Past Exhibits & Events
The Gunn Historical Museum presents an ever-changing view of local history. Here is just a partial listing of recent and past exhibitions and events:Magical Christmas Horse Holiday Show | Civil War Anniversary Exhibit | Civil War Anniversary Programs | Mallory Murders | Washington Winter Wonderland | Lake Waramaug | Jerome Titus' Civil War Diary | Cemetery Tour | Christmas Through the Ages | Victorian Tea Party | Paranormal Lecture | Washington Club | Scrapbook Exhibit & Programs | Washington's Emergency Services | GML Centennial | Wedding Dresses | Cogswell Papers | Abner Mitchell | Washington Art Association |
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Sound Rising Presentation & Book Signing
To commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812, Richard Radune, author of Sound Rising: Long Island Sound at the Forefront of America's Struggle for Independence gave a powerpoint presentation and book signing.The War of 1812 was a three-year military conflict fought between the United States of America and the British Empire which famously resulted in the capture and burning of Washington, D.C. by the British. The Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812 also inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that supplied the lyrics for The Star Spangled Banner.
Sound Rising challenges our perception of Long Island Sound in many surprising ways. The Sound was at the forefront of American trade with the West Indies and its location placed it in a position to influence the course of history during the critical years between 1750 and 1820. Its multitude of small ports, coves and navigable rivers provided a distinct advantage by thwarting British efforts to enforce trade restrictions and collect taxes. Merchants' desire for free trade and the avoidance of customs duties set the stage for war. Long Island Sound played a crucial role in America's Revolutionary War victory when its naval vessels, privateers and whaleboat raiders swarmed out of these same ports to interdict British supplies and force major changes in the enemy's strategic war plans. Long Island Sound became no man's land and an emotional vortex of "Whaleboat War" involving refugees from each side of the Sound. This groundbreaking, true story relates the Sound's involvement in the capture of Fort Louisbourg, rampant smuggling, the Revolutionary War, the Undeclared War with France and the War of 1812.
Richard Radune, a resident of Branford, Connecticut, is an author and independent historian. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1965 with a major in U. S. History, he served as an Air Force Captain in North Dakota and Alaska. Following a 30-year business career, Mr. Radune researched and wrote the award winning book, Pequot Plantation: The Story of an Early Colonial Settlement which was published in 2005. His second book, Sound Rising, was published in 2011.
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For this holiday show, Museum visitors were introduced to the new children's book of the same name by best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark and award-winning artist Wendell Minor. The setting of The Magical Christmas Horse is based on the historic 1746 Averill Farm in Washington, Connecticut and the Gunn Museum's toy horse is the inspiration behind this enchanting Christmas story.
This exhibition featured Wendell Minor's original works of art from The Magical Christmas Horse, along with whimsical displays of spectacular toy horses of all shapes and sizes from the collection of the Gunn Museum and area residents. Designer Chris Zaima with the collaboration of John Pitts, the former scenic artist at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, captured the holiday spirit for this exhibit.
Mary Higgins Clark is the beloved and world-wide bestselling author of thirty suspense novels, three collections of short stories, a historical novel, and a memoir. In the U.S. alone, her books have sold over one hundred million copies. She is also the coauthor with her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, of five holiday suspense novels.
Wendell Minor is the award-winning illustrator of more than fifty picture books, including the New York Times bestselling picture books Reaching for the Moon and Look to the Stars, written by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Mr. Minor's work can be found in the permanent collections of such institutions as the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Library of Congress. He lives with his wife Florence, in Washington, Connecticut, where this story is set.
Following the success of their New York Times bestselling picture book, Ghost Ship, author Mary Higgins Clark teamed up once again with long-time friend and artist, Wendell Minor, who originally created the cover art for Clark's first classic, Where are the Children?
The setting of the book is based on Averill Farm here in Washington, Connecticut that has been passed down through nine generations. Wendell's captivating paintings create the backdrop for Clark's superior storytelling, making The Magical Christmas Horse a book that captures the true heart of the holidays, and one that families will make part of their Christmas tradition year after year. The Museum still has signed copies of the book available for sale.
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December 10th: Book Talk & Signing with Wendell Minor & Mary Higgins Clark
The Museum hosted a book signing and short reading with beloved best-selling author, Mary Higgins Clark and award-winning artist, Wendell Minor as they shared their latest collaborative work, The Magical Christmas Horse. After the book signing, visitors enjoyed the holiday exhibit featuring Mr. Minor's original works of art from this book, along with the Museum's toy horse that was the inspiration behind this wonderful Christmas story.
