Cornwall Bridge Pottery Celebrates 50 Years @ Annual Memorial Day Sale

It is hard to believe that Cornwall Bridge Pottery has been making beautiful lamps, pots, and more for homes across the country for 50 years. What a wonderful milestone and testament to owner Todd Piker’s extraordinary skill as a master craftsman.

As Piker says, “Making pots is an all-consuming activity. Of course, physicality leads the list. Throwing a pot is an isometrically grueling endeavor. And, for a wood-fire potter, there are mountains of wood to move and stack. Kilns to be built and long hours to be spent at the firings. But ultimately, it is the emotional toll that requires perseverance.” That said, many items will be on sale on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and this is a sale not to be missed. The sale is located at his working pottery barn on 69 Kent Road South in Cornwall Bridge.

Cornwall Bridge Pottery is acclaimed to be one of the most prolific sources of woodfired pots for everyday use. Here you will find a unique abundance of planters, plates, mugs, bowls, and lamps. At this sale, many pieces will be discounted to 50%; and can go as deep as 80%. Discounts are based on the length of storage time, quantity, and condition.

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Visit Two Historic Lighthouses in Norwalk June 8 and July 13 Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Greens Ledge

The Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society have teamed up to offer a five-hour exclusive cruise that includes an hour-and-a-half stop at both Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the recently opened Greens Ledge Lighthouse on Saturday, June 8, and July 13. The boat will depart the Seaport’s new dock at 70 Water Street at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. This tour is open to the public and offers the rare opportunity to visit two architecturally unique lighthouses that have guided ships with welcoming beacons through Norwalk Harbor for hundreds of years. Tickets are available online at http://www.seaport.org.

This fascinating cruise begins as the Seaport’s vessel wends its way through Norwalk Harbor passing a necklace of habited and uninhabited islands, to its first stop, Greens Ledge Lighthouse. This recently refurbished Spark Plug Lighthouse sits on a reef named after Pirate Green, who sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. Local legend has it that Pirate Green was tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers.

Greens Ledge, on the National Register, is only one of 33 remaining spark plug lighthouses in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Greens Ledge construction was completed in 1902, for $60,000 ($2.5 million in 2024 dollars) to help mariners through the rocky shoals at the west entrance of Norwalk Harbor. Today its 90-foot tower remains an active aid to navigation with its automated light and foghorn maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. This lighthouse, whose Rip Rap was added from the Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center excavation in 1932 is thought to be the inspiration for the legendary “Green Light” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. It was occupied by lightkeepers for 70 years and is owned by a non-profit that restored it for 2.5 million in 2023.

Visitors on this cruise will be able to tour both the inside of the Lighthouse as well as the outside pad and lower decks. The indoor tour includes the Trombos Research Center, the Pettee Family Gallery, the Bunkroom, Kleeman Keeper Quarters, the Maclean Watch Room, DeChellis Lookout, and the Beacon Room with its automated light. Afterward, passengers can relax at the picnic tables and in Adirondack chairs located on the deck.

Located at the southern end of the outer harbor, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, on the National Register, is the final stop on this maritime excursion. Constructed in the Victorian style in 1868 of limestone masonry, Sheffield is a classic lighthouse replete with a distinctive metal octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.

This lighthouse has a fascinating history of industrious lighthouse keepers before being decommissioned in 1902 by the opening of Greens Ledge. After it closed, the island became a haven for rumrunners during prohibition, a sanctuary for mothers and children during the cholera epidemic, and the location for a country club, before the Norwalk Seaport Association saved it in 1978. Visitors can climb the tower that affords splendid views and tour the many rooms of the lighthouse that are being reinterpreted to the way lightkeepers would have lived here in the 19th century. Afterward, there will be enough time to picnic in the wooden pavilion, walk along the beach, use the telescope, and explore the adjacent Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a birding hot spot.

It is suggested that you pack a picnic lunch and beverages for this excursion in coolers or carry-ons that can fit beneath the seats of the vessel (18-20 inches). It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. If the trip is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be notified by email. For safety reasons, wear closed-toe shoes and pack plenty of sunscreen, and don’t forget to bring your sense of fun and adventure to this extraordinary experience.

