http://wethhist.org/blog/ A weblog about events in and around Wethersfield, Connecticut, "the most ancient towne on the river." By the staff and volunteers of the Wethersfield Historical Society, Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109. en Copyright 2010 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:58:56 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wethersfield, CT…Wethersfield Historical Society is pleased to announce two lectures coming up on March 8th and 22nd, featuring two local college professors turned authors speaking about their new books. Both lectures will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main Street, Wethersfield, with book signings at 6:30 p.m. On Monday, March 8, Professor Briann G. Greenfield of Central Connecticut State University will present “Out of the Attic,” based on her new book of the same name. In this era of Antiques Roadshow and eBay, it is hard to imagine a time when Americans did not treasure the home furnishings of elite early American families. But as this book demonstrates, antiquing – particularly the practice of valuing old things for their aesthetic qualities – is a relatively recent invention whose origins can be found in the early years of the twentieth century. In Out of the Attic, Briann Greenfield traces the transformation of antiques from family keepsakes to valuable artistic objects. She also delves behind popular rhetoric to examine the development of a retail structure specifically designed to facilitate the buying and selling of old wares. Join us for a lively presentation and discussion on March 8th. On March 22, State Historian and UConn Professor Walter Woodworth will present a multimedia exploration of “New England’s OTHER Witch Hunt.” A generation before Salem, New England was beset by another terrifying and deadly witch panic in Hartford and Wethersfield. Based on his new book Prospero’s America: John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, Woodward will bring the events surrounding the witch hunt to life, exploring the context, actions, and consequences of this horrific event. You’ve always known about Salem; now learn the rest of the story. Admission for the lectures is $5 for non-member adults, free to historical society members. The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center offers free parking and is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact the historical society at 860.529.7656 http://wethhist.org/blog/2010/01/wethersfield_historical_societ_2.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2010/01/wethersfield_historical_societ_2.html Events at WethHist venues Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:58:56 -0500 www.wethhist.org Happy Anniversary, Wethersfield! ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/new_photo_exhibit_opens_septem.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/new_photo_exhibit_opens_septem.html Events at WethHist venues Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:07:35 -0500 Wethersfield, CT…The ninth annual Wethersfield Antiques Show, to be held on November 20th and 21st promises to be a great way to start the holiday shopping season. Held at the Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield, CT, the show is sponsored by Wethersfield Historical Society, and showcases 48 of the finest dealers from a wide area. This established show features a gala Preview Party and Early Buying on Friday evening, November 20. The show opens to the general public on Saturday, November 21 and runs from 10-4. Admission to the show is $7.00, $6.00 with discount coupons or show cards. For more information, call the historical society at 860.529.7656. WFSB’s Scot Haney, weatherman extraordinaire and co-host of daytime’s Better Connecticut, is the show’s Honorary Chair and will join the festivities at the Preview Party on Friday evening from 6:30-9 p.m. He will conduct a mini-auction of some special items and gift packages. The Preview Party, which usually hosts about 150 eager collectors and buyers, includes an opportunity to chat with dealers informally and purchase items that evening. Admission to the party is $30, with delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Reservations for the Preview Party are not required, but are appreciated. Show manager Joan Hughes will welcome an expanded field 48 of the finest dealers from the northeast in attractive room-setting booths. Returning again this year will be Attic Treasures, the Sunflower Café and the popular Booth Chats, where several dealers will talk informally about their specialties. These chats will take place between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and a schedule will be posted at the show entrance. Historical Society Director Amy Northrop-Wittorff commented that, “This is my first year to experience the Wethersfield Antiques Show. We are so pleased to host a show of such excellence. We hope all of you will join us for the Preview Party – fine food, good friends, buying opportunities, and Scot Haney – how can you go wrong!” There is a loyal corps of dealers who have been with the show for many years, some since its inception. Among those long-time friends returning this year are Philip Liverant of Colchester, CT, Richard Lawrence Greene of Providence, RI, Peter and Betty Davidian of So. Dennis, MA, and Colt Barn Antiques of Townshend, VT. There will be several new dealers this year including Jacqueline and Michael Robinson of Miller-Robinson Antiques, Ashfield, MA; Whimsy from Centerbrook, CT; Gil Tyler Antique Furniture and Restoration of Glastonbury, CT, and Mario Pollo from Bearsville, NY. As it has in the past, Wethersfield Historical Society will offer coffee, muffins and a light lunch in the Sunflower Café, open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with lunch beginning about 11:30 a.m. The popular Attic Treasures booth will also be open during the show. Offering quality smalls and collectibles, this is among the most popular stops for show patrons. Proceeds from this major fund raising event will benefit several historical society programs, including the educational programming offered year-round by the historical society. Programs are provided free to students in Wethersfield public schools and for modest fees to outside towns. The Pitkin Community Center offers free parking and easy accessibility on one floor. For more information, please contact Wethersfield Historical Society at 860.529.7656 or by e-mail at society@wethhist.org. The society’s web site, wethhist.org, has a complete calendar of events for the year. Wethersfield Historical Society is a membership supported, non-profit educational organization offering year-round programs for children and adults. http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/wfsbs_scot_haney_is_honorary_c.