The Bristol Historical Society spends a lot of time celebrating things that have gone well: firsts, inventions, and successes. In the spirit of this month's Friday the 13th, however, they're going to focus on some things that...haven't gone as well. From the seedy to the sinister to the strange, they'll run through a few highlights (low points?) of Bristol 50, 75, and 100 years ago, to see how themes that played out across the country have turned up in some of our city's less successful news stories.
Friday, October 13, 2023
Friday the 13th - What Could Go Wrong?
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
FINDING YOUR BEARINGS OCTOBER 15 @ INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.
Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.
If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.
Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.
Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
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 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.
Friday, October 6, 2023
BraeVal New Fall Collection and the History of Houndstooth!
BraeVal located in the center of Litchfield Connecticut is one of the most unique stores in New England offering a superlative collection of distinctive clothing for men and women who love the great outdoors as well as a night out on the town.
Over the past 25-plus years BraeVal's collection of apparel has been thoughtfully curated by owner and designer Gregor McCluskey whose uncle, Big Jock McCluskey brought Scotland's Rob Roy MacGregor tartan to America in the 1800s. Part of BraeVal's new Fall 2023 collection includes shirts for men and women made out of houndstooth, named because this pattern resembles the uneven outline of a hound dog's tooth, hence its namesake.
Houndstooth originated sometime around 360 AD in the Scottish Lowlands near the Anglo-Saxon border, which is why it's also called Border Tartan. That said, Houndstooth is one of the most iconic patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. Although many tartans are associated with a clan, Houndstooth is thought to have been created by a non-clansman. This pattern was first worn by shepherds as camouflage because it made them look as though they were far away in the distance. Eventually, Houndstooth became a popular pattern of the upper-class society of the United Kingdom and is said to be a favorite of King Charles III. By the 1950s, it became a favorite of Christian Dior's designs, and many other designers followed suit. Houndstooth gained international fame in the 1960s, because of the optical illusion art movement. From 2010 onward this pattern has become a staple for ready-made and designer clothes, proving its iconic appeal.
That said, Houndstooth is one of the most timeless patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. This fall's new BraeVal shirts, vests, and JacShirt releases feature this striking pattern. "We are really excited about this collection because it is a perennial fall and winter favorite," says company Founder, Gregor McCluskey, . "Our new collection features several different styles of shirts and vests for men and women," McCluskey added. BraeVal has even included the Scottish traditional black-and-white and maroon and grey patterns in the new collection.
Houndstooth is one of the most unique patterns in the plaid family that can be differentiated from other types of plaid by the shape of its woven pattern, which follows uniform, straight-lined checks in an almost geometric block. It is characterized by a two-toned plaid made up of four bands, two of which are light colored and two are dark colored, in both the warp and weft weave. The result is a stunning contrast of the classic check and block shape that is Houndstooth.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Spooktacular Time @ Whiting Mills Artist Studios October 7
On Saturday, October 7th, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists' Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters!
One studio not to be missed is Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts which has been expertly decorated with the help of certified balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, owner of Cuz We Can Balloons. Shelley has been creating spectacular and in this case spooktacular balloon art for more than 22 years throughout the country.
Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting her studio don't miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a festively colored Halloween basket, full of goodies that is clutched by an artfully shaped balloon cat replete with iridescent green eyes created by Shelly!
If you can't make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 7th, no worries, Tina's studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay
Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites.
Monday, October 2, 2023
Brew-Ski In Salisbury – Connecticut’s Most Unique Brew Fest -Sunday, October 8
Munich may be home to Oktoberfest and Frankenmuth, America’s Little Bavaria may have a Beer Expo, but something is brewing in Salisbury, Connecticut! The 14th Annual Brew-Ski Fest sponsored by Stateline Wine and Spirits returns to the Salisbury Ski Jumps on Sunday, October 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. with music, pumpkins, cornstalks, and nearly 40 craft breweries offering visitors well over 200 examples of their best brews. The brew line-up boasts popular beers and local favorites as well as a distinct selection of hard cider, hard soda, and distilled spirits by Full Moonshine, On the Rocks, and the Berkshire Mountain Distillery.
Monday, September 18, 2023
A Touch of Monet’s Giverny @ Norfolk's Husky Meadow Farm’s Art and Cooking Intensive Farm Stay
October is the crown jewel of months in New England which is why Husky Meadows Farm, a certified organic working farm, in Norfolk, Connecticut has put together a farm stay that embraces the beauty of the season through art, cooking, garden walks, and the harvest. At the Fall Art Intensive Farm Stay with Marie Colette-Dupont-Nivet from Thursday, October 12 through Monday, October 16, guests will be treated to a French countryside experience inspired by Claude Monet’s Giverny in France in New England.
Farm Stays include all meals, beverages, and activities. The Fall Art Intensive is $2500 per person, single occupancy, for the all-inclusive experience. A non-lodging rate that includes all activities and meals is $1200 per person. To book the farm stay, visit huskymeadowsfarm.com or contact the Culinary Director at tracy@huskymeadowsfarm.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Basket Weaving Classes offered by Award Winning Artist – Tina Puckett At Her Winsted Studio
Tina Puckett, owner of Tina's Baskets and Woven Art in Winsted, Connecticut is a nationally and internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. Puckett has just announced that she is offering a series of year-round classes for teens and adults on Saturday and Sunday and on Monday and Friday nights. "There is a universal and enduring appeal of baskets and woven bowls. The sensation of making something with your hands from reeds and bittersweet vines is empowering, and I want to share that feeling in my classes," says Puckett.
