Tag: CT Travel

Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden Presents “The Photo Angel Project” with Founder Kate Kelley

The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden invites the public to a special free presentation with Kate Kelley, founder of The Photo Angel Project, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Woodbury Public Library. The program grew from a remarkable connection between Kelley and the Glebe House Museum. When Kelley contacted the museum, staff had no way of knowing they would be reunited with an object from the museum’s past—one that was not represented in its collection.

Kelley had discovered a “tile trivet,” circa 1975, at her mother’s home. The trivet was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Glebe House Museum’s 1925 opening and was originally sold at the museum as a fundraiser. Although the museum holds many commemorative objects, it did not have an example of this particular anniversary trivet.

After learning about Kelley’s personal history and her work through The Photo Angel Project, the Glebe House Museum invited her to share the project’s story with the community.

The Photo Angel Project’s mission is to reunite long-lost photographs with their relatives. Kelley has returned images to families in all 50 states and in several countries. Her work has been featured by NBC’s The Today Show, Family Tree Magazine, The Boston Globe, WCVB Channel 5 Boston’s Chronicle, Who Do You Think You Are magazine, and other media outlets.

“It all began with a pile of labeled photos of non-relatives that were mixed in with my grandparents’ old family pictures,” Kelley said. “Were they friends? Classmates? War buddies? Neighbors? I was determined to find out.”

Kelley began researching the people in the photographs through genealogy websites and soon connected with their relatives. Today, she searches antique stores for labeled photographs that can be identified and returned to family members. One recipient affectionately gave her the name “The Photo Angel.”

“The purpose of this project is to inspire others to dig out their dusty attic boxes and visit antique stores for photos with identifying information to reunite them with families,” Kelley said.

The event is sponsored by the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn how photographs and family history can be preserved, and discover how they may help reunite meaningful images and objects with the people and places they belong to.

Event Details

What: The Photo Angel Project presentation with Kate Kelley

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main Street South, Woodbury

Sponsor: Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden

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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Glebe House Museum to Debut Haunted Hollow Tours in Woodbury on October 24

As autumn settles across New England, golden leaves give way to bare branches, early sunsets cast long shadows over centuries-old stone walls, and crisp evening air brings an added sense of mystery to every walk outdoors. It is no surprise that historic cemetery tours grow especially popular around Halloween. Beyond seasonal scares, these experiences offer a compelling connection to local history, architecture, folklore, and the people whose lives helped shape their communities.

This year, the Glebe House Museum & Garden in Woodbury will introduce its new Haunted Hollow Tours on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a rain date of Oct. 25. Sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank, the event reimagines the museum’s classic cemetery tour with encounters involving the history, architecture, and memorable residents of Woodbury’s Hollow.

Participants will travel through another era while walking Hollow Road, Doolittle Hill and Main Street. Along the way, they will meet the ghosts of former residents and enter Old South Cemetery to greet the spirits said to rest there.

Six daylight tours will focus on the Hollow’s architecture, local history, and historic cemetery. Six evening tours will offer a more unsettling experience, with spirits potentially appearing from the shadows of the ancient burial ground — listed among Connecticut’s most haunted sites.

With a spirit guide leading the way, attendees will visit the homes and final resting places of some of Woodbury’s most notable and notorious residents. The tours explore burial grounds more than 350 years old, where stories of those buried beneath visitors’ feet are brought to life for the occasion.

On the Glebe House grounds, guests can meet the Leatherman, the well-known wanderer who traveled throughout western Connecticut during the late 1800s and made numerous stops in Woodbury. Visitors may also encounter Dr. Samuel Orton, a physician who practiced medicine in the area more than 250 years ago and may be eager to diagnose modern ailments — and suggest a few leeches.

Tours depart from the museum grounds every 15 minutes, beginning at 4 p.m. Daylight tours run from 4 to 5:45 p.m., while evening tours run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Evening tour tickets are available only to guests ages 13 and older, and organizers do not recommend the evening experience for children 12 and under.

The experience includes approximately 45 minutes of walking on sidewalks, uneven ground, and hills. Organizers recommend weather-appropriate attire, comfortable shoes, and a flashlight.

