Connecticut Travel

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened a redeveloped Outside Museum. This Outside Museum experience is included in admission. The staff and education directors have developed safe and educational opportunities for visitors to experience on their grounds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Guests are invited to visit the rebuilt 16th-century replica Algonkian Village and to learn about Native American community life prior to European contact. A highlight of the Village is the opportunity is to learn about food sustainability and natural healing methods in the traditional Three Sisters and Medicinal Plant Gardens. There will also be games to enjoy as well as educational scavenger hunts along the Institute’s woodland trails. And, for those interested in the science of archeology don’t miss the chance to explore the outdoor Archaeology Pavilion that demonstrates how museums like the Institute can learn from the past.

As the Institute welcomes visitors back to their Outside Museum and encourages guests to engage with the more than 10,000 years of Native American history, the safety of visitors, members and staff is a priority. Please visit the Institute for American Indian Studies website for the most up-to-date information on their safety policies.

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 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.

Safety Policy

In accordance with Reopening CT guidelines, we will have safety measures in place to promote social distancing and best practices:

• Our indoor exhibits will remain closed during Phase 1 of reopening. We anticipate being able to open the indoor exhibits with modifications and enhanced cleaning procedures during Phase 2. Please check back for details.
• Through an abundance of caution, we have limited the capacity on our grounds to 35. If we exceed capacity we will encourage visitors to wait near their cars, visit Washington Depot, or visit nearby Steep Rock Preserve.
• To ensure proper cleaning and allow for setup of educational activities, we will have reduced hours. The Outdoor Museum will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm, and on Sundays from noon to 4:00pm.
• All staff who interact with visitors will be wearing masks. We encourage visitors to bring masks, as well.
• Staff and signage will direct visitors as to the appropriate traffic flow, so that everyone can enjoy the educational experiences safely and at their own pace.
• Please be aware of your surroundings and respect other peoples’ social distance.

The Housatonic Museum of Art recently received a donation of 615 photographs by nine contemporary artists, including pieces by well-known sports photographer Walter Iooss Jr. and photojournalist Peter Turnley.

With works ranging from historic photos of Yogi Berra and Michael Jordan that graced the cover of Sports Illustrated to a poignant moment at the funeral of Princess Diana, and images of iconic rock stars Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin, the staggering compilation gives us a front seat to history.

The photographs were donated by nine collectors from across the nation, with pieces coming from as far away as Tuscon, Arizona and Austin, Texas. Zella was provided the opportunity to select the works from an extraordinary array of images.

The full scope of work extends beyond the history to include a variety of photographic methods and styles, to include photograms by Ralph Gibson, painterly photographs of trees by Joyce Tenneson, layered amalgams of word and image by David Seltzer, sensual studies of ocean waves by Sally Gall, documentary photographs by Donna Ferrato, from cowboys to street carnivals by Kristin Capp and lovely landscapes of Ireland by one of the world’s foremost photographers, Alen MacWeeney.

The Housatonic Museum of Art is located in Lafayette Hall on the Housatonic Community College campus at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in Bridgeport, CT. It is home to one of the premier college art collections in the United States. The museum’s collection offers the opportunity to view works that span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary and is on continuous display throughout the 300,000 square foot facility. To learn more, visit https://museum.housatonic.edu.

Hopkins Vineyard located overlooking Lake Waramaug in New Preston has opened their picnic area starting Memorial Day. The hours are Wed. – Fri. 11 am – 5 pm and Sat. and Sun. 11 to 6 pm.

Guests are invited to purchase wine and cheese platters to be enjoyed outside. Feel free to bring your own, chairs or blankets. Be super cool and bring your own wine cup. Please, no more than 5 people at a table. You might want to try Hopkin’s, Lady Rose. It is a dry French-style Rosé is made from estate-grown, hand-harvested Dornfelder, Lemberger and Pinot Noir grapes. Showing zesty notes of raspberry and apricot and finishing with refreshing acidity. The wine is also available for curbside pickup or order online. You must wear a mask to enter the winery.

This award-winning winery was opened in 1979 by Bill and Judith Hopkins. They transformed their dairy farm into a vineyard, which was one of the first in what has become a thriving Connecticut industry. Since then, Hopkins Vineyard has consistently produced award-winning whites, reds, and sparkling wines. Hopkins Vineyard grows 11 varieties of grapes in a spectacular setting overlooking Lake Waramaug.

Bent of the River located on 185 East Flat Hill Road in Southbury is hosting a special online webinar on Thursday, May 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on wildflowers. At this time of year, wildflowers are all around us. We admire them for their beauty, their colors, and their symbolism. From strange and often dangerous herbal “cures” to black magic, and wonderful legends of love, it is all that is called Wildflower Folklore. Join Bent of the River Audubon Center for a fascinating online webinar about these botanical wonders.

To register click here. After you register you will receive a link to login into the online classroom. The ongoing mission of Bent of the River Audubon Center is protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) is canceling the 43rd annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, previously scheduled for September 11-13, 2020. Prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved, the decision comes after careful deliberation between the NSA Board of Trustees, and Festival Exhibitors.

“We are disappointed that we’re unable to hold this highly anticipated event,” said NSA President Mike Reilly. “But, based on the information we have today, we know it’s the right decision to make.” With that said, Reilly continued, “The Norwalk Oyster Festival raises more than $100,000 that contributes to the maintenance and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse and to support our educational programs. Without this festival taking place in 2020, we will be facing a challenging year. We are hoping for the continued support of all the friends of the Seaport and the Norwalk Oyster Festival to help us continue with our mission.”

“From Seaport leadership and regional partners like the long time event sponsor, First County Bank, to the artists, performers, vendors, and volunteers who work so tirelessly to stage the Norwalk Oyster Festival each year,” Mike continued, “We thank everyone for standing with us in making this difficult call. We are counting the days to restaging the festival and celebrating our maritime heritage together again in 2021.

The NSA team is exploring options to coordinate an online experience or a smaller event to showcase this historic, beloved event – one of the most popular in Connecticut and the Northeast. In the interim, we urge everyone to follow federal, state, and local COVID-19 mitigation advice.

To keep updated on our planned activities, please follow our Facebook page, subscribe to our newsletter at www.seaport.org, or email us at info@seaport.org.