Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby hosts Fashion with Frances today

 

Valley Shakespeare Festival to mark Frances Kellogg's birthday at Homestead

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features Osbornedale Farm in Derby

Turnback Tuesday remembers the farm of Wilbur F. Osborne (1841-1907) at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Wilbur and Ellen Osborne purchased the property in 1840 and this is when they began experimenting with cross-breeding of cows and cattle.

The Osbornedale Farms specialized in Grade A Holstein milk and also milk production using Jersey cows. The dairy portion of the business was run in the main house.

Wilbur and Ellen’s only surviving child, Frances E. Osborne Kellogg, continued the business when her father passed.

This milk bottle, a recent donation to the Library, gives us a look into the past and helps to preserve history.

Thank you to the Berman family for this donation.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Author reading/book signing at Derby Neck Library postponed

DERBY - The reading and signing for our esteemed reference librarian Pat Sweeney's new biography of Frances Osborne Kellogg, previously scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8, has been POSTPONED. 

The event will take place on a future date, TBD. Stay tuned for more information!

This is shared from Derby Neck Library's Facebook page.

Learn history of Osborndale Farm at Derby Neck Library program

Derby Neck Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page. 

Derby Neck Library to mark Frances Kellogg's birthday with cake pop craft night

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Celebrate Frances Osborne Kellogg's birthday at Derby Neck Library event

Derby Neck Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library to host lecture on 'Voices of the Woman's Club'

DERBY - Local historian and Derby Neck Library reference librarian Patricia Sweeney will present a PowerPoint about the musicians, authors, explorers, actresses, journalists, and other celebrities Frances Osborne Kellogg brought to speak at the Woman’s Club of Ansonia, Derby and Shelton.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library program offers pictorial views of Valley in 1902

1902 photo courtesy of Connecticut DEEP

Derby Neck Library reference librarian Pat Sweeney offered an interesting presentation last week featuring candid photos of the area taken in 1902.

A friend and I both were captivated by the photos, which had been part of a Derby Neck Library project spearheaded by businesswoman, conservationist, and philanthropist Frances Osborne Kellogg (1876-1956) to record scenes of everyday life.

The photos are owned by the Osborne Homestead Museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, Kellogg's lifelong home. The museum is operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the photos belong to the state of Connecticut.

Many of the places and buildings depicted are easily recognizable, but not all. Sweeney said the photos are not labeled.

The program also served as a remembrance of the official public opening of Derby Neck Library in January, 1908. Kellogg's father, Major Wilbur Fisk Osborne, was a founder of the library.

Next up: Sweeney will give a PowerPoint presentation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 describing what was happening in the Valley during World War II.
Attendees will learn how local towns worked diligently in the war effort. 

Sweeney will discuss fashions of the era, favorite films, rationing measures, war bond drives, and much more.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to display rare book collection

DERBY - Osborne Homestead Museum is hosting a display and presentation of its rare and unique books by museum docent Patricia Sweeney, at 1 p.m. July 23. 

Registration is required.

This is a “rare” treat indeed for all book lovers, librarians, browsers, or anyone interested in such special antiques.  

Guests will view beautifully illustrated volumes of Japanese art prints that Frances Osborne Kellogg collected, as well as unusual books of note, such as one on Jacobean embroidery.  

Mrs. Osborne Kellogg met many famous and influential people in her lifetime of 80 years, including celebrities appearing before the Woman’s Club of Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton.  Several noted authors personally inscribed books for her and these will be shown. 

Among the volumes on display will be several volumes by her uncle, Henry E. Krehbiel of New York City, a celebrated music critic and author.  

This rare book collection has never been shared with the public before, so this is a special opportunity not to be missed.

This is a free event. To register please call 203-734-2513. The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from the Osborne Homestead Museum.

  

DEEP facilities to host 'Valley Views of 1902' presentation Saturday in Derby

Osborne Homestead Museum/ DEEP photo

DERBY - The Osborne Homestead Museum and Kellogg Environmental Center will host a  presentation, “Valley Views of 1902,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 28.  

 

In 1902, Naugatuck River Valley Area residents and most likely Frances Osborne Kellogg, an amateur photographer, collected a series of photographs stored as fragile glass stereopticon slides.  

