Friday, February 19, 2021

Derby Historical Society marks Black History Month, highlights women's contributions

Historical interpreter Tammy Denease

Our friend and historical interpreter, Tammy Denease, has been a guest performer for the Derby Historical Society - she makes history come to life! 

Visit her page here to learn about her amazing presentations in which she portrays at least eight different historical figures.

February is Black History Month, so here are some links to information on a few women who have made their own contributions to history:

Mary Townsend Seymour and video here


Elizabeth Freeman


Mae Jemison 


Zora Neale Hurston


This is a press release from Daniel Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.


Derby Historical Society establishes fund at Valley Community Foundation

                                        Derby Historical Society photo


The Valley Community Foundation has  announced establishment of the Derby Historical Society Organization Fund. 

This six-figure fund will be invested and managed in a way that will enable the rich history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley to carry on far into the future.

 

Sharon Closius, VCF President and CEO, said, “It is often said that the soul of a community can be found within its history, and there is so much history in the Valley. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Derby Historical Society and, through this fund, support the organization’s programs so future generations can continue to learn from the region’s incredibly rich past.”

 

Nonprofit organizations like DHS can establish organization funds with VCF. 

These types of funds are non-endowed and for investment purposes only. 

VCF through its partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, is able to invest the Society’s reserves in a much larger asset pool. In doing so, a nonprofit is provided with a stable source of distributable revenue over the long term.

 

As the steward of the Lower Naugatuck Valley region’s colonial past, the DHS promotes that legacy and has taken steps to ensure that those today and far into the future will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy its wonderful story.

 

Albert “Duke” Misiewicz, Board President, said, “We understand that we occupy temporary roles as stewards for DHS, which, itself, is a small nonprofit. DHS does not have the financial expertise within our organization to manage investments. This is a tremendous benefit as it allows our staff and volunteers to better allocate limited resources and promote local history.”

 

Daniel L. Bosques, Executive Director, said, “DHS has been around for a long time and we are lucky our predecessors provided a financial situation that enabled us to create this fund. One of our main objectives is to grow this fund so that we can properly cover the costs associated with keeping our doors open. Over time, we would like to leave members of future DHS Boards with a continuously improving financial position [compared to] what we inherited.”

“VCF has a reputation for helping nonprofits in the Valley,” Misiewicz said. “The decision to invest our reserves with VCF is a win-win for everyone involved and represents the direction we want to be heading.”

 

DHS has a longstanding relationship with VCF. When it came time for the DHS Board of Directors to evaluate the financial future of the Society, it was a natural choice to create an organization fund at VCF. As an investment vehicle, this organization fund aligns with the long-term goals of the Society and allows the organization to accept bequests, non-traditional gifts such as securities, real estate, and life insurance through VCF.

 

DHS is based out of the Gen. David Humphreys' house, 37 Elm St., Ansonia. 

The house was originally constructed in 1698, long before Ansonia, Seymour, and Oxford separated from the City of Derby. 

For 323 years, there have been logs burning in the fireplace and an open hearth for cooking. Standing the test of time, it is here that DHS holds many of its historic programs and events.

One such program is A Day in 1762, which has run continuously for 40 years and is the backbone of the Society. 

The program provides fifth-grade students with an opportunity to have a hands-on experience of what life was like back in colonial times for someone their age.

 

“Just like you pass on your own family stories to gain a better understanding of who you are, the Valley’s colorful past is a great way to foster a sense of pride within our community,” Misiewicz said. “Through this fund, it is our responsibility to preserve the past so that others in the future can share that same appreciation.”


This is a press release from the Valley Community Foundation.


Derby Public Library to host virtual gathering for reading of teen graphic novels


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults, ages 12-17, to virtual gatherings for the reading/showing of Classic Graphic Novels. 
The next one will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 24. 
Registration is required using the links below. 

Zoom access links will be provided via email prior to meeting dates.
https://bit.ly/3sxH9yW


This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Derby Centennial Lions Club to hold annual food drive for Spooner House


 


Ansonia High School DECA Club celebrates entrepreneurs for Black History Month

 

Huntington Branch Library to host Story Explorers via Zoom Monday

 
Story Explorers via Zoom

Monday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m.

Kids of all ages can join Miss Jessica for a story via Zoom on Monday mornings at 10:30!**

Zoom links and passwords will be emailed each Monday**


Register  here: http://engagedpatrons.org/events.cfm?siteid=2661



Recuperation journey: Winter photo fun

He posed for me yesterday. We'll see how it goes today. 

There are five blue jays in the yard and I can't tell them apart! haha.

Ansonia Nature Center to hold animal drawing class via Facebook Live

Ansonia Nature Center

Big picture

See Live Animals

Let’s Draw Animals! Facebook Live  

at 12 p.m. Feb. 27


Live drawing class from the Ansonia Nature Center with artist and ranger, Amie.

Our resident artist Amie will demonstrate how to draw a rabbit and a guinea pig, using our own live “models” Anson, Cocoa, and Abby.


While drawing you’ll learn some interesting facts about these animals, so it’s a bit of science as well as art. No registration is required.


Participants should have the following supplies:

  • White paper
  • Crayons
This is shared from the Ansonia Nature Center Facebook page. 

Recuperation journey: Snowy morning

 I was so intent on capturing the cardinal that at first I didn't notice the blue jay behind him. Makes for a colorful photo!

Have a great Friday.

Derby Public Library offers kids' craft bag pickup Monday


DERBY - Busy Bee Bags (for pre-K to 1st grade) are part of our Take & Make series at Derby Public Library.
Pick-up: Monday, Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m. -7 p.m. (Registration ends today).
This is an interactive craft using Play-Doh as your medium. For more details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3dvxZ0R
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.