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Letters from the Battlefield: Stories of Washington's Civil War Soldiers
This exhibit commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, and traced the evolution of Washington from a slavery-supporting community to one that came out strongly on the side of the abolitionist forces. Civil War letters, pictures and artifacts from both local families and the collection of the Museum were used to explore the lives of Washington's soldiers, sharing their stories of bravery and horror.Features of this exhibit included the research of the Shepaug Valley Middle School's 8th grade students who transcribed Civil War letters from the collection of the Gunn Museum; fascinating Civil War artifacts from noted collector Thomas Zanavich and others; beautiful Civil War murals painted on the walls of the Museum by local artists Keith Templeton and Chris Zaima; and Gunnery student Zachary Bodnar shared his research on Frederick Gunn's abolitionist views and the students he prepared for war. This collaborative research project and exhibit of the Gunn Museum, Shepaug Valley Middle School and The Gunnery was generously supported by The Backhus Foundation and The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.
The exhibit was kicked off on May 1 with a Civil War Encampment on the grounds of the Museum with numerous living history re-eneactors depicting soldier and civilian life. Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Gunn and others were in attendance to witness military drills, camp life, wartime medical practices, blacksmithing, firing demonstrations, and more. An authentic Civil War Gatling Gun was fired throughout the day. A Civil War Church Service was conducted at the First Congregational Church on Washington Green with period hymns, sermon and re-enactor participation. Descendants of Washington's Civil War soldiers from across the country were present for a Remembrance Ceremony at at the Museum to honor their ancestors. Edith Nettleton, the 102 year old granddaughter of Washington Civil War soldier Samuel Jay Nettleton, was the guest of honor.
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November 20th: A Jezebel Among Us: Abby Kelley Foster Returns to Washington!
In 1840 Quaker Pacifist, Radical Abolitionist and Women's Rights Activist Abby Kelley Foster of Worcester, Massachusetts spoke publicly in Washington, Connecticut. Lynne McKenney Lydick of the Worcester Women's History Project presented a one-woman play in the same Congregational Church on Washington Green, based on Abby Kelley's letters and speeches, to give the flavor of her shocking and controversial visit.Abby Kelley Foster was 29 when she broke with social convention dictating that women remain silent, submissive and obedient by claiming her right to speak out against slavery. In doing so, she helped lay the foundation for the women's rights movement. Foster was one of the first women to speak publicly against slavery and during her first speech a mob threatened to burn down the hall where she spoke. As a radical abolitionist, Mrs. Foster gained notoriety by traveling around the country as an anti-slavery lecturer and she was never derailed from her belief that all people are created equal. Sponsored by Sheriff John Gunn and others, Abby spoke to large audiences in Washington, Connecticut in 1840. The minister of the Congregational Church, Gordon Hayes, denounced Abby Kelley's presence in town proclaiming her "a jezebel and servant of Satan in the garb of an angel of light with the aim to entice and destroy this church."
This program was made possible by the support of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut and was sponsored by the First Congregational Church and Gunn Museum.
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November 10th: Steam Coffin: A Lecture on the Steamship Savannah
Historian and author John Laurence Busch lectured on his new book, Steam Coffic: Captain Moses Rogers and The Steamship Savannah Break the Barrier. He signed copies of his book after the presentation.Busch's book is an account of the development and construction of the steamship Savannah and the passionate career of its Captain, Moses Rogers of Connecticut. Busch discussed the history of the development of the steamship and the struggle of Savannah backers to introduce a radical, next-generation steam powered vessel to the sea. Running steamboats on rivers, lakes and bays became a normal and accepted part of American life but taking such a vessel on a voyage across the ocean was a different proposition altogether. Busch explained why the proposition of making the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a "steamship" was met with a mixture of skepticism and fear. Traditionally-minded mariners looked upon its unnatural means of propulsion with the greatest suspicion. To them, it was not a "Steam Ship;" instead, it was a "Steam Coffin."
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October 28th: Civil War Cemetery Tour
The 4th Annual Washington Green Cemetery Tour, with a special Civil War theme to honor Washington's Civil War soldiers and commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, took place the Friday before Halloween.
Costumed guides led groups of visitors every ten minutes from the Museum to the Washington Green Cemetery where the town's departed citizens from the Civil War were stationed at their gravestones to tell their tales. Tour groups followed a path of 1,000 luminaries spanning a quarter of a mile through the shadowy cemetery and heard the dramatic experiences of Washington's soldiers in their own words, from the actual letters they wrote that are now in the collection of the Museum. Features of this magical theatrical evening included President Abraham Lincoln, Confederate soldiers, Abolitionists, along with Washington's soldiers and their wives. This one-time event was sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation.
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October 22nd: The Life and Times of William Webb, An African-American Civil War Soldier from Connecticut
Kevin Johnson gave a living history performance as William Webb, an African-American Civil War Soldier from Connecticut. Private Webb was an actual soldier, a native of Hartford. He was recruited in 1863 and served in the Twenty-Ninth (Colored) Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in several battles in Virginia. Johnson's presentation of Webb is told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective that vividly illustrates the struggle of the African-Americans in the Colored Infantry during the Civil War. He tells of his early life in Hartford, his recruitment and training, and the traumatic final battles of the Civil War. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History. Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library's History and Genealogy Unit.
