Connecticut Travel

Have you ever wanted your name or the name of someone you wish to commemorate etched in stone? The Seaport Association’s Legacy Brick program offers the public the rare opportunity to secure a place in Connecticut’s maritime history through the purchase of a personalized brick that will be placed in front of the Lighthouse on Sheffield Island.

“Since 1978 the Seaport Association has maintained Sheffield Island and it’s 152 year-old-lighthouse. We created this program as a chance for all lovers of Long Island Sound and Sheffield Island’s Lighthouse and Lightkeepers cottage to commemorate their support for the mission of the Seaport Association. Everyone has been very supportive of this program because they are proud to be a part of our maritime heritage and our mission of preservation and education,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. Proceeds from the Legacy Brick program will be used to defray the cost of maintaining the island and lighthouse.

Fans of the Seaport Association that want to be a part of the Legacy Brick program can secure bricks in two sizes 4×8 or 8×8 and can order the bricks with just text or with text and clip art. To view samples of legacy bricks and to purchase online click here. Along with the personally engraved bricks, fans will receive a notice of when the brick is placed and a certificate of ownership.

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 Norwalk 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, which strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contributes to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present, and the future. 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 maritime heritage.

There are many inspirational stories about how different museums, companies, and individuals are coping with the social distancing restrictions brought about as a result of COVID19. The Institute for American Indian Studies https://www.iaismuseum.org has a few stories of its own and launched a series called “Inside with IAIS” in March that will continue in April and May.

Back by popular demand and social distancing restrictions, the IAIS is continuing its video series “Inside with IAIS”. The educational staff at the Institute has pivoted from on-grounds educational programs to internet-based, distance learning programs that are entertaining and educational for the whole family. These programs will take place in April on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 p.m. on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum

On Wednesday, April 22 at 2 pm join Susan and Darlene for a look at two-eyed seeing and gardening. You will be amazed at what you can learn from plants. The highlight of this program is a look at Traditional Ecological Knowledge about plants and the lessons it can teach for our gardens today.​

On Friday, April, 24, education coordinator and storyteller, Darlene Kascak, STN, will share another story at 2 pm from the rabbit bag.

To round out the month of April, on Wednesday, April 29 at 2 pm join Assistant Director and Lead Curator Paul Wegner for an explanation of how archaeologists use ceramics to uncover hidden histories of the past.

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Today also marks the beginning of Give Local that runs April 21 – 22. Your contribution to the Institute for American Indian Studies will help them teach important history. As an added bonus, this year they are also including a museum membership when you donate at the $50, $75 or $100+ level. Support your local Native American museum and enjoy all the benefits of membership! You’ll have until 7pm tomorrow (April 22nd) to donate! Click here and Give Local today.​

The American Museum of Tort Law, founded by Ralph Nader has just launched a new online tour of some of their exhibits. This online exhibit features the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning artists such as Matt Wuerker whose artwork eloquently illustrates famous Tort Law cases. To access the online galleries click here.

This online exhibit explains tort law and trial by jury illustrating how both of these legal procedures have impacted the lives of thousands of consumers with positive and progressive outcomes. Dangerous Toys, for example, shows how the world has been made a safer place for children. The online gallery focuses on precedent-setting cases. These cases highlight the building blocks of righting wrongs that impact present and future cases. These cases reflect the constantly evolving nature of tort law and show why it is important. Once case not to miss is Nader V. General Motors Corp., 1970 that is also documented in his book, Unsafe at any Speed. From wiretapping and a car with major flaws, this read is fascinating and artfully illustrated.

The Museum of Tort Law is located in Winsted and has a mission to educate, inform and inspire Americans about Trial by Jury and the benefits of tort law, or the law of wrongful injuries including car crashes, defective products, medical malpractice, and environmental disasters.

There are many inspirational stories about how different museums, companies, and individuals are coping with the social distancing restrictions brought about as a result of COVID19. The Institute for American Indian Studies https://www.iaismuseum.org
has a few stories of its own and launched a series called “Inside with IAIS” in March. Back by popular demand and social distancing restrictions, the IAIS is continuing its video series “Inside with IAIS” in April. The educational staff at the Institute has pivoted from on-grounds educational programs to internet-based, distance learning programs that are entertaining and educational for the whole family. These programs will take place in April on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 p.m. on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/

The Institutes’ Staff Educators and Archeologists have filmed a series of videos that stream on Facebook. Each video has a different focus and story to tell. There are programs on archeological based learning, sessions on foraging and survival skills, as well as broadcasts on Native American Stories that teach a myriad of life lessons for young and old alike.

On Friday, April 10 and 17, Darlene Kascak (STN), a traditional Native American storyteller will entertain and educate with the popular “Tales from the Rabbit Bag,” and on Monday, April 6, there will be an archeological look at the importance of rocks.

If you want to stretch your legs in the great outdoors, take a virtual Nature walk with Institute Staff to learn how to ID plants, trees, and animals this spring on Wenesday, April 8. If you are a fan of survival shows, learn how to forage on Monday, April 13 – you will be amazed at the things you can find that have always grown right under your nose! On April 15, learn what clever tool Native Americans and, many other cultures from around the globe used to hunt with before the invention of the bow and arrow.

Check back often on our Facebook page for updates, new videos, Wisdom Wednesday, Medicinal Monday, and other programming so you can continue to learn from the comforts of home!

One way you can help the Institute for American Indian Studies during this time is to become a member. Our mission is to educate and preserve Native American history and culture and we need your help to accomplish this. Please click the link here and become a member today. As an IAIS Member, your benefits include unlimited free admission to the museum, reduced or free admission for special events, discounted workshop and summer camp fees, discounts in the IAIS Museum Shop, quarterly calendar of IAIS activities and workshops, invitations to exhibit openings and special events, and your choice of one of four books as a welcoming gift.

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.

List of Inside with IAIS Videos

Inside Community – https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/3047169402008405/

Nature Journaling for Kids https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/236181334191364/

Difference between natural rocks and artifacts https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/636067410292358/

Outdoor Survival Shelter Building – https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/618339135563401/

Native American Story About Frogs – https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/245374036631763/

Native American Story – How the Rabbit Got His Ears – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=204133197525826&external_log_id=aed5153351e60a51774e54128afc4979&q=Inside%20with%20IAIS

The Salisbury Association Land Trust, partnering with Sharon Audubon Center and the Housatonic Valley Association, has produced an exhibit about important ecological concerns affecting you and our natural world. Birds in Crisis: What Can I Do? was scheduled to open at the Academy Building in Salisbury, mid-April. Due to the current health emergency and the public’s need to avoid community transmission, a physical exhibit is not possible at this time. However, a virtual exhibit is. The virtual exhibit was created by Lou and Elaine Hecht in both its virtual and physical form. The Salisbury Association plans to mount the physical exhibit when it is safe to do so.

To view this fascinating exhibition click this link. https://mcusercontent.com/f01c260f9bc4aa036fa217f73/files/1c4bc441-30cb-48ba-b6c3-f7924f29b115/BirdsInCrisisExhibitPanels.pdf