Art of Tin Punching Workshop for Kids @ Wilton Historical Society

On January 11from 11 am - 12:30 pm the Wilton Historical Society is offering a special workshop for kids focusing on the art of tin punching. The tin lanterns that illuminated front porches and parlors throughout Europe can be traced to at least the early 16th century. By the Colonial era, tin punching added a bit of variety to the traditional choices of tin lanterns fitted with panes of glass or cow horn. 

Lanterns with those original types of panes could still be punched, but tinsmiths might bypass panes altogether if they made enough holes to let sufficient light shine through." Colonial Williamsburg website
 

Museum Educator Katherine Karlik will talk about tin punching, and about William and Edward Pattinson,  brothers who settled in Connecticut around 1740  and established the first tin shop in America.  

The workshop project is making a rectangular placard that can be used as a wall hanging, featuring a simple dot and dash design.  This workshop is suggested for ages two - six.

Children will help make their own snacks.

Experience the Wolf Moon Institute for American Indian Studies, January 11

A walk in the winter woods with the educators of the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is an ideal way to celebrate the first full moon of 2020. This walk will begin at 7:30 p.m. on January 11 and traverse the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the Institute. This event is free for Museum Members and $5 for non-members.

A full moon occurs every 27 days and this particular full moon is the Wolf Moon that just happens to coincide with an eclipse, the first of six to happen this year. The shadow of this penumbral lunar eclipse (only visible in Alaska, Greenland, and parts of northern and eastern Canada) will give the moon a tea-stained color for a few hours. Astronomers estimate the moon will peak around 7:30 p.m. The winter sky is also bright with constellations, especially Orion's belt so be sure to bring your binoculars or telescope. 

Many Native American communities call the January full moon the Wolf Moon because wolves are heard more often at this time of year. It was thought that they howled because they are defending their territory and locating pack members to go hunting. Other traditional names for the January full moon include the Cold Moon, the Old Moon, and the Great Spirit Moon.

A highlight of the walk will be to learn about the phenomena that people in the Eastern Woodlands have been experiencing for thousands of years. After this walk, you will look up at the full moon with a new appreciation of it and, new knowledge that has been passed down through the centuries. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored and built 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire and hot chocolate will greet hikers. 

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.

See Majestic Eagles Swoop, Glide, Dip, and Dive At Annual Eagle Watch In the Litchfield Hills

An outdoor buffet in winter may not sound tempting to most of us, but to our national bird, the regal American bald eagle, it is a rare treat. When fishing grounds in their homes further north freeze over, these graceful birds make an annual journey to the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River in Southbury, in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills.

They favor this spot because the turbulent waters of the dam not only prevent freezing but push fish to the surface, easy pickings for eagles who can swoop down and feast on their favorite dish. Thrilling to see in full flight, the majestic bald eagle can measure 34 to 43 inches in length with a wingspan of six to seven and a half feet.

Their flight speed is between 36 to 44 miles per hour. Everyone is invited to view these fascinating winter guests at the Eagle Observation Area near the Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station. An organized eagle watch takes place every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 12.

Admission is free but since space is limited reservations are required; group and individual reservations are accepted. In addition to eagle viewing,the CT Audubon will host birds of Prey show on Saturdays throughout the viewing season. This year for the first time reservations can be made on-line 

The shelter, maintained by FirstLight Power Resources, is located 1000 feet from the river, affording safety for the eagles while providing an excellent vantage point. High powered telescopes are set up on tripods for visitors. Knowledgeable Audubon volunteers are on hand to assist in spotting and answer questions about the birds.

The volunteers maintain a helpful website, https://www.firstlightpower.com/recreation/?location_id=397 with information about eagles and recent visitor statistics. Reservations can be made on this site. Nearly 148,000 people have visited the observation area since it was opened to the public in 1986. On an average day in past years, six or seven eagles were sighted, but lucky viewers on the best days in the past have spotted as many as 15 to 21 eagles in action. Chances are best on cold clear days when the surfaces of most other rivers and ponds have frozen. Visitors are advised to dress warmly in layers and to allow plenty of time to wait for the eagle action to begin. 

2020 Holiday Pricing @ Lime Rock through January 2, 2020

If you are a fan of Lime Rock Park, in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, make sure you check out their website by January 2, 2020, for their special holiday pricing.

Tickets for the 2020 Majors are now on sale. Save up to 40 percent on weekend passes and race day tickets and get ready to rev up your 2020. Purchase your tickets online and print them at home to stuff the stocking or add them to a gift basket from the Lime Rock Park Store.