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Understanding Indian Rights @ Institute for American Indian Studies May 18 @ 1 p.m.

The relationship between the United States Federal Government and Native American Tribes is complicated. It has been burdened by a variety of factors from removal to resettlement, treaties made and broken, and, most recently, allotment and assimilation. Today, complications proliferate with Native Americans being sovereign within their territory but having no say in other matters.

These complex issues will be discussed on Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. with Professor Stephen Prevar, who will be unraveling the intricacies of this topic. The discussion will highlight his groundbreaking book, now in its 5th edition, The Rights of Indian Tribes. This is both an in-person lecture at the Institute For American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington and a virtual program.

Stephen Pevar, retired Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU and current professor of Advanced Federal Indian Law at Yale Law School, will take participants through seven key Supreme Court decisions that have shaped this complex legal landscape in a lecture called “Indian Rights: 7 Game-Changing Decisions.” It will be an enlightening discussion, and participants will leave with a better understanding of the complex nature of these issues. After this lecture, there will be time for questions and answers and a book signing for those wishing to purchase a copy of Pevar’s book.

This special lecture is the first in a series commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the Indian Citizen Act passed on June 2, 1924, that granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. This lecture series strives to navigate this complex history and current legal status of Native American citizenship and rights.

If attending in person, preregistration is requested. If attendance is virtual, visit http://www.iaismuseum.org or https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/16177 to register and receive a Zoom link. The price of attending this lecture, in person or virtually is $5 for Non-Members and free for Members of the Institute.

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Get on the Water this May With the Norwalk Seaport Association

Seabirds have made Long Island Sound off the coast of Norwalk their home for millennia. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts have spotted waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds along with migrating birds of all types in this rich natural environment. And, one of the most interesting places to view our avian friends is from the water.

Osprey Fight Michael Brinkley

May is one of the best times of the year to spot birds, so this year, the Norwalk Seaport Association is offering its first birding cruises of the season on Sunday, May 19th. This excursion is departing from the Seaport’s new Dock at 70 Water Street in Norwalk at 7:30 a.m. The vessel returns to the dock around 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children and are available online at seaport.org. It is advised that passengers arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Birding excursions are also scheduled for June 2, 16, and 30th.

This cruise is guided by a bird enthusiast who will be on board to point out migrating as well as nesting birds encountered along the way. One of the most exciting aspects of this harbor cruise is that you never know what species of birds or how many you will encounter.

Egret Up Close With Fish Michael Brinkley

A unique highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island’s rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.

Also happening in May, Sunset Cruises begin on May 22, and run from Wednesday – Sunday departing at 6:30 p.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m. throughout the season. This is the perfect way to unwind on the Sound. Pack a snack, BYOB, and sit back and watch the sunset over the water, it is like a mini vacation.

If you are looking for a memorable way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, the Seaport Association is offering its first cruises of the season to Sheffield Island on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This three-hour excursion includes a narrated tour of the Norwalk Harbor and three historic lighthouses ending with a one-hour stop on Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Take a tour of the lighthouse, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or in our pavilion, and walk the trails of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge looking for birds.

Tickets are available at http://www.seaport.org

About the Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association 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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Creative Day at Whiting Mills – May 11 Take a Free Class with Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On May 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the general public will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist and let their creativity run wild at Whiting Mill’s “Creative Day” where a variety of classes and workshops are offered at no charge. It is the ideal way to step away from the mundane and get your creativity flowing by signing up for up to three classes. Jewelry makers, candle and soap makers, painters, photographers, special effect make–up artists, and a nationally awarded woven arts weaver have joined together to celebrate and nurture the creative spirit that lives in all of us.

