Category: Connecticut Travel

Have you ever wanted to go on a nature walk that explains so many of the hidden things going on around you? If this appeals to you and your children, don’t miss the chance to take a walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies on August 22, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. with IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf. Participants will learn about the ecology of the Shepaug River and the way plants and animals live in the Eastern Woodlands.

Streams and rivers are often considered the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Native American communities understand how important rivers are and consider their movement as a way of constantly replenishing Mother Earth’s supply of fresh water, which is essential for all living things. Native Americans also traditionally understood the interconnecting relationships between all living things. They understand that animals and plants can teach us many things; which is something participants will learn on this walk.

Summer is one of the best times to observe river life in the Eastern Woodland environment from watching a great blue heron hunt to listening to beavers slap their tails, and, watching fish rise for mayflies or crayfish forage. The beauty of nature and never knowing what you will see next is part of the fun of this walk.

On this guided hike to the Shepaug River, Scherf will talk about how animals live in this environment and explain what to look and listen for when trying to identify species. This program will help participants look at rivers and our natural world in a new and interesting way.

Pre-registration for this event is required, to register, click here. If you have questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org. The cost of this program is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, and $5 for members.

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, the 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 in Washington Connecticut.

The Torrington Historical Society’s ‘Jazz in the Gardens’ will continue on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 6 30 PM with a performance by the Kris Jensen Jazz All-Stars. This outdoor performance will be held on the grounds of the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum at the Torrington Historical Society, 192 Main Street. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and are also welcome to bring refreshments. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive, Torrington.

This performance will feature renowned saxophonist Kris Jensen and his ‘Jazz All Stars’ who will present an evening of music drawing from the great American songbook in a program ranging from swing standards to blues, soul, and pop classics. Performing along with him will be some of the region’s finest jazz practitioners including vocalist Linda Ransom, pianist Doug Schlink, drummer Jocelyn Pleasant, and bassist Stephen Porter.

Tickets are $12 for Torrington Historical Society members, $15 for non-members. To purchase a ticket please visit: https://thsjazzkrisjensen.eventbrite.com.

About the Torrington Historical Society
The Torrington Historical Society is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Torrington’s rich and diverse history. The museum operates the Torrington History Museum, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, and the John H. Thompson Library and Archive. The museum is located at the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler estate in downtown Torrington. For more information about the Society visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people. Traditionally, corn was an important source of food, as well as a significant element of religious and ceremonial life that brought communities together. For generations, many Native American communities have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, the Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding their 16th annual Green Corn Festival on August 15 from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Riverwalk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT.

Join Museum Staff and Friends as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2021 season with music, drumming, dancing, children’s activities, stories by a professional Native American Storyteller, the sale of arts and crafts, and much more! Riverwalk Pavilion is an idyllic park just minutes from Washington Depot with plenty of parking, a beautiful park, and tables and chairs in a sheltered wooden pavilion.

A highlight of the Green Corn Festival event is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People.

A special treat of the Green Corn Festival is the chance to try authentic powwow-styled food such as the perennial favorite, frybread, three sisters rice, butternut squash and corn, chicken tacos and kabob, chicken over rice, fruit cups, and fresh fruit kabobs. There will also be several venison choices including venison over rice, venison cheesesteaks, venison kabobs, and tacos. If you work up a thirst, don’t miss the blueberry and sassafras tea!

If you enjoy shopping for handmade Native American arts and crafts, you won’t be disappointed. Vendors will be on hand selling everything from handmade jewelry and flutes to baskets, weavings, and much more.

About Green Corn
The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed together to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

Admission for this event, held rain or shine is $10 for adults; and $ 5 for Members, and free for children under 12. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated for this event by visiting the Institute’s website.

About 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 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.

Weir Farm, Connecticut’s only National Park and the only park in the country dedicated to impressionist art is hosting an Art in the Park contest. The public is invited to celebrate creativity at Weir Farm by participating and submitting a work of art. All artists, from beginner to professional, are encouraged to take part in this contest by submitting an image of a piece of artwork inspired by or made at the park. Any original work created at or inspired by Weir Farm in any visual art medium may be entered into the contest. This includes paintings, drawings, pastels, fabrics, sculpture, photographs, mixed media, and more!

Submissions will be accepted online through September 1, 2021. Once entered, artwork will become part of a virtual exhibit that is focused on showcasing artistic inspiration and creativity at Weir Farm, launching on our website on October 1, 2021. Participants enter by emailing an image of their artwork to amanda_thibault@nps.gov and filling out this form to provide information about their art and permission to use the image on the park website.

This is your chance to become part of Weir Farm’s long-lasting artistic tradition by sharing your artwork with the park today!

On Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Sharon Historical Society is hosting a booth at the 62nd. annual Sharon on the Green Arts and Crafts Fair.

At the Historical Society’s booth, children may try crafts and pick up activity kits. Learn about 18th and 19th-century crafts and games, such as weaving and ring toss, which are still enjoyed today. Crafts and games will be facilitated by staff of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum. Parents or guardians must be present in order for children to participate or pick up activity kits. No registration is required. Space will be limited to six children at one time for the facilitated craft activities. These activities are free. To register click here.

A highlight of this event is the sixty-plus vendors that are offering a wide array of original work. The arts and crafts market is open rain or shine from 10 am to 5 pm. If you work up an appetite, no worries, food is also available. This event is free.