Whispers of the Past: Step Into Revolutionary-Era Woodbury at the Glebe House July 18

On a warm July evening, history will come vividly to life at The Glebe House Museum & Garden, one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums. In partnership with the Woodbury Cemetery Association, the museum invites visitors to attend “Whispers of the Past – A Tour of the South Cemetery and the Glebe House Museum and Garden” on Saturday, July 18th, beginning at 4 p.m. This immersive, multi-sensory experience offers a rare opportunity to stand on the very ground where Woodbury’s Revolutionary War story unfolded, guided not only by historians, but by the voices of the past themselves.

The event is free to attend, though donations are appreciated, and advance registration is strongly encouraged at glebehousemuseum.org. Guests can look forward to a memorable journey through local history, brought to life through storytelling, historic settings, and the shared legacy of the museum and cemetery grounds.

The experience begins at South Cemetery along Main Street, where tours will run between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. Here, the stillness of the historic burial ground will be transformed by live actor portrayals of Woodbury residents who fought in the Revolutionary War, each stationed beside their final resting place. Visitors can expect more than storytelling. A historical presentation of Woodbury’s three cemeteries will provide deeper context, complemented by stone restoration demonstrations and displays—offering a fascinating look at how these sacred markers are preserved for future generations. Close your eyes for a moment, and the modern world fades. In its place: the rhythm of horse hooves, the creak of wooden cart wheels, and the quiet determination of a town of just 2,500 souls striving to survive—and to shape a nation. Names etched into stone—Judson, Strong, Minor, Mitchell, Franklin, and Bissell—become more than history; they become human.

As the cemetery tour concludes, guests are invited to continue their journey just down the hill to the Glebe House Museum & Garden at 49 Hollow Road, open from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Step inside and encounter the world of Rev. John Marshall, Woodbury’s first Anglican priest, and his wife Sarah, as they raised their nine children amid the turbulence of a divided colonial society. Through thoughtfully preserved period furnishings and locally crafted architecture, the home tells a story of resilience, faith, and quiet defiance. It was here, in the uncertain weeks following American independence, that a secret of Connecticut Anglican clergy took place—men determined to reconcile their religious identity with a newly independent nation. That pivotal moment helped shape the future of the Episcopal Church in America.

Guests are invited to linger on the lawn, enjoy refreshments, and reflect on the extraordinary history woven into this peaceful setting. “Whispers of the Past” is more than an event—it is an opportunity to stand where history happened, hear the stories where they began, and connect with the people who helped shape a nation. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a local resident, or simply curious, this program offers a meaningful experience for all. In a year when we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, “Whispers of the Past” serves as a particularly fitting and memorable way to honor the past.

About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

Plan Your Visit
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Cemetery Tours: 4:00 – 5:30 PM (South Cemetery, Main Street)
Glebe House Tours & Refreshments: 5:30 – 7:00 PM (49 Hollow Road)
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted)
Parking: available along Main Street South near the cemetery, at the Glebe House Museum, and at Hollow Park’s soccer field lot.
Advance registration is appreciated:
https://www.glebehousemuseum.org
https://woodburycemetery.com
Questions? Call 203-263-4878 or 203-263-2855

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Pirates Invade Sheffield Island A Swashbuckling Summer Adventure Awaits -July 18 & 19

Yo, ho, ho—and a barrel of fun is headed for Sheffield Island Lighthouse when the annual Pirates Weekend & Cruise sets sail on July 18 and 19, 2026. Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association, this wildly popular event turns a scenic island getaway into a full-on high-seas escapade for the whole family, complete with treasure hunts, sea chanteys, and enough swashbuckling spirit to make your inner captain shout, “Ahoy!”

The adventure begins at 90 Water Street in South Norwalk, where guests board the ferry and cruise across the sparkling waters of Norwalk Harbor. Along the way, you’ll pass charming islands, historic lighthouses, and sweeping coastal views—basically, a scenic prelude to your pirate destiny. Ferries depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. So arrive early—these boats wait for no matey! Secure your spot with Pirates Weekend Ferry Tickets at seaport.org and set sail before the crew swabs the deck without you!

A Pirate’s Playground
Once ashore, Sheffield Island turns delightfully rogue. The day comes alive with the legendary Bawdy Buccaneers—a professional troupe of pirate re-enactors who bring history to life with just the right amount of mischief. Between treasure hunts on the private beach, interactive pirate games, sea chanteys, storytelling, and dramatic swordplay, there’s no shortage of high-seas hijinks. Add in tall tales of danger, mystery, and the open sea, and you’ve got yourself a day fit for the fiercest pirate and the mistress of the high seas.

Best of all, every bit of this eyebrow-raising adventure is included with your ferry ticket. And while the pirates are having their fun, the island still has plenty to teach: Pirates Weekend is also a chance to step into maritime history. Guests are invited to tour the lighthouse, uncover the legacy of Sheffield Island’s light keepers, and learn why preserving Long Island Sound matters. This popular event is part history lesson, part pirate party, and entirely unforgettable.