This program was made possible by the support of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.
October 15th: Civil War Artifact Appraisal Day with Thomas Zanavich
The public was invited to bring their Civil War artifacts to the Museum to be evaluated by Thomas Zanavich, a long-time dealer, collector and the guest curator of the current exhibit. He answered questions and verbally appraised items for estimated age and value. There was no charge for admission or appraisal. This program was made possible by the support of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.
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October 9th: Connecticut at Antietam
Keven Walker, Antietam National Battlefield Historian, gave a presentation about Antietam, known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with about 23,000 casualties after 12 hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. Twelve Washington men fought at the battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Attendees learned about what these men faced and endured in one of the Civil War's signature battles. Keven Walker is a long-time employee of the National Park Service and the author of the book, Antietam Farmsteads: A Guide to the Battlefield Landscape.
This program was made possible by the support of the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.
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September 25th: Popular Music of the Civil War with the "Virginia Serenaders"
Inspired by the 1840's group of the same name, the Virginia Serenaders represent the sound of a formative era — the "national music" of the 19th century. They feature familiar works by Stephen Foster known as the "Father of American music", whose songs include "Oh Susanna", "Camptown Races" and "Old Folks at Home" (Swanee River), and Dan Emmet, who is best remembered for his compositions "Blue Tail Fly", "My Old Aunt Sally" and most notably, "Dixie" — music which the soldiers of the North and the South either carried-off or learned as part of their shared experience. The Serenaders use antique or reproduction instruments, fiddles, guitars and fretless banjos, strung with gut and headed with natural skin, which serve to capture the sound as originally performed. The dynamic and unusual percussion instruments include a combination of tambourine, triangle, fireplace tongs and jawbone. The result is a blend of historical research mixed with the interpretation of the musicians.The Virginia Serenaders" is led by John Dwyer, lecturer and performer along with vocalist and guitarist, Brad Lewis. Both musicians have participated with the Ethiopian Serenaders, Canebrake Minstrels, Clatter Valley String Band, Cinnamon Sky and the 2nd South Carolina String Band, as well as reenactment groups including the 22nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry and the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. They have regularly performed at Gettysburg, and for Historical and Legacy groups throughout the Northeastern States.
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September 11th: Mary Lou Pavlik Brings Civil War to Life
Civil War re-enactor Mary Lou Pavlik assumed the role of Mary Ann Lewis Bronson, a young wife during the Civil War. Dr. George Bronson married Mary Ann Lewis on September 5, 1861 and five weeks later, enlisted in the Union Army with the 11th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment. Much to his newly-wed wife's horror and disbelief, George enlisted as a Private. This rank was to be short lived and he served proudly for four years as Hospital Steward. The only contact that the newlyweds had was through their correspondence. The family has preserved forty-four of George's original letters to Mary Ann. Six of those letters will take you from the docks of New York City on December 17, 1861 as the 11th Connecticut Regiment sets sail for Maryland to the fall of Richmond in April, 1865, where George's regiment was the first to enter the city.
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June 9th: Connecticut in the American Civil War
Dr. Matthew Warshauer presented a talk based on his new book, "Connecticut in the American Civil War: Slavery, Sacrifice and Survival." Dr. Warshauer is Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University. The author of three books, he is a specialist on 19th century political and constitutional history. He serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission, and is helping to coordinate activities across Connecticut to focus on the importance and lasting legacies of the American Civil War and Connecticut's involvement in it. Although most may not immediately think of Connecticut when considering the Civil War, the state was extensively involved in the conflict. We sent more than 30 regiments to the front, had an extensive industrial capacity, and an active home front. Connecticut is also home to more than 130 Civil War monuments. Dr. Warshauer signed copies of his book after the presentation.
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May 19th: A History Bites lecture with Zachary Bodnar
Zachary Bodnar, the 2010-11 Gunn Scholar, presented a lecture, "Gunn's Soldiers: Tales of Civil War Soldiers from The Gunnery," in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library. Frederick W. Gunn's abolitionist ideals were very well known to everyone around him, and his principles were imprinted onto his pupils, some of whom left to fight in the Civil War. Charles Goodyear and Romulus Loveridge are two such students, whose stories include the joining of colored regiments as officers. This program, presented by the Gunnery School's senior class Gunn Scholar, focused on the stories of these two soldiers and their friends, as well as other students mentioned in the letters of Charles Goodyear.Zachary has compiled his research into a book which is available for purchase. Visitors also viewed the Museum's exhibit, "Letters from the Battlefield: Stories of Washington's Civil War Soldiers," before and after Zachary's presentation. This presentation was part of the History Bites lecture series. History Bites is a ten-week lunchtime lecture series presented every spring by ten history organizations in Litchfield County. History Bites 2011 is being generously sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation.