Learn how to make this beautiful bowl |
Have fun making a colorful basket with Tina! |
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Finger Weaving Workshop offers Native American Instruction @ Institute for American Indian Studies September 23, 2023
Most archeologists believe that the art of basket making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. In Native American culture, baskets have always been an integral part of their material culture. For centuries Native Americans have relied on baskets for gathering, storing, preparing, and cooking food. Finger weaving is one of several techniques used among Eastern Woodland Indigenous peoples to make baskets as well as an array of decorative and ceremonial items.
Create a Native American-inspired basket
On Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is holding a finger-weaving basket workshop, ideal for those that want to learn this traditional art form. “We think that experiences learning about cultural art forms is important because it gives people insight into Native American culture, “ said Chris Combs, Executive Director.
The focus of September's class is on the art of finger weaving using natural fibers like jute and raffia. Participants will join Pokanoket Nation and Tribe member, Eva Newell of Cape Sable Island Wampanoag, Nauset, and Cree ancestry for this finger-weaving workshop.
The essence of finger weaving is that it is like an elaborate braid where you move the warp and weft threads with your fingers in order to create beautiful baskets. What makes finger weaving unique is that the same threads are used for both warp and weft; they just change places as you work. In this finger-weaving workshop, two of the most important things participants will learn are how to position their fingers and the best way to hold their hands. Each participant will take home a small finger woven traditionally inspired coil basket.
After you weave it have fun embellishing it! |
This workshop is recommended for those 12 and older because of the patience and dexterity required for this project. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost of the workshop, which includes all materials, is $35 for non-members and $30 for members. To register visit http://iaismuseum.org, For questions, email events@iaismuseum.org.
Monday, September 11, 2023
Orchard Farm Stay at Husky Meadows Farm
September at Husky Meadows, a certified organic working farm, is a very special time to experience a farm stay. The gardens and orchards are brimming with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, just as the leaves are beginning to turn. The Orchard Farm Stay taking place from Friday, September 22 through Sunday, September 24 invites guests to enjoy the season in a beautiful setting on this small New England farm.
Explore the Orchard |
Enjoy the bounty of the season. |
Stay in a private cottage on the farm |
The two-acre orchard at Husky Meadows Farm is a treasure trove of peaches, plums, pears, and too many types of apples to name. A highlight of the weekend will be the Saturday night cooking class that combines fruit from the orchard into a mélange of savory dishes inspired by the harvest. Guests will be amazed at the number of ways there are to incorporate fruit into savory dishes. Cooking is an art and the classes at Husky Meadows Farm are designed to help guests make magic in their kitchens long after the weekend is over.
To book the Orchard Farm Stay visit huskymeadows.com.
About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May - October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.
Friday, September 8, 2023
The Amistad Comes to the Norwalk Oyster Festival Septemb 8, 9, 10, 2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Savor Indigenous Foods @ the Founders Clambake September 16 With the Institute for American Indian Studies
Lobsters, clams, corn, and potatoes are all hallmarks of Indigenous foods and every September, the Institute for American Indian Studies celebrates the bounty of New England and its waterways with a Founders Clambake. This year, on Saturday, September 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the public is invited to the annual Founders Clambake. The location for the event is 11 a School Street in Washington Depot.
Guests will experience a sumptuous seafood feast while enjoying drumming and dancing performed by the members of the Redhawk Indigenous Arts Council. Traditional dances are combined with stories that have thrilled audiences around the globe and are sure to be the highlight of this event. In addition to being invited to dance with the troupe, guests will have the opportunity to meet the dancers and learn about the importance of dancing, regalia, and music to indigenous peoples.
Brought back by popular demand, the Institute is also holding a Silent Auction during the clambake. Auction items will be on display during this event and winning bids will be announced after the dancers’ performance.
To attend this festive event that gives thanks to the many members, visitors, and volunteers who have made this museum a success for 45 years register online at https://www.iaismuseum.org by September 14. Tickets are $60 per person for members and $65 for non-members and include a lobster dinner. A children’s menu is offered for $10 and includes hot dogs, chips, and lemonade. No tickets will be sold at the door.
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 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.
About the Redhawk Indigenous Arts Council
Formed in 1994, this non-profit organization founded by Native American artists and educators is dedicated to educating the general public about Native American heritage through song, dance, works of art, and other cultural expressions.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Come Join the Fun @ the 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 08, Sat., Sept. 09, and Sun. Sept. 10 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk
The 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank on September 8-10 at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk is all about bringing together world-class entertainers, family fun, and moments that you just can’t miss. Two stages, one sponsored by Ford and another sponsored by Abbey Tents, local eats and drinks, shopping, arts and crafts, and an expanded children’s area that includes the chance to tour the historic Amistad with paid admission to the festival is what this three-day festival is all about.
“We like to think that the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the region’s “official end of summer,” celebration, and this year we are going all out. Festgoers will enjoy unparalleled live music by nationally known performers, like Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band that have enthralled audiences nationwide. All shows and performances are free with the price of admission,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “To make it even more affordable for families, on Sunday, September 10, kids 12 and under get into the Festival free with a paid adult, plus there are discounted ride wristbands available on Saturday and Sunday. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and the thousands of volunteers who make this event possible. For 16 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition that people from near and far look forward to year after year,” Reilly concluded. For the Whole Family