Tickets offered include the touring car festival featuring TC America and Pirelli GT4 America on May 8-9, the Memorial Day Classic featuring Trans Am, SVRA and the Sunday Royals Car Show on May 22-25, the New England Regionals on June 12-13 and the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge July 17-18.  A fall favorite, the Historic Festival 38 and Sunday in the Park Concours on Sept. 4-7 is also being offered.

For ticket information  https://limerock.com/HolidayPricing2020

Make a Native American Ornament @ Institute for American Indian Studies Dec. 22

Recognizing art and crafts, as an intrinsic and essential element of Native American life, the Institute for American Indian Studies​is hosting a  program on December 22, 2019, designed to foster a better understanding of the artistic and oral history of Native American culture. 

If you have kids and are looking for an engaging activity in December, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington CT to participate in this series of programs that are sure to entertain and educate. Best of all, these programs are free with the price of admission; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children.

On Sunday, December 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Institute’s Educational Department has organized an afternoon of craft programs that will encourage self-expression. At these workshops, kids will express their creativity by learning about the world that surrounds them and connecting to Native American culture that offers thousands of years of history right in their own backyard. A highlight of this program will be to make a Native American themed holiday ornament.

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 a 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.

For This Years Gift - Give An Experience – Wigwam Escape

Why give just a gift when you can give an experience...one that will take participants back centuries in the award-winning escape room – Wigwam Escape at the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

In an immersive woodland setting with no locks, keys, cell phones, computers, or clocks. Wigwam Escape's thematic puzzles challenge game players to hunt and gather, find water and prepare food similar to how Native people did hundreds of years ago. 

This highly acclaimed escape room was a feature pick for Yankee Magazine’s Travel Summer Guide and awarded  “2019 Best Escape Room” by Connecticut Magazine. This extraordinary escape room was also a recipient of the prestigious Award of Merit, 2019 from the Connecticut League of History Organizations.

Wigwam Escape is the perfect gift for people that enjoy an adventure that challenges and educates at the same time. Best of all it provides a chance to bond with friends and family while using your puzzle-solving skills to beat the clock and escape the room.

Wigwam Escape Room gift certificates are available online at https://wigwamescape.org/book-now. For questions and any additional details call 860-868-0518. This is one gift that friends and family will be talking about for years to come!

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 a 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.

Ho Ho Ho – The Joy of Gifting with the Seaport Association

With just two weeks to go until Christmas Day, the Seaport Association in Norwalk Connecticut has made sure there is no “Claus” for alarm come December 25 by offering a collection of extraordinary gifts. The Seaport Association has just opened an online store making shopping for friends and family super easy. All gift certificates are available by calling 203-838-9444 or online at https://www.seaport.org/store

There is no time like the present to shop the Seaport’s collection of wonderful gift certificates that are sure to please foodies and those that enjoy on the water cruises with the added bonus of songs, sunset, and a historic lighthouse.

A gift honoring the past with a special Seaport Legacy Brick is always appreciated. The Seaport’s Legacy Brick program allows families and friends to etch their name into the history of Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Legacy bricks can be customized and commemorate a treasured individual, a milestone, or immortalize your family name by being part of the walkway entrance to the Lighthouse. Legacy Bricks come in two sizes 4x4 @ $100 and 8x8 @ $199.

For foodies there are certificates for clambakes that take place in the newly constructed timber pavilion during the months of July and August. This gift certificate includes a cruise to Sheffield Island, and an authentic New England clambake set against the backdrop of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse on our private island. Clambakes are $79 per person a $65 option is also available. The clambakes take every Thursday night, July –August.

If you have a music lover on your gift list, check out the Acoustic Cruise gift certificate and for those that enjoy sunset on the water the Friday and Saturday night sunset cruises are the ideal way to enjoy a summer weekend. There is also a family four-pack being offered that includes a cruise to Sheffield Island and tour of the Lighthouse and Light keepers’ cottage for two adults and two children for $70.

If you are looking for the truly extraordinary, book the entire island and ferry for your next soiree, corporate outing, or wedding. New this year the Seaport Association is offering a four-hour rental of Sheffield Island including transportation for 49 people at $2,500! If you want to do something truly remarkable, this is it! The Seaport’s staff is happy to assist you with all your catering needs. Why rent a room or banquet hall when you can rent your own private island and boat! https://www.seaport.org/store