By Julie O’Brien Deasy
Question: What is happening over at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society?
Answer: The New Canaan Historical Society operates the New Canaan Historical Museum, located at 13 Oenoke Ridge, and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and heritage of New Canaan. The museum showcases exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the town’s evolution from its colonial roots to the present day.
The Historical Society is currently in the final stages of an overall “campus reimagined” project that started six years ago. The highlight of this plan is the Jim and Dede Bartlett Center for New Canaan History, a 1000 square foot exhibit space dedicated to “making a difference in New Canaan.” It features the people, businesses, art and architecture that has made New Canaan special, and includes a 5 minute film on the evolution of downtown. There are interactive media consoles, a curation table to explore how to put together a story with objects, and rotating clothing and textiles on display. The exhibition took three years to design and fabricate.
The Center will be dedicated on Friday, May 31, and the Historical Society will host a “Celebrate New Canaan” party and fundraiser that night.
Dancing with music by FAKE ID, a whiskey tasting and cigar rolling demonstrations (with cigars available to enjoy on the terrace), catering by Diane Browne, and a chance to be the first to see the Bartlett Center.
There are a few other events that weekend to celebrate the new campus. On June 1 there will be a “New Canaan Sports Trivia Night” contest hosted by Terry Dinan. The cost is only $15, and includes pizza, and prizes.
The 34th Annual Ice Cream Social will be held on June 2 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on the lawn. Come enjoy Gofer’s ice cream, cakes made by the National Charity League, the Town Band, lemonade making, and a vintage car show. The 1764 Hanford-Silliman House will be open to visit, and the 1799 Rock School will both be open to visit. This event is free.
Finally, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society always welcomes volunteers who are passionate about New Canaan, history, or both! Volunteer positions include docents, greeters, tour guides, or researchers, and training is provided. Anyone interested should reach out to Nancy Geary, Executive Director, at ngeary@nchistory.org.
What do you want to know about living in New Canaan? Is there a resource you are looking for or something you need in our area? We want to hear from you! Send in your ideas or queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com and your question may be featured in a future column.Send in your queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com.
