Bank, Powerstation Events, Emily’s Catering, the law firm of Carmody, Torrance, Sendak , Hennessey, DNR Laboratories, Barter Business Unlimited, City of Waterbury Arts & Tourism commission, Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation,  Universal Copy, International  Association of Stage and Theatrical Employees 74, the Republican-American and WATR 1320 AM.

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Photo credit – Palace 10.3 revelers  May 2018 Dorian Mode Photography

About the Palace Theater

The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.

INCREDIBLE INVENTORS: WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

The Osborn Homestead Museum in Derby is celebrating the 143rd birthday of  Frances Osborne Kellogg’s with a photo exhibition celebrating the achievements of female inventors and innovators during the month of May.

Born on May 11, 1876, during the Victorian Era, Frances was a Renaissance woman who was involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields—managing her factories, breeding prized Holstein-Friesian cattle, and playing and teaching the violin. Additionally, her family had several patents in garment accessories and building design.

In the 1890s, when Frances was a young woman on the verge of taking over her family’s businesses, 58 percent of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students were girls.  By 1955, a year before Frances’ death, girls represented less than half of all STEM students. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization 2016 report, women worldwide represent 35 percent of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study. Frances was an advocate of higher education for girls and women, and this special exhibition is meant to inspire and bring attention to the incredible women leaders in STEAM from Frances’ time to today.

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum throughout the month of May and learn about the women who changed the world! The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off of Rte. 34 in Derby. For additional information call (203) 734-2513.

Before the Bow and Arrow Atlatl Workshop @ Institute For American Indian Studies

 When people think of Native American tools, bows, and arrows are among the first things that spring to mind, and with good reason.  Just about every Native American community had some form of a bow and arrow that was used for hunting or warfare, and sometimes for both.  

Before the bow and arrow, Native Americans, along with people from many other cultures worldwide used something called an Atlatl for hunting and fishing.  Essentially an atlatl is a dart thrower that allows hunters to throw a dart or arrow farther and faster than by hand alone. To learn more about this ancient technology and to make and throw your own atlatl, The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a very special workshop, Atlatl Workshop with Susan Scherf, on May 11 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The Workshop

If you like to make things with your hands and test your skills, then this workshop is for you. Participants in the atlatl workshop will learn about the history and different designs of this useful tool that was used by Native Americans as well as by a multitude of cultures around the world. Under the guidance of  IAIS Educator, Susan Scherf, participants will learn about the different designs of this ancient weapon before making their own atlatl. 

The fun really begins with learning how to use your newly made atlatl and seeing how much farther your arrow goes.  The atlatl session ends with a friendly atlatl throwing competition.   If you become an atlatl fan, you might end up competing in atlatl competitions that are held throughout the world!

This workshop is $5 for members of the Institute and $15 for non-members and, an adult must accompany participants under 18.  To reserve your spot for this fun and educational workshop call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org.

About the Atlatl

An atlatl is one of humankind's first mechanical inventions that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world. Basically, an atlatl is a type of lever that was used to throw a spear farther and faster towards the quarry. The word atlatl comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs who were using them when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.

According to the World Atlatl Association, early people in the Americas used atlatls to hunt mammoths and mastodons around 11,000 years ago. Much later, a variety of atlatl types were used in different parts of North America. 

Atlatls continued to be used alongside bows and arrows by many Native Americans after the introduction of the bow.

Typically the projectile point or spear point was made of stone such as chert using a process known as flint knapping. The point was attached to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or birch.

In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as a counter-balance. Weights became more stylized and ornate using fine stone like banded slate to make each piece a unique work of art

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and 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 in Washington Connecticut.

Typically the projectile point of the spearhead was made of hard stone such as flint that was made by a Native American flintknapper.  The spearhead was attached to a wooden shaft made of hardwood such as ash, hickory, oak, cedar, walnut or birch.  The spear measured about 4 feet long and the atlatl thrower measured about two feet long and was typically made of wood or antler.

In time, an atlatl weight was added to the spear thrower as a counter-balance and good luck charm to help the hunter hit his quarry.  The spear holder was retained after the spear was thrown and sometimes a leather thong was attached to help the thrower retain it.

Birdstone weight

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, Wigwam Escape Room, 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 in Washington Connecticut.

MARINE LIFE ENCOUNTER CRUISES” OF THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK

Get a deeper new appreciation for Long Island Sound when you meet some of its resident fish, crabs and other creatures brought up wriggling and wet right out of the water right before your eyes, during a Marine Life Encounter Cruise offered by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

These fun and memorable outings will be offered on most Saturdays and Sundays in May and June, with departures at 1:15 p.m.  (There is no cruise on May 11.) Beginning June 25, they’ll run daily Tuesdays through Sundays through the summer.

The 2.5-hour cruises give participants close-up, often hands-on introductions to a variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other animals brought up onto the Aquarium’s research vessel.