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April 4th: From the Archives of the Gunn Museum: Washington's Gift to the Civil War
Staff from the Gunn Museum presented one in a series of coffee hour readings from the archives of the Gunn Memorial Museum at the Washington Senior Center. Curator Stephen Bartkus shared photos and A Historical Sketch Written and Delivered by Samuel Jay Nettleton at the Memorial Service Held May 28, 1911 on the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Civil War. Attendees learned about Washington's gift to the cause, and who fought in the Civil War from town.
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March 12th: Connecticut Goes to War: The Fort Sumter Crisis and the Call to Arms
Dr. Walter L. Powell gave a lecture exploring the political reaction to the Fort Sumter Crisis, the role of Connecticut Governor Buckingham and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles (a Connecticut native), and the efforts to mobilize the state for War after President Lincoln's "Call For Volunteers" in April 1861.Walter L. Powell is a historic preservation consultant and adjunct professor of History at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he teaches courses in American history and the "Age of the American Civil War." He is also an Adjunct Professor of Historic Preservation at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. For 17 years he served as Director of Planning and Historic Preservation for the Borough of Gettysburg, where, among many other projects, he directed the restoration of the Gettysburg Railroad Station (built 1858) and served as the Borough's principal liaison to the National Park Service Project Team that planned the exhibits and restoration of the David Wills House, where President Abraham Lincoln completed the Gettysburg Address. The former President of the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides and the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association, he has written and lectured widely on the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, and Battlefield Preservation, including, most recently, Letters from the Storm: The Intimate Civil War Letters of Lt. J.A.H. Foster, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers (Chicora, PA: Mechling Press, 2010).
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A History of the Washington Agricultural Fair
The Georgianna Middlebrook Room is dedicated to Washington history. Incorporated in 1779, Washington, Connecticut boasts a rich and diverse history. Through pictures, stories and artifacts, visitors are brought on a journey through Washington's unique history in this room, starting 10,000 years ago with the first inhabitants of the area, the Native Americans, to the modern day. Displays in this room rotate seasonally, highlighting different components of Washington's past. This 2011 display featured the history of Washington's Agricultural Fair along with a newly restored film of the Fair in 1950.
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On February 3rd, local author and historian Michael-John Cavallaro presented a lecture in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library describing the first mass murder in America, which took place in Washington, CT on the night of February 3, 1780. The Mallory Murders, as they came to be called, were so shocking that the news spread from Maine to Georgia in a matter of days.
The murderer, 19-year-old Barnett Davenport, was from the neighboring town of New Milford, and for the first time in history — 231 years to the day of the actual shocking and tragic event — the truth of the story was brought to light. Mr. Cavallaro spent three years researching this fascinating and disturbing tale, and related not only the story itself, but explained how his research came to fruition in a detective story that took him deep into history and military research. Davenport's tragic life and his fall into mental illness and social dysfunction are fully explored in his next book, scheduled for release in 2011. Mr. Cavallaro is also the author of the book, Tales of Old New Milford.
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"Washington Winter Wonderland" (November 2010 to January 2011)
Our holiday exhibit featured over one hundred and thirty vintage Steiff stuffed toy animals in whimsical displays throughout the Museum. Steiff is best known as the company that invented the Teddy bear. Local designers, Chris Zaima and Anne Chapin, decorated beautiful Christmas trees as well. John Pitts, former Scenic Artist at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, painted a beautiful winter mural on the walls of the Museum. This enchanting exhibit ran from Thanksgiving 2010 through January 30, 2011. The exhibit was reviewed here.
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Steiff Appraisal Day — January 22
The public was invited to bring their Steiff bears and animals to the Museum to be evaluated by Sandy Booth and Shelley Smith, both long-time collectors whose toys were on display in the current exhibit. They answered questions and verbally appraised items for estimated age and value. This fun, informal event was free.
Dedication of the Georgianna Middlebrook Room
On Sunday, November 28th, we dedicated the main entrance gallery in the Museum in honor of Georgianna Middlebrook, a long-time Washington resident and supporter of the Gunn. The Georgianna Middlebrook Room will be dedicated to Washington history.
New Year's Tea Party at the Museum
On Sunday, January 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. we rang in the New Year with an old-fashion Victorian tea party at the Museum. Visitors viewed our holiday exhibit and socialized with friends in a festive setting as they enjoyed tea and refreshments.
