For today’s Q&A with a local organization navigating the COVID-19 public health emergency, we hear from Nancy Geary, executive director of the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. The God’s Acre organization reopens Tuesday. Here’s our exchange. New Canaanite: The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society was forced to close months ago, with many other nonprofit organizations. One thing we’re hearing from many of them is that the COVID-19 health-related restrictions have hurt fundraising efforts, such as through event cancellations.
Why did Benedict Arnold go bad? Find out as Jim Bach, one of New Canaan’s favorite historians, presents American Betrayal, the saga of a turncoat, at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society on March 29 at 4 pm. Bach’s presentation takes a look at the many events and personal shortcomings that brought about Benedict Arnold’s ultimate treason. You’ll hear how General George Washington, British Major Andre and our local hero Major Tallmadge had roles in what led to Arnold’s demise. All the events took place not too far from our border including Ridgefield, Norwalk, Croton, Tarrytown and West Point.
Lifelong New Canaan resident, Wilma Shaw Deicas, will share memories about growing up on her family’s dairy farm on March 10, at 11 am at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. She will highlight stories from her book Life on a Dairy Farm in New Canaan, Connecticut. The book includes 25 photos beginning in 1902, and may be purchased exclusively at the Historical Society for $5 each. Wilma graduated from New Canaan High School in 1952, and was in the Marine Corps from 1952-1955. She raised a family in New Canaan and then worked at Silver Hill Hospital for 30 years as a Nursing Assistant.
The 3rd annual New Canaan Art, Antique, and Jewelry Show to benefit the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society will be held on March 7th and 8th in the Historical Society’s main building at 13 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan. An eclectic group of dealers will offer a wide selection of art and antique items. There will be paintings, prints, maps, silver, jewelry, watches, decorative pieces and much more. Among the dealers will be Gil Rodriguez, back again this year with a wide range of rare and interesting books. Patricia Funt Antiques, formally on Main Street, will bring jewelry, silver, antique boxes, and items that are both amusing and unusual. Time Will Tell will have a great selection of vintage watches.
On February 20, 2020 at 6 pm, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society and the New Canaan Library will host the third in their series on constitutional rights with a screening of 13th, the Emmy award winning and Oscar nominated documentary. Bishop John Selders will introduce the film and answer questions upon its completion. The event will take place in the Library’s Lamb Room and is free. The 13th Amendment, adopted in 1865, abolished slavery in the United States and ended involuntary servitude except as punishment upon conviction of a crime. The film 13th, named for this Amendment, explores the intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration in America.
