The New Canaan Museum and Historical Society is stepping out with a big name change and a big party. Step into Summer on June 1 from 6-10 pm will be a wonderful opportunity to see the fresh face of the campus and enjoy a fabulous evening with live music by DogHouse, a whiskey and beer tasting in the Tavern of the 1764 Hanford-Silliman House, and catering by Libby Cooke. In addition, guests can preview the exhibition Shoes, designed and curated by Board member Donna Gorman, which celebrates shoes from the Museum’s extensive clothing and textile collection, as well as the history of the shoe industry in New Canaan. “We live in an historic, beautiful Town and the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society is the center of that history,” says Board member and event co-chair Amy Freyre. “We wanted an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate how special this place is.” The format of the evening will allow patrons to explore several museum buildings and both gallery spaces, participate in a live auction of unique items, plus mingle with food, drinks and dancing under a tent on the Great Lawn.
Constance Old: The Art of Consumer Detritus opens at the New Canaan Historical Society on May 17th with a reception from 5:30-7:30 pm. The exhibition runs through June 30. Constance Old’s work comes from a tradition of upcycling materials that began in Colonial America. Settlers were quick to adhere to the mantra of “waste not, want not.” Living in rural New England with little money, women did what they could to cover the cold floors in their homes. They took the burlap from empty seed sacks, cut strips of fabric out of old clothes, ribbons or scraps, pulled the fabric through the burlap and made floor coverings.
Common Ground: Irwin, twelve landscapes by the photographer Torrance York, will be on display in the Gores Pavilion in Irwin Park from May 10th through November 3. An opening reception will be held on May 9th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Common Ground: Irwin reflects York’s love of Irwin Park. “To me it feels like an outdoor museum with a rotating collection,” she says. “This park is a manageable size to circle completely on each visit so it is very satisfying to track changes in nature from one day to the next.
As part of the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society’s ongoing series for children ages 4 – 8, Mornings with Meredith, Education Coordinator Meredith Salton will help your child create a special Mother’s Day gift on Saturday May 4th from 10 – 11 am. Children will decorate a terracotta pot with bright paints and then fill it with beautiful flowers. The cost is $5 for member and $10 for non-members. Sign up by emailing ddearth@nchistory.org, or call (203) 966-1776, ext. 3.
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is launching special children’s programs on Saturday mornings from 10 – 11 am. Mornings with Meredith led by Education Coordinator Meredith Salton is designed for children ages 4 to 8. Come for one or come for all. April 13th–Our Place New Canaan–Story time followed by Color New Canaan, activity and coloring book featuring local landmarks. Free to members/$5 non-members.