“Any boat ride is fun, but the Aquarium’s cruises offer the exciting bonus of giving participants an amazing window into what’s below the waves,” said Aquarium spokesman Dave Sigworth.

The Marine Life Encounter Cruises bring up animals from different levels of the Sound’s depths. A video microscope hooked up to a giant-screen monitor provides a magnified look at wriggly plankton gathered at the sunlit surface. Sponges, mollusks, worms and tiny crabs are revealed to be hiding in a sample from the muddy bottom. And everyone inspects the trawl net's bounty: varieties of fish, crabs, mollusks and always a few surprises; maybe squid; maybe even a small shark!

Maritime Aquarium educators involve participants in the processes, including sorting through samples, logging data, helping to pull in the trawl net and returning animals to the water.

“Every cruise is different depending on what animals come up onto the boat,” Sigworth said. “And it is the thrill of witnessing first-hand how alive Long Island Sound is – even within sight of Manhattan – that will best inspire stewardship on behalf of the Sound.”

 Besides being fun and eye-opening, Marine Life Encounter Cruises also contribute to local scientific research. Water-chemistry and weather readings are taken. And details about the animals brought onboard are entered into the Aquarium’s Long Island Sound Biodiversity Project, a database of physical and biological features available online to teachers and researchers.

Cruises take place aboard R/V Spirit of the Sound, the first research vessel in the country with quiet and “green” hybrid-electric propulsion.

Through June 30, cost of a Marine Life Encounter Cruise is $29.95 per person ($24.95 for Maritime Aquarium members).  

The Maritime Aquarium’s cruises are perfect for family fun. However, all passengers must be at least 42 inches tall. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Capacity is limited so reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets will be sold space permitting.

Cruises depart from the dock near the Aquarium's IMAX Theater entrance.

Marine Life Encounter Cruises also are available by charter for schools, camps, Scouts and other groups.

To reserve your spot or for more details, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org/cruise-schedule or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.

Summer Camp @ Institute for American Indian Studies 2019 Explore, Create & Discover!

Spend the summer of 2019 @ The Institute For American Indian Studies!  Our camp programs offer an immersion into the natural world and culture of Connecticut's Eastern Woodland Native American people through the exploration of our replicated 16th century Algonkian Village, our forests, three sisters garden, and museum.  Experienced and professional educators provide young and curious minds with exciting programs that engage and educate.

The programming for the Institute for American Indian Studies Summer Camps have been created to inspire and engage children from ages  5-12 and 13 to 16 in explorations of the natural world and history of Connecticut's first inhabitants on Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended camp options available with pre-registration.  Young people from ages 13 - 16 can apply to a counselor in training program.  Interactive activities include traditional stories, crafts, team building activities, and games that bring history to life in age-appropriate contexts. Kids will explore hands-on exhibits in our museum as well as in our outdoor replicated 16th century outdoor Algonkian Village and Three Sisters Garden located on 15 unspoiled acres,  go on hikes to Steep Rock and the Shepaug River, and visit our traditional herb and flower garden.  The week specific programming includes a group project that allows campers to practice the skills that they have learned to create something to take home and share with their friends and family or to leave at the museum for future visitors to enjoy.  Kids will make friends, enjoy the summer and learn about Native American culture.

Weekly camps with different themes run from July 8 -August 16, 2019.  Kids that love archeology and wonder what tools archeologists use to discover the past will enjoy Digging Detectives: Archeology Week, July 8-12.  If your children are interested in food, Eating with the Seasons: Foraging in the Forest from July 15-19 teaches children how Native Americans were able to thrive in the natural world using their knowledge of the forest and rivers.  Crafty Creations week on July 22-26 is sure to inspire the budding artist in your child. In this program, kids will learn about crafts, music, arts, and storytelling from a variety of Native American cultures, past and present.

To experience the beautiful natural environment at The Institute as well as to sharpen outdoor survival skills, Get Out! Woodland Survival, July 29 - August 2 will teach children outdoor living skills from knot tying and navigation to the safe use of fire in an outdoor setting and much more.  On August 5-9, Tech It Out! Not So Primitive Technology will uncover the mysteries of the past and show kids how Native Americans figured out creative ways to thrive in their environment.  The creation of tools, the construction of shelter and how to find food in the natural world that surrounds them will be on this week's agenda.  The final program of the summer, Nature Nuts: Forest and River Ecology from August 12-16 teaches the valuable lesson that all living things are connected.  This important life lesson will be taught through games, stories, crafts and more.

For complete registration information, visit http://www.iaismuseum.org. Pricing is $228 for members of The Institute for American Indian Studies and $285 for non-members; families with two or more children registered to get a family discount. Registration forms and a non-refundable deposit of $100 is due by May 17, 2019.  The summer camp director is Gabriel Benjamin and he can be reached at gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org.