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Life on Lake Waramaug: Past, Present, Future (May - October 2010)
Through pictures, stories and artifacts this wonderful exhibit took visitors on a journey, starting 10,000 years ago with the first inhabitants of the Lake, the Native Americans and Chief Waramaug, to its rise as a 19th century summer resort showcasing the hay day of inns and summer fun on the Lake. This celebration was a collaboration of the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum, Lake Waramaug Association, Lake Waramaug Task Force, Institute for American Indian Studies and Washington Art Association. The exhibit and associated programs were made possible by the generous support of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut in collaboration with the Connecticut Humanities Council.
The following programs enhanced this exhibit:
- May 27: Dr. Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research at the Institute for American Indian Studies, gave a Powerpoint presentation, "Native Americans at Lake Waramaug," in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library. Dr. Lavin discussed lifeways of the original inhabitants of the Lake, Chief Waramaug and his tribe, as well as findings from past and recent archaeological excavations around the Lake.
- June 12: Connecticut Open House Day. Stephen Bartkus, Gunn Museum Curator, gave a Powerpoint presentation, "Lake Waramaug: A 19th Century Summer Resort" in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library. Visitors were given a visual tour of the numerous inns, restaurants and cottages that have risen and fallen over the past 150 years on Connecticut's second largest natural lake.
- August 17: In collaboration with the Gunn Junior Library, we hosted a music and story program for children called "Waterbound by Tom Hanford's Musical Menagerie and Chimneyside Tales." Tom's show illuminated the history of America's lakes, rivers and canals through songs and stories of steamboat captains, roustabouts and canal hoggees of yesterday.
- October 23: Oral History Roundtable where friends and neighbors gathered at the library to reminisce about memories of Lake Waramaug. A reception followed in the Museum.
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Jerome Titus: The Story of a Civil War Soldier from Washington (2010)
Michael Croft's 8th grade Social Studies classes at Shepaug Valley Middle School transcribed part of the 1864 diary of Jerome Titus, a musician in the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery, from the collection of the Gunn Museum for their annual local history project in 2010. This award-winning local history project is an annual collaboration of the Gunn Memorial Museum, the Gunnery and Shepaug Valley Middle School. The students' work is being shared with the public in a book that they have published and through an exhibit that they have created at the Gunn Memorial Museum.
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Annual Washington Green Cemetery Tour
The Gunn Memorial Museum hosted tours of the Washington Green Cemetery on October 29, 2010; October 30, 2009; and October 30, 2008. Throughout the evening, costumed guides led visitors from the museum to the cemetery where the town's departed citizens, stationed by their gravestones, told their tales. Visitors could explore the shadowy cemetery and hear fascinating stories about some of Washington's most noteworthy citizens from years past, with many new characters added each year. Tours departed from the museum every ten minutes, following a path of luminarias to and through the cemetery.Christmas Through the Ages (November 2009 to January 2010)
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Victorian Tea Party
The Gunn Museum hosted an old-fashion Victorian tea party on Saturday January 2, 2010. Visitors viewed our spectacular holiday exhibit, "Christmas through the Ages" and socialized with friends in a festive setting. Guests were asked to bring their favorite tea cup, and tea and refreshments were provided.Paranormal Lecture
Insight Paranormal Agency conducted a paranormal investigation at both the 1908 Gunn Memorial Library, and the 1781 Museum. The ghost hunters revealed what they found roaming the halls of the Gunn during a lecture on October 29. Tony Diana, co-founder of Insight Paranormal Agency, explained the different types of ghosts, the equipment they use in their surveys, and showed evidence of haunted sites that they have investigated in Connecticut.Insight is a paranormal investigation group comprised of volunteers who have a passion for the supernatural. They seek answers to questions about the other side, but with an ear towards reality. Steve Bednar, co-founder of Insight Paranormal Agency, explains what got him interested in the paranormal: "I have had personal experiences growing up that are unexplained and after learning ghost hunting techniques I set forward in search of a group as focused and determined as I was for answers and had a passion for the hunt."
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Washington Club: A Century in the Community (June - October 2009)
The Washington Club has been a fixture in town since 1903, hosting community theater performances in Club Hall, as well as offering a 9-hole golf course, tennis and Holt Beach on Lake Waramaug. We looked back at the history of the Washington Club with wonderful pictures and artifacts from the collections of club members and the Gunn Memorial Museum.
The Keepers of History: Scrapbooks and Albums (April - October 2009)
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Visitors could explore life over the past two centuries through the prism of wonderful scrapbooks from local residents and our collection. Scrapbooks are a quintessential shared American art form, beautifully presented time capsules of bygone people, places and times. Pasted fragments of memory from past generations were on display in this wonderful visual history of Washington. The innovative exhibit provided an opportunity for guests to 'walk into' a book through the use of unique paint colors, large-scale reproductions of pages and vignettes that created a sense of time and place. Chris Zaima created a beautiful old-fashion mural of Washington on our walls as a backdrop for this exhibit. Period clothing and historic artifacts from our collection completed the experience.