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/wfsbs_scot_haney_is_honorary_c.html Events in Wethersfield Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:31:37 -0500 Farmers Market Donations Needed! Calling all bakers, canners and gardeners in the audience! Our Farmers Market Booth at the Craft Fair needs all kinds of baked goods from breads to cookies, brownies, breads and pies, as well as jams, jellies, pickles and anything else from your garden that is saleable. You can drop off your contributions at the society booth by 9:30 a.m. on Fair day or at the Old Academy by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 2. This booth always sells out and your generous contributions make a big difference! Volunteers Wanted! Show co-chairs Pat Ciarcia and Pam Kisielewski need many volunteers – at the gates, the Farmers Market booth, the Museum Shop tables, and to cover lunch breaks for some of the dealers. If you have 2 or 3 hours to give that day, please call our office at 529-7656 and we’ll pass along the information to Pat and Pam. It’s a great way to meet new people and see the Fair.]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/28th_annual_fall_craft_fair_on_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/09/28th_annual_fall_craft_fair_on_1.html Events in Wethersfield Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:22:45 -0500 eight unique homes and two Bed and Breakfasts. This popular fundraiser, one of the events celebrating the town’s 375th anniversary, will offer something for every taste, whether it be an elegant 18th century Colonial, an exquisitely restored Victorian mansion, a 1920s Dutch Colonial or a modern home with a magnificently updated kitchen. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the event’s Corporate Sponsor. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on tour day and may be purchased by mail or in person at the historical society’s headquarters at 150 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109, open Tuesday-Friday, 9-4. Additionally, tickets may be purchased at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main Street, (open Monday-Saturday, 10-4, Sunday, 1-4) and at Coldwell Banker, located at 1331 Silas Deane Highway. On tour day, they will be available at Tour Central at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main Street, Wethersfield. (read more below the 'fold')]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/05/welcome_home_house_tour_planne_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/05/welcome_home_house_tour_planne_1.html Events in Wethersfield Mon, 11 May 2009 07:47:37 -0500 (read more below) ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/03/taste_of_wethersfield_benefit.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2009/03/taste_of_wethersfield_benefit.html Events at WethHist venues Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:33:37 -0500 Historical Society Interim Director Melissa Josefiak commented that, “The Wethersfield Antiques show has developed an outstanding regional show – we are so pleased to host this show again. And join us for the “Preview Party” – fine food, good friends, buying opportunities and a few surprises – it gets better every year!” (read more 'below the fold') ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/09/eighth_annual_wethersfield_ant_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/09/eighth_annual_wethersfield_ant_1.html Events at WethHist venues Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:07:07 -0500 Sept. 8 Judith Ivie, “Publishing’s Brave New World,” author of Murder on Old Main Street, set in Wethersfield. Book signing at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 Marc Songini, journalist and author of “The Lost Fleet,” discusses the whaling adventures of Wethersfield’s own Thomas and Eliza Williams. Book signing at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 Kevin McBride & David Naumec, “Rethinking the Pequot War,” researchers at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, present new findings and hearyour feedback on the Pequot Attack at wethersfield, 1637. Audience participation encouraged! Admission: $5 adults; free to members, children under 16 (860) 529-7656; www.wethhist.org ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/09/monday_eve_lecture_series_sep_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/09/monday_eve_lecture_series_sep_1.html Events at WethHist venues Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:04:12 -0500 >Click here<< to read it online now (PDF). The lightning-caused fire in October 2007 at the Keeney Memorial had closed the Wethersfield Museum and the rental venue for six months, but it reopened on March 27 for a "Thank You" reception to the many volunteers who helped fight the fire, protect the collection, and get the historic structure back "on the job." Doug Simpson WHS "Webster"]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/03/wethersfield_historical_societ_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2008/03/wethersfield_historical_societ_1.html Society News Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:38:47 -0500 Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield, CT, the show is sponsored by Wethersfield Historical Society, celebrating its 75th anniversary of “preserving and teaching history.” This established show features a gala Preview Party on Friday evening, November 16, as well as an Early Buying session one hour prior to the show’s opening on Saturday, November 17. Admission to the show is $6.00, $5.00 with discount coupons or show cards. Admission to the Early Buying session is $10. For more information, call the historical society at 860.529.7656. The Preview Party, which usually hosts about 150 eager collectors and buyers, will take place from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening, November 16. Admission to the party is $30 and includes hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and beverages, as well as an opportunity to chat with the dealers and purchase items. Reservations for the Preview Party are not required, but are appreciated. (read more)]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/10/nov_1617_7th_annual_wethersfie.