Newtown Historical Society

Past 2011 Events

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P.O. Box 189
Newtown, Connecticut 06470
info@Newtown
History.org

Phone:

203-426-5937

 


Newtown Historical Society Past 2011 Events


Programs in Gold

Demonstrations in Maroon

Monday, January 10, 2011
7:30 p.m
Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
NEWTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR
The The Newtown Historical Society will open the 2011 programming year with the annual presentation by Town Historian Dan Cruson, on January 10, 7.30 PM, in the community room of the Booth Library, 25 Main Street (rte 25), with a program showing What’s Old That’s New.
Click here for more
.
   
Monday, February 7, 2011
7:30 p.m
Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown

*Please note the date change.
THE ANECDOTES AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT, OUR LARGEST PRESIDENT
The Newtown Historical Society features a presentation by Gordon Williams. It will look at both the anecdotes and the legacy of Taft, who was a serious public servant, an effective President, and an important Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Click here for more
.
   
Monday, March 14, 2011
7:30 p.m
Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
THE IRISH COME TO NEWTOWN
The Irish have been a presence in Newtown for over 200 years, and make up a sizeable proportion of the towns population. Presented by Harlan Jessup on the day before St. Patrick's Day.
Click here for more
.
   
Sunday, March 20, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 p.m
Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown
Open House and Spinning Wheel Demonstration
Fiona Fine of Portland, CT will be conducting a spinning wheel demonstration in the North Chamber. The process from start to finish will be explored and a discussion will be had concerning the various spinning wheels on display.
   
Monday, April 11, 2011
7:30 p.m
Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
THE LEGACY OF PT BARNUM, THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!
Through his slides, Bob Berthelson will follow Barnum's progress from obscurity to fame. We will see how he ws able to seize the American imagnation with a wide variety of entertainment from bearded ladies to Jenny Lind.
Click here for more
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Sunday, April 17, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 p.m
Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown
Open House and Vintage Glass and Bottle Exhibit
Noel Tomas of The Museum of Connecticut Glass will be setting up a display of Connecticut glass and bottles. Noel will talk about the museum as well as the art and history of glassmaking here in Connecticut.
   
Monday, May 9, 2011
7:30 p.m
Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
OUTLAWS, VILLIANS AND ROGUES!
This program, presented by Rick Spencer, is about various misdeeds using songs and ballads. Penny broadsides and popular songs of the period from the 1700s to the mid 20th Century are presented to tell the stories of Captain Kidd, Jesse James, Pretty Bob Floyd and others. The program includes a discussion of why we are a culture so fascinated by violence, misdeeds and mayhem.
   
Sunday, May 22, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 p.m
Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown
Open House and Colonial Dancing Demonstration
Members of the dance troupe Reel Nutmeg Country Dancers will be traveling from Windsor to show visitors a few colonial moves. Come join in the fun and try a few steps for yourself.



Sunday, June 12, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 p.m
Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown
Open House and Rope Making Demonstration
Alexander Kostuk of Pisgah Mountain Primitives in Durham, CT will be making ropes and discussing materials and the process from start to finish.




Sunday, June 12, 2011
1:00 - 1:45 p.m
Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown
Walking Tour of Newtown Street
In conjunction with our last open house of the season, Dan Cruson will conduct a walking tour of Newtown Street, the traditional name for Main Street. Beginning and ending at the Matthew Curtiss House, a cold glass of lemonade will be waiting for your return.During the casual walk up and down the street Dan will point out the distinctive architectural features of this oldest part of town. In addition to a number of surprising historical stories, he has promised to include some scandal and at least one good ghost story.


Monday, July 11, 2011
thru Friday, July 15th

Morning and Afternoon Sessions

Matthew Curtiss House on Route 25 in Newtown

Childrens Summer History Camp
The sixth annual Summer History Camp took place during the week of July 11, 2011. This unique camp is designed for children ages 8, 9 & 10.  Due to overwhelming demand an afternoon session was added this year.    



Monday, September 12, 2011
7:30 p.m

Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
"The History of American Barbershop Music" Presentation

Did you ever wonder how the Barbershop Quartet came about?  Well come find out and enjoy a variety of songs by a local quartet named The Danbury Mad Hatters.


Sunday, September 18, 2011
10:30 - 12:30

Little Red Schoolhouse
Annual “Children’s Day” at the Little Red School House
Join us for this annual event.  You can make a hornbook, attend class and participate in recess activities.  The school house is located on the grounds of Middle Gate School.  Classes will be held rain or shine, but outside activities will be weather permitting.


Sunday, Novembe 13, 2011

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Town Historian's Office

Edmond Town Hall

Silhouette Portrait Event

In conjunction with our open house, a Silhouette Portrait event will be taking place across the street.  Deborah O’Connor, of Rhode Island, will hand-cut portraits of visitors using this antique method that was popular in the 1700 and 1800s until the development of photography caused the silhouette’s decline.  For more history on the Silhouette please follow this link to Silhouette History.


Take advantage of the rare talents of Deborah O’Connor to start a new tradition in your family.  These amazing family heirlooms start at $30 and make for a perfect holiday gift.  Silhouettes can be made from live subjects or photographs and can be done for all members of your family, including your beloved pets.  Call today to schedule your sitting. Walk Ins are welcome, but Appointments are strongly recommended.
Please contact Alice at 203-260-4737 to schedule.

For your convenience and information the following links are available as pdf files:

1. Silhouette order form

2. Silhouette Event Poster



Sunday, Nov 13, 2011

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Matthew Curtis's House
Monday, September 12, 2011
7:30 p.m

Booth Library on Route 25 in Newtown
"The History of American Barbershop Music" Presentation
Did you ever wonder how the Barbershop Quartet came about?  Well come find out and enjoy a variety of songs by a local quartet named The Danbury Mad Hatters.


Sunday, September 18, 2011
10:30 - 12:30

Little Red Schoolhouse
Annual “Children’s Day” at the Little Red School House
Join us for this annual event.  You can make a hornbook, attend class and participate in recess activities.  The school house is located on the grounds of Middle Gate School.  Classes will be held rain or shine, but outside activities will be weather permitting.


Sunday, Nov 13, 2011

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Matthew Curtis's House


Open House and Hearth Cooking Demonstration

Bill and Mary Jo Brett, of Newtown, will be conducting an open hearth cooking demonstration.  A warm fire and home cooked aromas will welcome visitors, so come join us in the keeping room, the center of all activity in a colonial home.

   

Monday, Nov 14, 2011

7:30 pm

C.H. Booth Library

Connecticut Goes to the Civil War” Presentation

Sharon B. Smith is the author of several books and a former broadcast journalist.  Sharon has recently concentrated on books focusing on equine subjects and the Civil War. Her latest book, Connecticut’s Civil War: A Guide for Travelers is the basis for her presentation.




Sunday, Dec 4, 2011

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Matthew Curtis's House 

Open House and Family Games Day

What did our ancestors do after all the chores were done?  Come join us for a lively game of Checkers, 9 Men Morris, or Cards.  If you prefer, you can work on your skills in Jacks, Pick-Up-Sticks, or Cat’s Cradle.  Or engage in a truly Newtown game of Scrabble.


Open House and Hearth Cooking Demonstration

Bill and Mary Jo Brett, of Newtown, will be conducting an open hearth cooking demonstration.  A warm fire and home cooked aromas will welcome visitors, so come join us in the keeping room, the center of all activity in a colonial home.



CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT EVENTS
(Click here for past 2010 events)
(Click here for past 2009 events)
(Click here for past 2008 events)
(Click here for past 2007 events)

Please e-mail or call to send us suggestions for programs, etc.


 


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