Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby hosts Fashion with Frances today

 

Derby Neck Library to host Tales and Trails fun Wednesday

Rescheduled from last week: 

DERBY - Tales and Trails will be at the Osbornedale Pond tomorrow at 11 a.m. Meet in front of the Osborne Homestead Museum [at 500 Hawthorne Ave.] where we will read and learn about frogs and toads before going on an amphibian hunt! 

The weather looks perfect, and we hope to see you there!

Shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page.

Kellogg Estate in Derby to host free Pop of Color quilt show

DERBY - The Kellogg Estate will host a free outdoor show this weekend displaying quilts from Southern Modern Quilt Guild members and other quilters from across Connecticut. The show is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily July 24-27.

A variety of colors and sizes will be on display around the grounds and gardens.  

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave. to see a collection of vintage quilts throughout the rooms of the house. A special showing of the Farmington River Quilt Project in its entirety will also be displayed in the education center totaling 90 feet in length.  

Quilts displayed outdoors only if the weather allows. Call 203-734-2513 to verify outdoor display if weather is threatening rain. 

Derby Neck Library to host Tales and Trails at Osborne Homestead Museum

DERBY - For this week's Tales and Trails, meet in front of the Osborne Homestead Museum at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The museum is at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

After reading a caterpillar transformation story, we'll be walking the gardens and looking for butterflies! There is a chance of light rain, so dress appropriately.

Tales and Trails is an all-ages program for light hiking and enjoying the outdoors. We hope to see you there!

Shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library to host Tales and Trails fun Wednesday

DERBY - Join us [from Derby Neck Library] for our first Tales and Trails tomorrow! 

Meet in front of the Osborne Homestead Museum [at 500 Hawthorne Ave.] at 11 a.m. Wednesday. We will cross the street to the Story Walk around the pond.

Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Visit Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby on CT Open House Day Saturday

Osborne Homestead Museum 

DERBY - Adjacent to the rolling hills and open meadows of Osbornedale State Park, Osborne Homestead Museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave. encompasses the house and grounds of the former Frances Osborne Kellogg Estate. 

Originally constructed in the mid-1800s, the house was enlarged and completely remodeled in the Colonial Revival style during the 1920s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its restored interior now displays the original contents of the estate, which constitutes a significant collection of antiques and fine arts. 

The Museum’s grounds are landscaped with formal flower gardens, ornamental shrubs, and flowering trees, providing visitors with an endless pageant of color from spring through autumn. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum is a member of the esteemed Connecticut Historic Gardens, a group of 15 distinctive historic houses dedicated to bringing awareness to the state's unique history and garden designs.  

The museum is also one of the 14 sites along the prestigious Connecticut Women's Heritage Trail, a collection of museums and institutions that highlight the role of women in the state's history. 

The 21st annual Connecticut Open House Day - a statewide celebration of art, history, and tourism - will run from 10 a.m .-4 p.m. Saturday.

While visiting, go on an architecture quest at the Osborne Homestead Museum! Get the quest booklet from the museum or download the digital quest app and start the journey.

The quest will test your knowledge of architectural features of the museum. After passing each level, winners will get a prize at the end.
This is a free event. Registration is not required. 

For more information, call (203)734-2513, email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov, or visit the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Calendar of Events at https://www.ct.gov/deep/calend.... 

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

For information or directions email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov or call 203-734-2513.


This is shared from CT DEEP.

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby slates mystery game fun

DERBY - Join the fun at the Osborne Homestead Museum and solve the mystery to find Osbornedale Ivanhoe! 

“Where is Ivanhoe?” mystery game will be held indoors at the Osborne Homestead Museum on Dec. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

This will be a free, family-friendly event, and participants can play the game at their own pace. Participants will go to the Osborne Homestead Museum to get a map and directions. 

For more information and to register, call 203-734-2513 or email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov.

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to hold exhibit on fashion history

 

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to present 'Holiday in the City' decorations

DERBY - Get ready for a ​“Holiday in the City” at the Osborne Homestead Museum and travel to different cities across the nation and Europe. 