About the Norwalk Seaport Association
Founded in 1978, the Norwalk Seaport Association is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage. Through educational programs, lighthouse tours, and unforgettable on-the-water experiences, the organization connects visitors of all ages to the history, environment, and beauty of the Norwalk Islands. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen the connection between past, present, and future through preservation, education, and community engagement.

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A Century Rooted in Discovery: Aton Forest Celebrates 100 Years

In northwest Connecticut, Aton Forest has spent the past century doing something remarkable: listening to the land. Now, that legacy takes center stage in “A Centennial Celebration,” a retrospective exhibition at the Norfolk Hub, on view through July honoring 100 years of conservation, ecological research, and habitat preservation at Norfolk’s Aton Forest.

The exhibition opens with a reception on July 10 at 4:30 p.m., featuring remarks by Aton Forest President Billy Gridley, who will reflect on what defines the eco-system field station Aton Forest today and what its future holds with the recent acquisition of the Spaulding Pond Preserve (965 acres in South Norfolk) assembled by Dr. Eglar’s wife, Happy Kitchel, aa a forever wild area, whose amended conservation restriction will be held by the Norfolk Land Trust. “Dr. Egler and the Kitchels believed that protecting natural areas was essential to scientific discovery,” Gridley says. “We are proud to carry on this legacy by studying ecosystems as interconnected wholes rather than collections of plants and animals.”

“Aton Forest: A Centennial Celebration” is more than a historical retrospective—it offers an immersive view of Aton Forest as both a protected landscape and a living laboratory. Over the decades, the forest has been shaped by observation and curiosity, values that continue to inspire discovery today. The exhibition highlights a compelling mix of ongoing and historic research, from the Lingering Ash Study, which examines resilience in the face of invasive pests, to the forest’s herbarium collection, which preserves plant history in remarkable detail. It also features and an exemplary vegetation research plot on the rare tapering fern, and entomologist and Aton Research Fellow Charley Eiseman’s work on leaf miners, revealing the hidden worlds thriving within the forest. It also revisits Egler’s foundational ideas in vegetation science, emphasizing the importance of natural and semi-natural landscapes as places in which to consider today’s environmental challenges. Together, this exhibition tells a larger story: ecosystems are not static backdrops, but dynamic, interconnected systems that can only be fully understood over time.

At the heart of the exhibition is Dr. Frank Egler, the pioneering ecologist who founded Aton Forest and helped shape modern environmental thinking. Over his prolific career, Egler authored nearly 400 articles and five books, advancing a holistic understanding of ecosystems that was far ahead of its time. He was also in active correspondence with Rachel Carson, offering insight on herbicides featured in the groundbreaking book Silent Spring, a cornerstone of the modern environmental movement.

Alongside him stood his wife, Happy Kitchel, an acclaimed photographer whose work captured the beauty and ecological significance of Connecticut’s landscapes. Together, they forged a partnership that blended science, art, and environmental stewardship, viewing the land as a living, breathing laboratory.

Complementing the exhibition is a series of special events and lectures that bring its themes to life through discussion and exploration. These include “Nature & Brain Health: Minding the Gaps,” presented by Dr. Susan Masino of Trinity College on July 12 at 4 p.m. at UCC Battell Chapel, as well as the Aton Forest Science Lecture II & Walk, featuring “Mason Hale’s Aton Forest Lichen Collection: 70 Years Later Report” at The Norfolk Hub, led by Dr. James Lendemer of the New York State Museum. The exhibition also marks the launch of a new book, The Spirit of Aton Forest: Frank Egler, Rebel Ecologist, in Pursuit of Science and Natural Area Protection by Billy Gridley. The book offers a compelling account of Egler’s life, his scientific work, and his lasting influence on conservation and natural area protection.

Aton Forest’s Centennial Celebration is more than a look back—it is a call to engage with the future of conservation and regional scientific research. As climate change reshapes ecosystems worldwide, Aton Forest stands as a model for thoughtful stewardship, rigorous science, and deep respect for the natural world. For visitors, the exhibition offers something rare: an opportunity to step into a century-long conversation between scientists, landscapes, and the evolving science of life on Earth.

About Aton Forest
Aton Forest is dedicated to protecting and stewarding its natural area preserves while advancing the forest succession, ecological research, and demonstration work pioneered by its founder, Dr. Frank Egler. Through this mission, Aton Forest honors Dr. Egler’s practical and intellectual legacy and applies it to support both the natural environment and the human communities within the bioregion.

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This August Step Into the 18th Century at Glebe House Hands-on History brings Colonial Life to Kids.

In a time when children are surrounded by screens, packed schedules, and digital distractions, the summer programs at the Glebe House Museum in Woodbury offers something refreshingly different: a chance to slow down, step into history, and learn through experience.

For more than 36 years, the Glebe House Museum’s Summer Experience programs have invited children to discover the past in a way that is both educational and memorable. Designed for children ages 6–12, these programs go far beyond traditional classroom learning. Instead of simply reading about colonial life, campers get to live it.

Two Unique August Programs

This August, the museum is offering two special camp opportunities.The first program runs August 3–7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this week, children will explore the treasures of the Glebe House Museum through colonial crafts, candle making, butter churning, historic games, and nature-based activities. Children will also visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, learn about herbal remedies and kitchen gardens, and create nature-inspired art.

