Shelton Historical Society to host open house to meet cast

SHELTON - ‘Tis the season to celebrate with the Shelton Historical Society.

From 2-5 p.m Saturday the Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Road, will host an open

house to meet the Valley Shakespeare Festival cast after their performance of A Christmas Carol at Plumb Memorial Library, and to learn about Christmas celebrations of the past.

In addition to meeting the actors, the Brownson House at Shelton History Center, built circa 1822, will host 

Christmas Through the Ages, an exhibit that highlights the evolution of our modern holiday customs through five decades.  

Each tree will be trimmed using decorations typical of the period depicted. 

Visitors might find it surprising to learn when certain 

gifts became available to the public, or they may remember their own special Christmas surprises.

Seasonal refreshments will be served. 

Whether attending the performances or not, the public is invited to Shelton History 

Center. Admission is free, but donations to benefit Shelton Historical Society programs are welcome.

For more information about the Valley Shakespeare Festival and its performances of A 

Christmas Carol, visit www.vsfestival.org.

The Shelton Historical Society owns Shelton History Center, a museum complex of six 

historic buildings located just north of the Huntington Green, and provides programs of 

historical interest to the community.   

For more information or directions, call 203-925-1803 or visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org.


This is a press release from the historical society.

Volunteers sought at Wesley Village in Shelton

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Volunteering at Wesley Village can be a highly rewarding experience. Owned 

and operated by United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to serve seniors in a variety of housing and healthcare settings.

Volunteers are needed to help in the following areas: people who play the piano or guitar, transporting to and from the beauty salon via wheelchair, assistance with clerical work, friendly visitors, manicures, scrabble, flex and stretch, walking club, coffee hour, travel buff, history buff, book club leader, pinochle player, poker, word games, trivia, and bingo.  
We will match your talents and skills with our needs.  There are many opportunities for adults and students ages 14 and older.  If you have time to help others and are looking for a satisfying experience that can contribute to an overall feeling of well-being and health in your life - volunteer.  

Contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteers at Wesley Village, 203-944-8292.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Make treats for wildlife, learn felting, take hike at Ansonia Nature Center

NATURE'S CHILD: Gifts for Wildlife

ANSONIA - Join an Ansonia Nature Center naturalist to go on a hike, hear a story, and make recipes for the park’s wild animals at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

We’ll let the animals know we love them by decorating the winter “giving tree” in the park; then we’ll make some treats to take home for your own backyard wildlife. 

Tuition is $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please register in advance for this nature's child class for preschool children accompanied by adults. 

BACK TO BASICS: Needle Felting

Bring a dose of your own unique creativity for this class at 1 p.m. Saturday based on an ancient craft.

Dawn Sotir, needlecraft wizard, will inspire you with her beautiful and practical items made from natural fibers. Create a 3D animal of your choice; it’s easier than you think! 

Advance registration required for this popular class. Fee is $8.

FULL COLD MOON HIKE

Also on Saturday: Plan to be with us at 6 p.m. as the full moon rises over field and forest. Learn to identify trees by their shapes in the moonlight.

Stop and listen for calling Great Horned Owls. Dress for the cold and wear sturdy footgear.

Limited to 30 people, including families. Dangerous walking conditions will cancel. Leaders will be Rangers Martin and Mike. Fee is $1 per person. Please register in advance.

For more information or to register call 203-736-1053.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This is a press release from the nature center.

Historical society hears talk about Derby's black governors

At annual Thanksgiving reception

Warren Perry, Director, Africana Studies Archaeology Lab at Central Connecticut State University, answers questions last week at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby about Derby's black governors. He was keynote speaker at the Derby Historical Society's 24th annual Thanksgiving reception.

Two of Connecticut's black governors in the 1800s were from Derby. 

William Miller, Jr. past president of the Derby Historical Society, left, presents the Dr. John I. Howe Award to Ned Miller at the Derby Historical Society's 24th Annual Appeal Thanksgiving Reception last week at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.
The honor is given "to those whose presence has consistently benefited the Valley in the spirit of its namesake through activism, perseverance and/or philanthropy to the extend that they will be remembered in a historical context by future generations."
He was a physician who became a successful businessman. He lived in Derby in 1832 when he invented a machine that mass produced pins. 

Photo submitted by Randy Ritter

My daughter Allegra and I enjoyed Warren's presentation about the history of the Freeman family that produced two black governors here in Derby.


Please check out my story posted today in the Valley Independent Sentinel.