Derby Public Library to kick off summer reading with music, tours, games

 

Derby Historical Society to offer tours of David Humphreys House Saturday

 

Seymour Historical Society slates tours, educational programs, holiday fair

The Seymour Historical Society is located at 59 West St., Seymour.

This is shared from the organization's Facebook page.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to host Open House Sunday

DERBY - Join us for our OPEN HOUSE this Sunday, Nov. 12 from1-3 p.m. as we celebrate Discover Catholic Schools Week 2023!

Come take a tour of our school, meet our faculty and staff and see first hand what makes SMSM the very special place that it is.

For more information, call the school office at: 203-735-6471 or visit us at: www.stmarytstmichael.org 

The school is at 14 Seymour Ave.

This is shared from the school's Facebook page.

 

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 Historical Society hiring part-time docents to conduct tours, bring history alive

 

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.

Kids can be time travelers with book bundles from Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Kids in 4th grade and up can grab a suitcase and go!

Take a time traveler tour with bundled books and activities from the Children's Department at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.

Visit the American Revolution, the Titanic, Ancient Egypt, Race to the Poles, or the Underground Railroad.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

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.

Derby Historical Society to hold Autumn Open House

David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia./ File photo

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold an Autumn Open House from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 9.

Visitors can take a docent-guided tour of the historic David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 
The gift shop will be open and refreshments will be served.  

Suggested donation is $5 for adults; children under 5 are admitted free.  
Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school, or other program needs.  

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.  
For information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.


This is a press release from Daniel L. Bosques, Executive Director, Derby Historical Society.

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.

Waterbury-Oxford Airport to host WWII planes next weekend

Wesley Village in Shelton to host 50th anniversary celebration

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.

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. 

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby slates events for 36th season

Osborne Homestead Museum. /ct.gov photo  

DERBY - The Osborne Homestead Museum will reopen May 4 for its 36th season.
Guided tours will introduce visitors to the remarkable life of Frances Osborne Kellogg and to her wonderful collection of antiques and fine art in this charming Colonial Revival house.

As the spring season unfolds enjoy the flowering trees, aromatic shrubs, and splendid flowers of the Kellogg Estate.
Frances Osborne Kellogg had a tradition of supporting the arts and promoting conservation. This tradition continues with special events in June:

June 8 - Connecticut Open House Day 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 15th annual Connecticut Open House Day, a statewide event designed to showcase Connecticut’s history, art, and culture.
The Osborne Homestead Museum is joining their effort by providing a special architecture tour of its Colonial Revival home. 

June 23 - Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day noon-4 p.m.
Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day is a special state-wide celebration of Connecticut’s stunning historic gardens. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum is one of 15 members of the prestigious Connecticut’s Historic Gardens whose different garden styles are honored on this day.
Visitors can go on guided tours of the museum and its gardens and make their own scented sachets at the crafts table.

Upcoming events include photography exhibitions featuring women in science, Kellogg Estate weddings, and cultural artifacts of Derby. 

For more information on upcoming events, please visit the Osborne Homestead Museum & Kellogg Environmental Center's calendar of events at https://www.ct.gov/deep/calendar. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum will be 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 to 4 p.m. through October.
There is no admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted.

For group tours or more information contact Susan Robinson at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513.

The Osborne Homestead Museum and the Kellogg Environmental Center are facilities of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. They are located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Seymour Historical Society to host trip to Twain House, more in Hartford

Osborne Homestead in Derby features 'Storybook Holiday' decorations

DERBY - I had the good fortune of getting a sneak peek today of the 'Storybook Holiday' decorations at the Osborne Homestead Museum.
Each room in the stately 19th-century house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. was beautifully adorned to depict this year's storybook theme.

I've always loved the story of 'Snow White,' and so the dining room featuring her and the Seven Dwarfs instantly became one of my favorites.

This is part of the studio, which is decorated in a 'Jack and the Beanstalk' theme. That's the giant's foot at the upper right!

The museum will be open for tours starting Friday (Nov. 23) and running through Dec. 16. Hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Holiday Twilight Tours are from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and 14. 
For information call 203-734-2513.

Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

'A Storybook Holiday' awaits at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

DERBY - Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum this holiday season and enjoy “A Storybook Holiday.” 
From Aesop’s Fables to The Snow Queen, each room represents the most popular children’s tales in Western literature. 

Tours will run from Nov. 23-Dec. 16 and will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
From 4-7 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and 14, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to display the shimmering glow of the decorations.

For more than 30 years, volunteers have created gorgeous holiday decorations at the museum. 
The volunteers are members of the Derby Garden Society, Derby Neck Library and Hubbell Farm, Garden Club of Orange, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Jen Plasky of AIFD, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, Woodbridge Garden Club, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club. 

This year’s holiday theme will pay tribute to the Osborne family and children’s literature. The family promoted literacy in various ways. Major Wilbur Osborne along with local teachers and neighbors founded Derby Neck Library at 307 Hawthorne Ave.
Later on Wilbur's daughter Frances Osborne Kellogg became president of the board of directors and donated gifts to the library. 
Frances’ aunt Helen Krehbiel wrote stories and poems with moral lessons. 

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum and open a page into the wonderful world of “Storybook Holiday”! 
Admission is free; donations are accepted. 
The Osborne Homestead Museum is operated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

To register for group tours and for more information, call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

Derby Historical Society to host Humphreys House tours, cemetery walk

ANSONIA - Stop in for a guided tour of the Gen. David Humphreys House or a walk in the Elm Street Cemetery Sunday, Oct. 21. 
The house at 37 Elm St. will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. The house tours will begin at 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. 
The cemetery tours will be at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
In case of inclement weather the cemetery tour will be cancelled due to safety concerns.


*Shared from a Facebook event page.