Many of the scrapbooks featured in Jessica Helfand's new book, Scrapbooks: An American History, were on display in this exhibit. Fabulous, rarely seen scrapbooks from the collection of the Gunn Museum included:
A grant from The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, in collaboration with the Connecticut Humanities Council, made this exhibit and associated programs possible.
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National Scrapbooking Day "Crop" Workshop
On National Scrapbooking Day, Saturday, May 2nd, the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum held a workshop, open to both beginners and expert "croppers" of all ages. The day started with a scrapbooking demonstration for beginners and a digital scrapbooking demo in the afternoon. Our consultant, Kristen White of Creative Memories, offered creative tips and unique ideas, in addition to sharing her professional tools. She also displayed both digital and traditional scrapbooks that she has completed with interesting ideas on photo display.There were raffles for cool scrapbooking supplies throughout the day. Each guest received a goodie bag with stickers, paper and helpful information. This workshop coincided with the Museum's exhibit, The Keepers of History: Scrapbooks and Albums.
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Booksigning and Chat with Jessica Helfand
On Saturday June 13, 2009, during Connecticut Open House Day and Washington's Locally Grown History Day, a one-day statewide event designed to pay tribute to Connecticut's unique world of history, art, film and tourism, Jessica Helfand, the author of Scrapbooks: An American History, gave a book signing and chat exploring the history of this hobby. Jessica Helfand is a graphic designer, professor at Yale University and the author of several books on graphic design and cultural criticism. Many of the scrapbooks featured in Jessica's book are on display in the Gunn Museum's new exhibit, "The Keepers of History: Scrapbooks and Albums."
Scrapbook Preservation Workshop
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Scrapbooks present some of the most complex conservation and reformatting challenges. Composed on varying materials, adhered with problematic glues and tapes to often acidic pages, scrapbooks frequently need to be reformatted in order to preserve the intellectual information contained within. The workshop was free and open to the public as well as library and museum professionals interested in preservation options for scrapbooks.
Participants were encouraged to bring a scrapbook from their collection for hands-on examination and discussion. Visitors also viewed the exhibition, "The Keepers of History: Scrapbooks and Albums," which included many scrapbooks featured in Jessica Helfand's new book, Scrapbooks: An American History, on display next door at the Gunn Museum. The exhibit and workshop were sponsored by The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, in collaboration with the Connecticut Humanities Council.
Digital Scrapbooking
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Washington's Community Scrapbook
The Gunn Memorial Library and Museum created a community scrapbook during the exhibition, The Keepers of History: Scrapbooks and Albums. Washington residents, businesses and organizations were encouraged to pick up a blank scrapbook page, fill it with their memories, photographs and objects and then return it to the museum by October 31, 2009. The completed book will become part of the Museum's permanent collection. The community scrapbook will give future generations a glimpse of what life was like in Washington in the year 2009.
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of the Fire Department & Ambulance Association
November 28, 2008 to May 1, 2009
Fire department and ambulance association volunteers have been serving Washington for decades. Riveting first-person accounts of Washington emergencies during the past century, from the Flood of 1955 to fires and automobile accidents were accompanied by vintage photographs and artifacts from the fire department and ambulance association, conveying stories of brotherhood, tragedy and triumph. The history of these volunteer safety organizations came alive in this tribute to Washington's finest.
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The Gunn Memorial Library, designed by Ehrick K. Rossiter and constructed by Dallas Wyant in 1908, celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2008. The exhibition highlighted the history of the construction of this venerable building and celebrated all of its wonderful features. The Renaissance Revival period architecture, memorial reliefs, sculptures, stained glass windows and ceiling mural by painter and Washington resident H. Siddons Mowbray all combine to make the Gunn Memorial Library one of Washington's architectural and cultural treasures.
The Fabric of Marriage: Wedding Dresses, 2008 - 2009
An elaborate display of wedding gowns from the Gunn's vintage clothing collection focused on the history of weddings and wedding dresses, spanning the mid 19th and early 20th centuries, while tracing Washington's history through the people that wore them. One of the prized pieces displayed during the exhibition is the wedding dress made and worn by Abigail Brinsmade when she married Frederick Gunn on April 16, 1848. An extensive display of wedding photographs from Washington residents, spanning the last century, accompanied the wedding gowns throughout the museum.