A second, newly expanded program will take place August 10–12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In partnership with Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, this immersive experience places children in the daily lives of people who lived during the American Revolutionary War. In a year when the nation is commemorating its 250th birthday, the program offers a timely and engaging way for young people to understand the realities of colonial life.

Set in the historic Glebe House, built in 1750, these programs focus on the practical skills needed for survival and comfort in the colonial era. Under the guidance of historical interpreters, children will use period-appropriate tools and techniques to better understand how people worked, lived, and adapted in a very different world.

Beyond the historical learning, these programs provide something equally important: a safe, enriching environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and independence.

With support from the Ion Bank Foundation, the Glebe House continues to offer programs that nurture both minds and imaginations. The museum’s approach combines education with play, making the summer experience valuable for children and reassuring for families.

For parents looking for a program that blends history, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery, the Glebe House camp offers a compelling option. It is a chance for children to step away from the noise of modern life and into another world—one filled with learning, exploration, and wonder.

Registration Information

For details or to register, visit http://www.glebehousemuseum.org, or contact the museum at 203-263-2855 or office @glebehousemuseum.org Early Bird pricing through June 30.

About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

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Great Mountain Forest Hosts First Annual Nature Writing Retreat August 7-9 in Falls Village, CT

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) will host writers at its historic 6,200-acre woodland for a retreat centered on craft, reflection, and connection to nature.

The event features six nationally recognized authors. Interest is high, and spots are filling quickly. Registration is intentionally limited to encourage strong engagement between participants and instructors. Interest is high and slots are filling quickly.

Held at Yale Camp in Falls Village, Connecticut, the First Annual Nature Writing Retreat is open to writers of all experience levels. Activities will include campfire conversations, guided nature walks, and workshop panels discussing ecological literacy, journaling techniques, and the evocative and ephemeral in nature writing. Attendees may also submit work created during the retreat for a post-event online anthology.

Inspired by the legacy of Hal Borland, the American author, outdoorsman, and longtime New York Times nature columnist, the retreat is designed to help writers sharpen their perception, strengthen their voice, and write with greater clarity, authority, and imagination. Borland believed that writing about nature is a way of learning how to live more fully within it.

According to GMF Executive Director Michael Zafros, the retreat reflects a broader vision for the role forests can play in public life: “There are few uses of a forest more sustainable than serving as inspiration. This new program demonstrates how Great Mountain Forest can be an antidote to the challenges facing our world. The retreat brings people together, builds community in the forest, gets participants outside and off their screens, and uses nature sustainably to heal and inspire minds and souls.”

Curated by Tom Shachtman and supported in part by H. Bruce McEver, Roshy and Dalton Dwyer, and Housatonic Heritage, the Nature Writing Retreat is the first of what GMF hopes will become a signature annual program celebrating the connection between people, forests, and the written word.

Event Details

Dates: August 7–9, 2026

Location: Yale Camp, 177 Canaan Mountain Road, Falls Village, CT

Registration Fees: $435 (General), $335 (Students)

Optional Lodging: $70 (two nights)

Registration Deadline: July 24, 2026

For full details or to register, visit For full details or to register, visit greatmountainforest.org/writing-retreat-2026

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest is a nonprofit leader in sustainable forest stewardship, encompassing more than 6,000 acres in Norfolk and Falls Village, Connecticut. Through education, research, and hands-on management, GMF demonstrates how forests can support biodiversity, strengthen communities, and provide lasting environmental and human benefits.

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Norwalk Seaport Association to Christen Captain M.C. Schlegel Vessel To Honor of Maritime Leader

The Norwalk Seaport Association will host a special maritime christening ceremony celebrating the legacy of longtime member Mark Schlegel with the official naming of the Captain M.C. Schlegel vessel. The ceremony will take place at the Seaport dock at 90 Water Street in Norwalk.

“This event honors Mark Schlegel’s enduring contributions to the organization and to Norwalk’s maritime heritage,” said Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association.“ As passionate preservationist, Schlegel played a pivotal role in the restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, helping transform it into the vibrant cultural and educational destination it is today.”

Beyond preservation, Schlegel’s impact extended directly onto the water. He oversaw the design and construction of the Seaport’s ferry vessel, ensuring generations of visitors could experience unforgettable journeys to Sheffield Island.

As fleet manager, he trained captains and lighthouse staff with patience, kindness, and a deep commitment to excellence, setting a lasting standard for the organization.

Schlegel was also widely known for his deep knowledge of Sheffield Island Lighthouse history, captivating passengers with stories that brought the past vividly to life.

The christening ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Artie and is expected to bring together community members, supporters, and maritime enthusiasts to celebrate Schlegel’s legacy and the future of the Seaport’s fleet.

The Norwalk Seaport Association, a nonprofit dedicated to providing cultural, environmental, and historical experiences on the Long Island Sound, continues to connect the community to its rich maritime heritage through lighthouse tours, cruises, and educational programming.

For more information about the Norwalk Seaport Association and upcoming events, visit event tickets and information at seaport.org

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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