Due to advancements in digital technology these images can now be shared as a PowerPoint presentation. The slides celebrate everyday activities in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, with an emphasis on Derby.  

They highlight important buildings and people at work in fields, stopping at local businesses, bicycling in the park, and viewing the original Stevenson Dam (among other similar activities).   

 

Join docent Patricia Sweeney of the Osborne Homestead Museum in learning from this special archival collection of farm workers, young women, immigrants, and African Americans from 120 years ago.  

 

This is a free event. To register please call 203-734-2513.  

The Osborne Homestead Museum is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division

The Kellogg Environmental Center is a facility of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division. Both are located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

For further information or directions please email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov

or call 203-734-2513. 

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to display ceramics collection

DEEP file photo

DERBY -  Osborne Homestead Museum staff will host an in-person, outdoor presentation at 11 a.m. Sept. 25 on the very best of ceramics from Holland, China, Japan, Italy, Hungary, England, and the United States.  

Beautiful and meaningful ceramics have been created over the centuries in almost every nation of the world.  

Frances Osborne Kellogg amassed numerous delicate ceramic pieces that tell the story of their fabrication and her deep love of nature.  

She also enjoyed collecting very rare plate ware and tea sets, which will be on display in the Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

The presentation will be held under the outdoor tent near the Kellogg Environmental Center followed by a brief walk through the museum to view the ceramics on display.  

Registration is required; call 203-734-2513. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is open for free self-guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

The New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks provides important guidance for participants and visitors (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf). 

For further information or directions, email donna.kingston@ct.gov or call 203-734-2513.

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Presentation to feature Derby businesswoman, suffragist movement

Frances Osborne Kellogg

DERBY - A conservationist, agriculturalist, violinist, and industrialist - what else might a woman from the early 20^th century be? 

Frances Osborne Kellogg was also a suffragist.  

Join the Osborne Homestead Museum staff at 11 a.m. Aug. 28 for an in-person presentation in honor of the Connecticut women’s suffrage movement and the 101st anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution.  

Learn how the vibrant, intelligent women of Connecticut organized and led a modern political campaign to win the vote.  

Included are highlights of Kellogg’s role as an auditor for the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association and her local rally speeches and activities in Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton.  

The presentation will be held under the outdoor tent near the Kellogg Environmental Center.  Registration is required.  

To register call 203-734-2513 or visit DEEP Calendar of Events (https://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/viewev.asp?id=7499). 

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is open for free self-guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off of Rte. 34 in Derby.

The Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It also is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

The New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks provides important guidance for participants and visitors(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf). For further information or directions, please email donna.kingston@ct.gov or call the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513.

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Volunteer as a holiday tour guide at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

Osborne Homestead Museum/ ct.gov photo

DERBY -The Osborne Homestead Museum is currently seeking volunteers for its 2019 Holiday Season running from Nov. 13-Dec. 22. 

Do you love art, history and enjoy interacting with the public? Are the winter holidays your favorite time of the year? 

Attend a volunteer training from 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. Become a volunteer at the Osborne Homestead Museum during its popular Holiday Tour Season!

The museum offers many opportunities and a flexible time commitment.  

If you love arts and crafts, you can be a volunteer decorating assistant from Nov. 7-17 and help the garden clubs and decorators set up their displays.  

Time commitment ranges from one day a week for an hour to several days a week for up to four hours a week.  
If public speaking is your forte, become a docent or greeter!  Time commitment is 3 hours, from 4-7 p.m., for the Friday night Twilight Tours on Dec. 6, 13, and 20.  Volunteers are also able to choose other days and time commitments depending on their personal schedule.

Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum are operated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.  
The Center is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum is open for guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m.  

For more information, email susan.d.robinson@ct.gov or call 203-734-2513.

This is a press release from Kellogg Environmental Center.

Derby Neck Library to host guitarist, beer historian, Medicare talk

 Musician Peter Biedermann

Medicare options

DERBY - Derby Neck Library presents Certified Choices Advisor Bonnie Chevarella at 3 p.m. Oct. 7 discussing options afforded senior citizens during the Open Enrollment for Medicare changes weeks.  

This period runs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2019. Please bring your questions and concerns to be answered and explained.  