The holiday tours will run from Nov. 24 through Dec. 16 at the museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

Admission is free and donations are accepted.Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

On Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15, the museum will present ​“Twilight Tours” to display the amber glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m.

For more than 30 years, volunteers have created the beautiful holiday decorations at the museum. These talented and committed volunteers are from Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Garden Club of Woodbridge, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club. 

This year’s holiday theme will pay homage to the cities that Eva Little and the Osborne family traveled to and made their mark. Enjoy holiday fun in Paris, London, New York City, New Haven and more all at the Osborne Homestead Museum. 

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

This is shared from a DEEP press release.

Save the dates: Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to hold holiday tours

DERBY - Mark your calendars for a “Holiday in the City” at the Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

The holiday tours will run from Nov. 24-Dec. 16, 2023. 

Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

On Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to display the amber glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m.

For more than 30 years, volunteers have created the amazing holiday decorations at the museum. These talented and committed volunteers are Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Garden Club of Woodbridge, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Valley Arts Council, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club.

For more information, visit https://www.ct.gov/deep/calendar

This is shared from the Connecticut State Parks 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.

Historic Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby offers tours of holiday decorations

Photo from November 2018 of 'Storybook Holiday' decorations 

Museum Holiday Hours 2022

"Holiday Feast"

Nov. 25-Dec. 17 
Thursdays thru Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Holiday Twilight Tours 
Fridays - Dec. 2, 9, and 16 ~ 4-7 p.m.

Guided Tours

The Museum will be offering self-guided tours and docent-led guided tours.  

Self-guided tours will allow guests to experience the museum on their own. Docents will be present to answer questions and direct traffic flow.  Registration is required to maintain safe capacity limits. 

Register for a self-guided tour by calling 203-734-2513 or emailing DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov. Walk-in registrations are accepted. The museum is at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Docent-led guided tours will allow guests to experience the museum with a trained tour guide or docent. Docent-led guided tours will be offered on a limited basis to ensure guests’ safety and to maintain safe capacity limits. 

Docent-led tours require advanced registration. To register for a docent-led tour and check availability, call 203-734-2513 or email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov. 

Twilight Tours are self-guided tours during the twilight and evening times on Fridays from 4-7 p.m. No registration is required for Twilight Tours. 

Many wonderful clubs and decorators contributed to this year's holiday festivities. 

They include:  Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Garden Club of Woodbridge, Valley Arts Council, Women Redefining Retirement from Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club.   

This is shared from the CT DEEP website.

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.

  

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to host treasure hunt fun

Osborne Homestead Museum

DERBY - Calling all detectives, treasure seekers, and puzzle solvers.  

Come to the Hunt for the Giant Golden Goblet at the Osborne Homestead Museum July 9 from noon-4 p.m. 

Learn about history, art, and more with a map and clues that will lead you to the hidden treasure. If you want all the fame, play solo.  

If you’re willing to share the wins, play as a team. Just bring your thinking caps, skills, talents, and A-Game to find the missing golden goblet.

 

This is a free, family-friendly event, and participants can play the game at their own pace.   Meet at the check-in table at the gate leading to the Osborne Homestead Museum to get your map and directions.  

Unlock all three levels, get the clues, then do the indoor hunt inside the museum to solve the final clue that will lead you to the hidden treasure.  

For more information and to register call 203-734-2513 or email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov .   

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.

 

Learn about local history, wildlife on CT Open House Day in Derby

Osborne Homestead Museum

DERBY - Travel back in time and explore the transformation and expansion of a modest 1800s farmhouse into an elegant 20th century Colonial Revival style home.  

Learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s profound attention to detail, the architectural career of her husband Waldo Kellogg, and his design influences in the home at 500 Hawthorne Ave.  

The Osborne Homestead Museum will be participating in the 18th annual Connecticut Open House Day—a state-wide celebration of art, history, and tourism—June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  During this one-day event, the museum will offer its ever-popular architecture tours.  

 

Located adjacent to the Museum, the Kellogg Environmental Center will also provide a program for families about the diversity and design of bird nests.  

