Tag: #WoodburyCT

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

This August Step Into the 18th Century at Glebe House Hands-on History brings Colonial Life to Kids.

In a time when children are surrounded by screens, packed schedules, and digital distractions, the summer programs at the Glebe House Museum in Woodbury offers something refreshingly different: a chance to slow down, step into history, and learn through experience.

For more than 36 years, the Glebe House Museum’s Summer Experience programs have invited children to discover the past in a way that is both educational and memorable. Designed for children ages 6–12, these programs go far beyond traditional classroom learning. Instead of simply reading about colonial life, campers get to live it.

Two Unique August Programs

This August, the museum is offering two special camp opportunities.The first program runs August 3–7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this week, children will explore the treasures of the Glebe House Museum through colonial crafts, candle making, butter churning, historic games, and nature-based activities. Children will also visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, learn about herbal remedies and kitchen gardens, and create nature-inspired art.

A second, newly expanded program will take place August 10–12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In partnership with Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, this immersive experience places children in the daily lives of people who lived during the American Revolutionary War. In a year when the nation is commemorating its 250th birthday, the program offers a timely and engaging way for young people to understand the realities of colonial life.

Set in the historic Glebe House, built in 1750, these programs focus on the practical skills needed for survival and comfort in the colonial era. Under the guidance of historical interpreters, children will use period-appropriate tools and techniques to better understand how people worked, lived, and adapted in a very different world.

Beyond the historical learning, these programs provide something equally important: a safe, enriching environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and independence.

With support from the Ion Bank Foundation, the Glebe House continues to offer programs that nurture both minds and imaginations. The museum’s approach combines education with play, making the summer experience valuable for children and reassuring for families.

For parents looking for a program that blends history, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery, the Glebe House camp offers a compelling option. It is a chance for children to step away from the noise of modern life and into another world—one filled with learning, exploration, and wonder.

Registration Information

For details or to register, visit http://www.glebehousemuseum.org, or contact the museum at 203-263-2855 or office @glebehousemuseum.org Early Bird pricing through June 30.

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.

JanetLeave a comment

Glebe House Museum Announces “Hands-on-History” Summer Experience for Children

This summer, step into another time with the Glebe House Museum’s immersive Hands-on-History program, running from August 4–8, 2025. Now in its 36th year, this beloved program offers children ages 6–12 a unique opportunity to explore life in 18th and 19th century Woodbury through engaging, hands-on activities at our historic site. The full-day program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, providing a safe, educational, and exciting environment led by experienced educators.

Participants will delight in creating colonial crafts, churning butter, making candles, playing historic games, and exploring the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, while also learning about herbal remedies, kitchen gardens, and nature-inspired art. Designed to spark curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for history, horticulture, early American trades, and the arts, the program is both enriching and fun.

The program fee at the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury, Connecticut is $250 for members and $275 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. High school students aged 14 and up are invited to apply as Youth Leaders, earning community service hours and a stipend while supporting program operations.
To learn more or to register, visit www.glebehousemuseum.org
, call 203-263-2855, or email office@glebehousemuseum.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a summer filled with history, discovery, and creativity.

JanetLeave a comment

Step Back in Time with Open-Fire Cooking Mother’s Day Weekend! At The Glebe House

Have you ever wonder how early New England settlers cooked up a hearty meal after a long day in the fields? Now’s your chance to find out! Join the fun at the Glebe House, in Woodbury on Saturday, May 10th from 12:00–3:00 PM, for a hands-on, open-fire cooking workshop with the legendary Frontier Mess Chuckwagon. This unique experience is the perfect way to kick off your Mother’s Day weekend—with a little history, a lot of flavor, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia for Mom’s home-cooked meals.

During this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to build and cook over a fire like a 19th-century trail cook, discover the tools of the trade (hint: there’s a lot of cast iron involved), and even help prepare a delicious meal and dessert right over the flames. With space limited to just 18 participants, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time and a chance to savor the full pioneer experience.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just in the mood for something different, this workshop promises to be both educational and entertaining. Pre-registration is required, so grab your spot now! Tickets are $40 for Museum Members and $45 for Non-Members. Visit the website at http://www.glebehousemuseum.org to register and get ready to cook like it’s 1749!


Celebrate 100 Years of History—Gatsby Style
As if that wasn’t enough reason to visit, the Glebe House is marking a major milestone—100 years as a house museum! Join the celebration on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect for an unforgettable evening themed “The Great Gatsby.” Expect an elegant night of live music, delectable food and drink, signature cocktail, and exciting silent and live auctions. Dress to impress and toast to a century of preserving history in style. For tickets and more info, visit
https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/general-4

A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Built around 1750, the Glebe House stands as a testament to Colonial craftsmanship and enduring community spirit. Rescued and restored in 1923 under the guidance of Henry Watson Kent, the visionary behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it opened to the public just two years later in 1925. Today, it continues to tell the stories of early America—one tour, one exhibit, and one unforgettable experience at a time.

JanetLeave a comment