Guitarist to perform

The Library presents a live concert by instrumental guitarist Peter Biedermann at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9.  

Hear this accomplished musician on a variety of guitars producing melodic and rhythmic tunes. This performance is suitable for all ages.  

Something old, something new

At 1 p.m. Oct. 21 the Library celebrates the 100^th Wedding Anniversary of library founder and donor, Frances Osborne Kellogg and her husband Waldo Stewart Kellogg.  

Adult programs manager Natalie Belanger from the Connecticut Historical Society will present a powerpoint: “Something Old, Something New:  Connecticut Weddings thru the Ages.” 

This is open to the public and begins at 1 p.m. in the Community Room. 

Beer historian

Will Siss, Connecticut author and beer historian will host an Oktoberfest talk and beer tasting featuring local breweries at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21.   This evening event may only be attended by those ages 21 or older. 

Registration is requested.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. For information call 203-736-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Museum to celebrate Derby's industrial 'diva' in July

DERBY - At the beginning of the 20th century, women’s career opportunities were limited to domestic service, teaching, or factory work. 

Frances Osborne Kellogg

Born into wealth and privilege, Frances Osborne Kellogg had different options and chose to run her family’s manufacturing businesses at a time when women didn't have the right to vote.  
She was a successful business woman, land conservationist, community leader, musician, and dairy breeder.  

In the female economic empowerment sense of the word, Frances was a “diva”- a woman who worked hard, had many jobs, and knew how to invest her money.  

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum during the month of July and view a special exhibition on Frances and her financial investments.  There will be pictures of her philanthropic awards, her garment accessory businesses, such as Union Fabric Co. and Steels & Busks. Ltd., and stories about her financial savvyness and determination to become successful in male-dominated industries. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 
It is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m.  

This is a press release from DEEP.

Tour gardens Saturday at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

Historic gardens at Osborne Homestead Museum./ Contributed photo

Event Listing:	Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day
Description:	Come stroll through the lovely Colonial Revival gardens at the Osborne Homestead Museum.  Make a scented sachet at the potpourri station; all materials provided at no cost.
Date:	6/23/2019
Time:	Noon – 4 p.m.
Location:	Kellogg Environmental Center
	500 Hawthorne Ave.
	Derby
Accessibility:	Handicapped parking available. Center is wheelchair accessible...Museum is not.  For additional needs contact Susan Robinson at (203) 734-2513
Directions:	https://www.ct.gov/deep/directions
Fee:	Free
Contact:	Donna at (203) 734-2513
Contact Email:	donna.kingston@ct.gov
Details:	Guided tours are available for both the gardens and the house museum, where visitors can learn about the amazing life of Frances Osborne Kellogg and her love of flowers and land conservation.
More Info on web:	https://www.cthistoricgardens.org/

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Recuperation journey: Sunny afternoon

  ... at Osbornedale State Park in Derby.

Sometimes one must walk through goose droppings to get a good close-up.  

Across the street is the historic Osborne Homestead Museum and its beautiful grounds.

 The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection operates the museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Osborne Homestead Museum exhibit in Derby to honor female inventors

Frances Osborne Kellogg

DERBY - In honor of Frances Osborne Kellogg’s 143rd birthday, the Osborne Homestead Museum will have a photo exhibition in May celebrating the achievements of female inventors and innovators.

Born May 11, 1876 during the Victorian Era, Frances was a Renaissance woman who was involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields—managing her factories, breeding prized Holstein-Friesian cattle, and playing and teaching the violin.  

Additionally, her family had several patents in garment accessories and building design. In the 1890s, when Frances was a young woman on the verge of taking over her family’s businesses, 58 percent of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students were girls.  

By 1955, a year before Frances’ death, girls represented less than half of all STEM students. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization 2016 report, women worldwide represent 35 percent of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study. 

Frances was an advocate of higher education for girls and women, and this special exhibition is meant to inspire and bring attention to the incredible women leaders in STEAM from Frances’ time to today.
Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum throughout the month of May and learn about the women who changed the world!  

The Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

It is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.  

For information call 203-734-2513.  

This is a press release from the Osborne Homestead Museum. 

Seymour Historical Society program to highlight industrialist's legacy