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In conjunction with the exhibition, "The Fabric of Marriage: Wedding Dresses," we offered a two-part workshop in July and August on preserving historic wedding gowns and costumes. Sarah Griswold, curatorial consultant, has many years of experience working with the preservation of vintage textiles. She offered an educational lecture on the proper archival materials and housing required for professional storage and care of historic costumes on Saturday July 26th in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library. Mrs. Griswold also demonstrated proper techniques for storage of vintage clothing and showed how not to store them, with examples of recently donated items in non-archival boxes and plastic wrapping. At this program, interested individuals were able to purchase and order archival materials, including boxes and tissue paper. The second part of the workshop took place on Saturday August 23rd. Participants picked up their supplies and got assistance in properly storing their garments for preservation.
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November 28 to January 11, 2009
Our must-see holiday exhibit featured vintage toys, fire engines and memorabilia in an eye-catching, fiery setting. Highlights of this fantastic exhibit included toy fire trucks of all shapes and sizes on loan to us from area collectors. Children of all ages were delighted by this festive holiday exhibit.
Locally Grown History Day at the Gunn: Roundtable Discussion on the History of Marriage
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Northwest CT museums joined together this fall to highlight their treasures, culminating with a multitude of events on Locally Grown History Day. Maps and passports to visit museums throughout the area were available at the Gunn Museum.
The Cogswell Family Papers: In 250 Years of One Family’s Records, The History of a Town - Through Summer 2008
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Beginning more than 200 years ago, the Cogswell Family, from one generation to another, created and kept records, mementos, and evidence of everyday life from the time of their settlement of New Preston in 1746 through the present day, preserving information about their history, their community and its people. The collection is remarkable for its size, age and condition, and will be invaluable in providing helpful insights about the town’s history.
The Cogswell Family had a hand in practically every important aspect of community life -- commerce, industry, law, education. They were active citizens, business owners, schoolmasters, sheriffs, church deacons, judges, lawyers and tavern keepers. It was at "Squire Cogswell's" that General George Washington recorded a stop at the Tavern for breakfast, in his diary on May 25, 1781.
To reinforce its mission to collect, preserve, interpret and make available records that would otherwise be lost, the museum accepted the challenge and the responsibility to preserve and protect this fragile collection in a way that is consistent with professional archival practice. As we continue to sort and organize these historical papers, the museum will be showcasing representative examples that offer insight into the history of New Preston and our town of Washington over the last 250 years.
History Bites Lecture: The Museum hosted a lecture and slide show by Alison Gilchrist, "Their Hands in Every Thing: The Cogswells of New Preston," as part of the History Bites lecture series, on Thursday April 12th. Audience members were invited to bring their lunch, and refreshments were served. Alison's lecture coincided with the Gunn Museum's exhibit showcasing the newly discovered "Cogswell Family Papers," a treasure-trove of documents from the Cogswell Family of New Preston.
"The Victorian Lady" performance was sponsored by the Gunn Museum on June 14th at the Washington Club Hall in conjunction with the 4th annual Connecticut Open House Day.
While dressing in vintage clothing and accessories, Kandie Carle adds humor, history and intriguing anecdotes about fashion, home life and the etiquette of men and women. Ms. Carle created this one-woman show in 1996. She has assembled a vast collection of authentic Victorian and Edwardian clothing and accessories dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the turn of the twentieth century. With many years of research in social history and fashion behind her, along with humor and grace, Ms Carle shared her passion for history and love of these eras.
Abner Mitchell: Letters of a Civil War Soldier
June 2007 - May 2008
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The Shepaug Middle School students pieced together Abner Mitchell's life through the letters that he sent from the battlefront to his family in Washington. Michael Croft's history classes transcribed 49 Mitchell letters this year, "a discovery that usually gets sent to a college professor," Croft said. Together the class created a book and the museum exhibit. The project was featured on Diane Smith’s Positively Connecticut show on CPTV in April. Diane Smith filmed scenes at the Shepaug Middle School, the Gunn Memorial Museum and around the town of Washington.
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Doll's Paradise - Holiday 2007
The treasured doll collections of Miss Mary Browne, Mary Logan Bronson, Dorothy Averill and past curator, Ester Peck, etc., were showcased in this holiday season exhibition, A Doll's Paradise. With the creative guidance of Chris Zaima, this exhibit was a delightful vision of dolls from yesteryear in a beautiful, enchanting setting.
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September 23, 2007 - January 1, 2008
The Washington Art Association celebrated its 55th year with an anniversary retrospective exhibition at the Gunn Memorial Museum . Over its history, the art association has drawn the aesthetically curious to view, learn about, create and exhibit art. Since its founding in 1952 by Margaret Train Samsanoff and a small group of local artists and patrons, the Washington Art Association has attracted full-time residents, weekenders and visitors from both near and far.
This anniversary exhibition traced the history of the art association through photos, documents, words, and memories. Over the years a long list of talented artists have shown their work on the seasoned walls of the art association. We proudly offered a sampling of the level of their mastery, including the work of current and past faculty, and of artists who previously exhibited at the WAA and who achieved acclaim for their art.