Using its collection of nests, naturalists will help guests understand construction types, structure, and material selection related to the needs of the birds that made them.  The program takes place at 11 a.m. in the Center’s classrooms and the display of nests will be available throughout the day and weekend.  

Additional activities highlighting animal architects will be provided to enjoy at one’s leisure that day.  

 

Whether a home improvement Do-It-Yourselfer looking for inspiration or a romantic about Romanesque Revival style come to the Osborne Homestead Museum and learn about this Colonial Revival style home. 

Connecticut Open House Day is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Tourism and is designed to broaden awareness of Connecticut’s exceptional art, culture, and history.  

This special day encourages residents to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting family and friends. 

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.

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.

Holiday decor at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby celebrates 19th Amendment

Frances Osborne Kellogg

DERBY - Commemorate the 101st Anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution this holiday season!  

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum and learn about the courageous women and men of the women’s suffrage movement. 

The holiday tours will run from Friday, Nov. 26 through Dec.18.  

Both self-guided tours and a limited number of docent-led tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

On Fridays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to display the amber glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m.   

 

For more than 30 years, volunteers have created the gorgeous holiday decorations at the museum.  Garden clubs and local organizations have decorated 12 rooms honoring the women and men of Connecticut, the United States, and abroad who fought for women’s suffrage.  

These talented and committed volunteers are Derby Garden Society, Friends of Derby Neck Library, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Garden Club of Orange, Valley Arts Council, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, Garden Club of Woodbridge, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club.  

 

This year’s theme, “Holiday Tribute to the Suffragists,” is a belated celebration of the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.  

Frances Osborne Kellogg was a suffragist and auditor of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association.  She is among many of the activists who will be recognized in the women’s suffrage movement.  

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum and learn how women won the right to vote.

Because your health and safety are our priority, the museum will offer limited docent-led tours at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m and self-guided tours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. during the Twilight Tours.  

Pre-registration is required for all tours.  

Register in advance by calling 203-734-2513, emailing donna.kingston@ct.gov, or visiting the online registration page at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/OsborneHomesteadMuseum@ct.gov/bookings/. 

Admission is FREE; donations are gratefully accepted. 

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.

 

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 phone the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203)734-2513.

This is a release from the Osborne Homestead Museum.

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.

Outdoor quilt show slated at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

Osborne Homestead in Derby/ State of CT file photo

DERBY - Members of the Common Thread Quilt Group will hold a Pop of Color outdoor quilt show on the Kellogg Estate grounds, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

The show runs from July 29-Aug. 7. It will pop up on July 29, 30, 31, and Aug. 1,5,6, and 7 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Information about these works of art will be provided to give insight into how they were made and the reason for their design. 

The show is a shine only event; rain will cancel the display for that day but it will return when the sun comes out.

This info is shared from the DEEP website.

Osborne Homestead in Derby to celebrate Connecticut Historic Gardens Day

Gardens at Osborne Homestead Museum.

DERBY - Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, June 27 to celebrate the 18th Annual Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day.

The Osborne Homestead Museum, one of 15 members of the prestigious Connecticut’s Historic Gardens, will provide free self-guided tours of the museum and its gardens.
Guests can enjoy the lovely Colonial Revival gardens of the Kellogg Estate and tour the historic house museum to learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s love of flowers and land conservation.

For the self-guided garden tours, registration is not required. However registration is required for the self-guided tours of the museum. 

Tickets for the museum’s self-guided tours will be for slots available at noon, 1, 2, and 3 pm. 

Self-guided tours are estimated to last approximately 45 minutes to one-hour. Please plan to be at the museum’s Studio entrance five minutes before your tour time to guarantee entry. Availability is limited to 10 people per hour. 

For tickets, visit the museum’s Eventbrite registration page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cts-historic-gardens-day-osborne-homestead-museum-self-guided-tour-tickets-153061441893?aff=valley.

For more information about Connecticut’s Historic Gardens, go to www.cthistoricgardens.org.

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 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 12-4 p.m. 
For additional information, call 203-734-2513.

This is a press release from Osborne Homestead Museum.