Guests may also sign up for tarot readings with Ana M. in the Glebe House Cottage. Ana M., who has more than 40 years of experience, will offer readings for tips, with 50 percent of proceeds benefiting the Glebe House Museum. Readings are valued at $30, and cash is preferred. Ticket holders will receive a reservation link, and advance sign-up is recommended.

Tickets are $15 for adults ages 13 and older, $10 for children ages 6–12, and free for children age 5 and under. Space is limited, and advance ticket purchases are encouraged. Last year’s event sold out.

For tickets and additional information, visit https://www.glebehousemuseum.org or contact the museum office at 203-263-2855 or office@glebehousemuseum.org.

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Before Salem: The Glebe House Museum Brings Connecticut’s Witchcraft History to Life

When most Americans think of witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts, immediately comes to mind. Its 1692 outbreak of fear and persecution has come to define the history of witchcraft accusations in colonial America.

But long before Salem’s panic, Connecticut had already endured its own grim era of suspicion, imprisonment, exile, and execution. Connecticut’s witchcraft trials came first—and in many ways, their story is just as unsettling.

Unlike Salem’s single, concentrated crisis, Connecticut’s cases unfolded across several communities and over multiple decades. That scattered history, combined with incomplete surviving records, may help explain why the state’s witch trials are less familiar today.

On October 3 at 5:30 p.m., the Glebe House Museum brings a powerful new presentation, “The First: Witchcraft in Connecticut,” to the Old Town Hall in Woodbury. This full-length live debut presentation revisits Connecticut’s first witchcraft trials and confronts a question that still resonates today: What happens when fear decides who belongs, who is believed, and who is condemned? Hosted by “The Witch of Woodbury,” Moll Cramer—a historical figure accused of witchcraft and banished from town—the evening moves beyond the label of “witch” to reveal the real people behind the accusations.

With continued research and support from Newtown Savings Bank, the Glebe House Museum and longtime historian and volunteer Linda Barr-Gale have developed this expanded presentation that places Moll Cramer’s experience in a wider historical context. This premiere also includes the stories of Thomas Allyn, Rebecca Greensmith, and Katherine Harrison—people whose lives reveal the breadth and human cost of Connecticut’s witchcraft prosecutions.

For those familiar with Salem but unfamiliar with Connecticut’s earlier trials, The First: Witchcraft in Connecticut offers a chance to see colonial history differently. Rather than treating the era as a sensationalized footnote, the program centers on the lives affected by injustice: people who survived, people who were cast out, and people whose stories ended in tragedy.

The evening is also a reminder that history is not only preserved in major events and famous names. Sometimes, it survives through fragments—court documents, diaries, depositions, church records, and the determination of local historians to ensure that forgotten stories are not lost altogether.

Registration Details
Date: October 3, 2026
Location: Old Town Hall, 5 Mountain Road, Woodbury, CT.
Doors open: 5:00 p.m.
Program begins: 5:30 p.m.
Running time: Approximately two hours, including an intermission
Seating: General Admission
Guests needing additional accommodations are encouraged to contact the Museum at 203-263-2855.
Due to the program’s runtime and content, it is not recommended for children under 14.
Complimentary refreshments will be served during intermission.
Tickets https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/single-post/the-first-witchcraft-in-connecticut
Advance tickets: $25 per person
Tickets at the door: $30 per person
Advance purchase is recommended, as seating is limited. Purchase tickets through the Glebe House Museum website or contact the Museum office at 203-263-2855 or office@glebehousemuseum.org.

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Rooted in Remedy: Colonial Herbal Wisdom Comes Alive at The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden

In Colonial America, families didn’t have modern pharmacies around the corner. Instead, they turned to what grew nearby. Knowledge of these remedies was practical, personal, and often passed down through generations. This September, The Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, in Woodbury, invites curious minds, plant lovers, and history enthusiasts to explore herbal medicine in Colonial America in a two-part series led by Dr. Eugene Zampieron, known as Dr. Z.

With more than 25 years of experience as a licensed naturopathic physician, medical botanist, registered professional herbalist, professor, author, lecturer, radio personality, and Caribbean ethnobotanist, Dr. Z brings deep expertise and a lively teaching style to this one-of-a-kind program.