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/10/nov_1617_7th_annual_wethersfie.html Events in Wethersfield Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:52:35 -0500 (read more "below the fold")]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/10/lightning_fire_damages_keeney_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/10/lightning_fire_damages_keeney_1.html Events at WethHist venues Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:39:33 -0500 Updated Calendar of Events for Fall 2007 Sept. 20, 22 Burying Ground Tours: Explore the oldest sections of the Ancient Burying Ground. Thurs., 9/20, 12-1:30 p.m., Sat., 9/20, 10-11:30 a.m. Cost is $5., free to historical society members and to children under 16. Reservations are not necessary. Meet at the red barn in the First Church parking lot. Information: 860.529.7656. Sept. 21 and Oct 19: Colonial Revival Walking Tour: 1-2:30 p.m. Walk around neighborhoods of Old Wethersfield viewing homes from the 1920s to 1960s, noting how the styles have adapted over the years. Cost is $5.00, free to historical society members and children under 16. Meet in front of the Keeney Memorial, 200 Main St. Reservations not necessary. For information, call 860.529.7656. Oct. 6 26th Annual Fall Craft Fair, 10-4 Cove Park, corner of State Street and Hartford Avenue. Over 80 crafters, farmers market booth, musical entertainment, food booths, wine tasting and pony rides and face painting for children. Admission is $6, $5 with coupon, free to children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 860.529.7656 Oct. 18, 20 Walk Around Old Wethersfield Thurs., Oct. 19, 1-2:30 p.m., Sat., 10/21, 10-11:30 a.m. Tour encompasses the square block bounded by Marsh, Broad, Garden and Main Streets, where the focus is on the architecture and includes some historical anecdotes about people who lived there centuries ago. Cost is $5.00, free to historical society members and children under 16. Meet in front of the Keeney Memorial, 200 Main Street. Reservations are not needed. For information, call 860.529.7656. Wethersfield Historical Society 150 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109 Phone: 860.529.7656 Fax: 860.563.2609 Contact: Elaine St. Onge, 860.529.7656 - end - ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/fall_events_by_wethersfield_hi_1.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/fall_events_by_wethersfield_hi_1.html Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:08:35 -0500 EVENT RENTALS at the KEENEY MEMORIAL CULTURAL CENTER In the heart of Historic Wethersfield A perfect place for your: Meeting or Workshop Wedding Reception or Party Dinner, Dance or Performance The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, at 200 Main Street, Wethersfield, offers gracious grounds perfect for photos or a cocktail party, free off-street parking, and is fully air-conditioned and accessible to wheelchairs. The ramped entrance to the elevator lobby makes loading meeting supplies or catering equipment a breeze. Wethersfield Museum, on the first floor, serves as Wethersfield’s Visitors Center and features professionally designed museum exhibits that highlight the region’s rich history. The principal exhibit, Legendary People, Ordinary Lives, features signature artifacts from Wethersfield Historical Society’s collections and orients guests to the people and events of the Town’s historic past. The Museum Shop features distinctive gifts, historic maps and books on local and regional history. Special tours of the museum galleries or the neighboring Hurlbut-Dunham House can be arranged to complement special events. Wethersfield’s Historic District is the largest historic district in the state and offers visitors an authentic Connecticut valley landscape including a town green, colonial warehouse and domestic architecture that spans three centuries. The historic Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, a variety of shops, restaurants and the famous Comstock-Ferre Garden Center are steps away, as are the brick 1764 Meeting House and the Town’s Ancient Burying Ground. Special attention is given to the meeting or party planner’s every request. Let us help you plan your next meeting, party or special event. Call the Director of Marketing at Keeney Memorial at (860) 529-7161, FAX: (860) 529-1905, Email: keeneymem@sbcglobal.net Wethersfield Historical Society http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/fabulous_event_rentals.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/fabulous_event_rentals.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:31:16 -0500 One Ticket - Two Great Museums - Three Fabulous Historic Houses ! Decorating For the Holidays in Historic Wethersfield, Connecticut Our Doors Are Open to You Daily From December 1-23, 2007 M-F: 10-4, Sat: 10-8, Sun. 1-4. $20 Adults/$10 Youth (16 and under)/Free Under 6 Call 860-529-7656 for more information. http://www.wethhist.org http://webb.deane.stevens.org ]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/one_ticket_two_great.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/one_ticket_two_great.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:57:58 -0500 Moveable Type class. There are no photos on this entry because I don't know where they are stored. Elaine is going to Ireland this weekend for vacation.]]> http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/marshas_practice_entry.html http://wethhist.org/blog/2007/09/marshas_practice_entry.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:56:13 -0500