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May 1, 2007 - November 3, 2007
Florence de Dampierre, the noted furniture historian, author and interior designer, guest-curated this exhibit. It showcased an eclectic collection of country chairs from the Gunn Museum and many private collections throughout the area. The chairs featured ranged from the most elemental form -- the handcrafted hedge chair -- to the elaborate workmanship of the marriage chair. The variety of country chairs on display in this exhibition was a feast for the eyes, a grouping of all shapes and sizes spanning three centuries.
From the Archives of the Gunn Historical Museum....
Washington Senior Center series of coffee hour readings from the archives of the Gunn Historical Museum. On September 24th, October 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th, Museum curator Stephen Bartkus read research papers from the museum's archives, shared photos, stories and encouraged reminiscing about Washington's history.
Three Decades of Care for Our Town: The Washington Environmental Council - Fall 2006 through Spring 2007
This local volunteer organization has fostered the care and stewardship of our town’s beautiful and diverse landscape for thirty years. Celebrating this important anniversary this exhibition will examine the history of this organization and its contributions to improving the quality of our environment since the mid-1970s.
Steam Toys: A Collector’s Passion - Holiday 2006
Inspired by a local collector’s love for anything steam, this year’s holiday exhibition at the Gunn Memorial Museum in Washington, Connecticut, is Steam Toys: A Collector’s Passion. Opening November 24, 2006 and running through January 2, 2007, this exhibition will interest admirers, collectors, and hobbyists of all ages.
The widespread use of steam engines in locomotives, steam ships, and factories contributed to the start of the Industrial Revolution. In Victorian times the steam engine was almost the only source of mechanical power. Model steam engines recapture the fascination of steam power from that bygone era. Everyone can learn from the steam models, which demonstrate the basic principles of converting heat and water into mechanical energy.
George Baxter, a machinist for 42 years, has been collecting and building steam models since 1986, owning a vast array of steam engines and accessories from various brands. He has generously loaned the museum many of his steam engines to make this exhibit happen. Joining Mr. Baxter in his generosity is another local collector, James Greenfield, and the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association, Inc., each contributing exemplary models to this exhibition.
Wilesco and Mamod steam engines and accessories are available for purchase as well as tin toys and Victorian holiday ephemera from Toodle Time Toys.
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The Children’s Gallery of the Gunn Historical Museum presented the world of Tractor Mac and his friends. The exhibition showcased the beautifully painted, original watercolor drawings from the popular "Tractor Mac" series, written and illustrated by Roxbury artist, Billy Steers. Steers, who grew up with horses and sheep, introduced the series in April, 1999.
Meet at the museum and board a local school bus for an historical tour of the Town of Washington, visiting several working farms. At each stop the owner will discuss their farm's operation. Co-sponsored by the Steep Rock Land Trust with the Gunn Historical Museum, this educational program showcases the important agricultural heritage of the Town of Washington.
On August 19, 1955, Connecticut was the hardest hit victim of the worst flood in the history of the eastern United States. President Eisenhower declared the state a major disaster area. Through numerous photographs, newspaper articles and first-hand accounts, relive this disaster and the amazing response of the people of Washington, Connecticut as they rescued one another, recovered and rebuilt their town.
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Enjoy the diversity of this American artist (1858-1928) in more than 30 of his works of art borrowed from family members throughout the New England region. This exhibition is split between the museum and the Gunn Memorial Library where visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy seeing one of Mowbray’s ceiling murals as well as numerous easel paintings, religious scenes and other works of art.
Our Town of Washington, nestled in the hills of northwest Connecticut, has long been a quiet place with a beautiful rural landscape and home to numerous famous people. Many of them -- artists, writers, architects, naturalists, educators, philanthropists -- have contributed to the history and culture of the town, often in subtle but important ways. This Mowbray exhibit is the first in a series that will showcase a notable Washington figure each year. These Luminaries include: Ehrick Kensett Rossiter, Elias Boudinot, Mrs. E. H. Van Ingen, Benjamin Foulois, Herbert Faulkner and William Hamilton Gibson.
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Summer/Fall 2006
The Lake Waramaug Task Force was formed thirty years ago in response to the need to do something about the serious water quality issues of Connecticut’s second largest natural lake. Through a curious combination of dedicated volunteer efforts, experimental science, public education and grassroots and governmental support, success was achieved and this exhibition tells the story of this success.
Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.: "Beautiful Lake Waramaug" will be the topic for a discussion in the library's Wykeham Room. In its 30th anniversary year the Lake Waramaug Task Force celebrates its successes with an exhibit at the museum, and Tom McGowan, executive director of the Task Force, discusses the history and work of this important local environmental group over the past three decades. Following Tom's talk, refreshments will be served, with an opportunity for all to see and enjoy the exhibit at the museum.
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