The series begins on Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. with an engaging online presentation that introduces the foundations of colonial herbal medicine. Dr. Z will guide participants through the plants and practices that shaped early American healing traditions, highlighting the cultural and scientific roots of herbal care. This session sets a strong foundation for the garden and hands-on experience that follows.

The learning continues in person on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a fascinating hands-on workshop that brings colonial herbal traditions to life. The day begins with a guided garden tour designed to help participants identify medicinal and edible plants. Along the way, Dr. Z will share insights into the folklore, chemistry, and traditional uses of the herbs growing at Woodbury’s historic Glebe House, which dates to the 1740s.

Then comes the fun part: making your own remedies. Using herbs gathered from the garden, foraged from the wild, and purchased locally, attendees will get hands-on experience crafting two traditional preparations: a healing salve and a choice between a classic Colonial-style cough remedy or an immune-supporting tonic. Best of all, each participant will leave with finished handmade medicines plus the knowledge and confidence to recreate them at home.

This is more than a workshop—it’s a chance to reconnect with a living tradition. Whether you’re interested in herbal medicine, history, gardening, or natural wellness, this program offers a thoughtful and practical experience rooted in place and heritage. It’s a reminder that the connection between people, plants, and wellness has deep roots—and that some of the best lessons from the past are still worth carrying forward.

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Registration Details

Program fee: $65 per person

Includes: both sessions, equipment use, and all supplies

Pre-registration required at https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/single-post/herbal-medicines-of-colonial-america-webinar-workshop

For additional information, email office@glebehousemuseum.org or call 203-263-2855.

JanetLeave a comment

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

JanetLeave a comment

Danbury Concert Association concludes 2025/26 series June 7 with Sophie Shao & Friends

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) will conclude its 2025/26 season on Sunday, June 7 with a program designed to feel both celebratory and deeply personal: the return of acclaimed cellist Sophie Shao, joined by four highly acclaimed musical professionals—violinist Carmit Zori, violist Cora Pogossian, bassist Max Zeugner, and pianist Amy I‑Lin Cheng.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall in the Visual Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside campus—an intimate, in-the-round venue known for warm acoustics and a welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Single tickets for the June 7 concert are $25 and may be purchased online, at wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com, or at the VPAC Box Office (203-837-8732) up to curtain time. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

For DCA audiences, Shao’s return is more than a season finale—it is the kind of artist-centered homecoming the organization has long championed. It reflects a rare concert experience defined by world-class musicianship in a setting where every seat feels close, every phrase feels immediate, and the post-concert conversation remains part of the tradition.

Shao and her fellow performers will present three works, each offering a distinctive voice and atmosphere. Elena Ruehr’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 brings modern expressiveness and rich color, highlighting the lyrical warmth of Shao’s cello and the refined sensitivity of pianist Amy I-Lin Cheng. The program continues with a deeply meaningful tribute to Danbury’s own Charles Ives, who’s Piano Trio is especially fitting in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Following intermission, the afternoon concludes with Franz Schubert’s Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major, D. 667 (“The Trout”). With its buoyant variations and luminous lyricism, the beloved work offers an uplifting and generous finish to the season, bringing the concert to a joyful close.

That spirit of connection continues after the performance, as each DCA concert is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all, reinforcing the series’ tradition of community.

The June 7 season finale will also offer a first look at the 2026/27 series that includes: Ying Li, piano on September 20, 2026, Camerata RCO, chamber music orchestra on October 25, 2026, Kathryn Lewek soprano, and Zach Borichesvsky, tenor on March 21, 2027, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, on June 6, 2027. Special subscription pricing for the new season will be available at www.danburyconcert.org beginning June 8.

About the Danbury Concert Association
The Danbury Concert Association is a nonprofit organization with roots dating back to the 1930s. Officially spun off from the Danbury Music Centre in 1957, the Association has brought internationally renowned talent to Connecticut every year since, with the exception of the COVID era. Today, performances are held at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University, in a state of the art facility. Each series features four concerts, two in the fall and two in the spring. Every performance begins at 3:00 p.m. and is followed by a reception with the artists.

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