The general public is invited to Whiting Mills located at 210 Holabird Rd. in Winsted at 9 a.m. to sign up for two classes of their choice. After completing their two-morning classes that run from one hour to one and a half hours long, they can sign up for one additional class that is not filled up at noon. The artists can offer these classes for free because of grants from a variety of sponsors. All materials are provided and participants will leave with a piece of art that they have created under the guidance of professional artists and craftspeople. In addition to classes, there will be a series of demonstrations throughout the building to show what the creative process entails and to encourage folks to pursue their dreams in the creative arts.

The classes offered by Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, located in Studio 305, are three of the most coveted of the day because it gives people the chance to work with a nationally and internationally awarded artist. These intensive and fun classes are limited to six people per session and will run about an hour and a half. The lucky folks who sign up for these classes will leave with a small basket that they have handcrafted from Tina’s hand-dyed reeds. The studio itself is a pleasure to explore because it is a treasure trove of hand-woven work that includes baskets, bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes in delightful color combinations that won’t be found anywhere else. They are an inspiration and may encourage participants to sign up for one of Tina’s extensive group classes that she offers throughout the year for all levels of weaving acumen.

This is the second annual Creative Day at Whiting Mills that is being held to have fun while learning new skills to encourage participants to keep creating!

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Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum & Fairfield Museum and History Center to collaborate on Gilded Age Tea

In collaboration with Fairfield Museum and History Center at 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will present, The Mansion’s Gilded Age Tea, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 2-4 p.m.

Co-chaired by LMMM Trustees Tatiana Mendoza and Kathy Olsen, this event will feature luxurious tea refreshments, a silent auction, a hat contest, music by Harpist Wendy Kerner, and a fascinating exploration of Fairfield Museum’s exhibit titled, Money Talks: The Gilded Age in Fairfield. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and tickets are $60 for members and $65 for non-members (for both museums) available to purchase online at: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com. Proceeds will benefit LMMM’s and Fairfield Museum’s educational and cultural programs. Event co-chair Tatiana Mendoza said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Fairfield Museum for a memorable afternoon filled with history, culture, and tea delights. Guests will have an opportunity to stroll the beautiful flagstone patio, shop for gifts donated by local businesses, and revel in the Gilded Age era while learning about the estates that once graced Connecticut’s Gold Coast.”

The exhibition will explore immigrant labor and innovative businessmen, domestic servants, wealthy vacationers, growing public need and local benefactors. Dichotomies characterize the Gilded Age in Fairfield. The “Gilded Age” (1865-1912) was a period of immense growth in America known for lavish expressions of wealth and cavernous class distinctions. In 1873, Mark Twain gave the era its name with the novel, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Tremendous social and economic changes could also be found in Fairfield—changes that would not have been possible without the working class supporting the grand lifestyle of the upper classes. This exhibition presents the industrialists, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs who summered in the Fairfield area, including P.T. Barnum, Annie Burr and Oliver Gould Jennings, Dr. Ira DeVer Warner, and Jonathan and Harriet V.S. Thorne, alongside the people who made their lifestyles possible. Money Talks: The Gilded Age in Fairfield is on view at the Fairfield Museum and History Center through June 16, 2024.

About the Fairfield Museum and History Center
Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, is a vibrant nexus of community life offering dynamic family programs and exhibitions, sparking dialogue and deliberating the challenges of the future. Central to our community-focused mission is a desire to provide important historical context to pressing issues of our time, and to offer a safe, trustworthy environment where multiple perspectives can be heard, and collective solutions explored. http://www.fairfieldhistory.org or call (203) 259-1598.

Wendy Kerner received her Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from The Juilliard School in NYC and is the principal harpist with The Norwalk and Ridgefield Symphonies in Connecticut and The Westchester Chamber Soloists in New York.
The Mansion’s Gilded Age Tea is made possible in part by Bigelow Tea and catering by Palmer’s. LMMM’s 2024 programs are made possible in part by LMMM’s Founding Patrons: The Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown; LMMM’s Leadership Patrons: The Sealark Foundation; and LMMM’s 2024 Season Distinguished Benefactors: The City of Norwalk, The Maurice Goodman Foundation, and Lockwood-Mathews Foundation, Inc. For more information on tours and programs, please visit http://www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, email info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

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