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Westport Historical Society Committee Plans Annual Hidden Garden Tour and Garden Market:  Glamorous New Event is Added This Year

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2004

2003

A brand new shipment of Staples High School, 120 Years of A+ Education arrives just in time for gift giving this holiday weekend, the Westport Historical Society announced today.

The colorful history of the beloved local school, by well known author and personality Dan Woog, is a highly sought after gift to give this holiday season, and the Historical Society is the only location to purchase the book in person. To reserve your copy with a credit card over the phone, please call 222-1424. Copies will be available for pick-up and to purchase in person beginning on Thursday, December 22.

Westport Historical Society President Joni Andrews is "thrilled with the success of Dan Woog's special book on the History of Staples High School. In less than a month, we are in the third printing. This is a must have for every Staples graduate and family! The Westport Historical Society is delighted to have this book as a part of our Westport history library."

The author is especially moved by the response to his work. "The feedback has been tremendous," noted Woog. "People are buying copies for their kids who went to Staples -- whether it was last year or in the 1960s -- and for their neighbors who just moved to town. Everyone seems to like something different: the interviews with former teachers, the photos, the battles that were fought over sex in the 1940s or the building delays we've had since the 1880s. Staples really is the glue that ties this town together."

The Westport Historical Society is a proud sponsor of Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education, which looks at the history of Staples High School from 1884 through today, at the people who played major roles behind the scenes, in the classrooms and on the fields. It is also a tale of public education and an intriguing look at the growth of Westport. To purchase copies online, please visit www.StaplesHistory.com and www.ItascaBooks.com.

The Westport Historical Society is located at 25 Avery Place in downtown Westport, across from Town Hall. The Remarkable Book and Gift Shop will be open Wednesday until 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 12 to 3 p.m.

The Westport Historical Society, founded in 1889, is an educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport, Connecticut. It is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of preserving our town's heritage and its historic buildings and landmarks.

Dan Woog addresses the crowd at the initial unveiling of Staples High School, 120 Years of A+ Education
at the Westport Public Library in early November. The book is now in its third printing.

An extraordinary chance to view one of the world's most renowned Museum collections up close with a prominent curator as your guide will be available to the highest bidder, as the Westport Historical Society offers a special Holiday Auction to begin online this weekend.

The Society just recently completed a successful Silent and Live Auction as part of its Holiday House Tour, and has additional items to offer just in time for the holidays. A top item is a private tour with Museum of Modern Art Curator Paola Antonelli, who will lead 6 visitors through a tour of the Museum's world famous Design Collection. Guests will then dine at the Bar Room at the acclaimed new restaurant The Modern.

"As the Holiday House Tour celebrated history, design, and architecture this year, Paola's tour will be a perfect fit to continue the theme," commented Society Associate Director Katherine Otey. "We expect this to be a hugely popular item, and it is a perfect gift to give to a design lover for the holidays. I can guarantee they will not be receiving anything else like this!"

The world's first curatorial department devoted to Architecture and Design was established in 1932 at The Museum of Modern Art. The Design collection comprises more than 3,000 objects, ranging from appliances, furniture, and tableware to tools, textiles, sports cars—even a helicopter. The diversity of recognizable items in the collection ranges from everyday objects such as a Stanley Works hammer, Bic pen and glass tumbler to classic pieces by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Stickley, Louis Tiffany, and Alvar Aalto.

Paola Antonelli published "Humble Masterpieces: Everyday Marvels of Design" earlier this month, which is an insightful collection of design marvels from everyday life. She is one of the world's foremost design experts and was recently rated as one of the top one hundred most powerful people in the world of art by Art Review. Italian, and an architect by training, Antonelli has also curated architecture and design exhibitions in Italy, France, and Japan. She has been a contributing editor for Domus magazine and the design editor for Abitare. Some of the additional items to be featured in the WHS online auction are BABA barstools donated by Design Within Reach, a special donation from designers Healing Barsanti, a Perrier-Jouët champagne Gift Set, a visit to the Red Door Salon, and more of the special culinary themed items that were so popular in the Holiday House Tour auction.

 The auction will be conducted on eBay through MissionFish, which raises money for non-profits through eBay auctions. 100% of proceeds from bids received, including any fees, go directly to the Historical Society.

Auction proceeds benefit the programs at the Westport Historical Society, which include exhibition and educational programs, community and family activities, archival preservation and research.

A celebration of Westport's historic and diverse architecture is planned for this Sunday, December 4, as some of the area's outstanding private homes, creatively decorated for the holidays, will be presented on the Westport Historical Society's 19th Annual Holiday House Tour. A Day of Architectural and Culinary Riches is the theme as the five homes, chosen for their architectural uniqueness, history and style, are to featured this year. A highlight for design lovers will be American Architecture, designed by a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright’s, Aaron Resnick, in the same style as the celebrated “Prairie” houses.

Pina Signorello, Creative Director of Signorello of Westport, will style a room of the Resnick designed home for the day with authentic Cassina furniture, part of the line created exclusively according to Frank Lloyd Wright's specifications. Pieces include the Lewis coffee table, the Barrel chairs, and the Mayer May desk.

Ms. Signorello was thrilled to find a house built in the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright in Westport. In the midst of the traditional designs and newer constructions, it is "rare to find a gem such as the Resnick home, and to find this type of architecture in my own backyard was inspiring," commented Ms. Signorello. "I immediately wanted to work on this project, enhancing the design by bringing in the some of the authentic Cassina pieces to reflect the vision that both Wright and Resnick shared. To experience this level of architecture up close will be quite special for House Tour visitors on Sunday."

The historic arts and crafts home of Westport interior designer Robin Liotta will also be featured on the 2005 Tour, and designers Kerry Brock, Kim Caravella, and Carlin Ray Edwards will style two waterfront classics and a Post Modern original to round out the diverse group of unique Westport homes available to tour this Sunday. The Tour, to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is one of the Society's largest fundraisers of the year. Advance tickets, $45 (WHS members $35), are now on sale. Tickets will be $50 on the day of the tour.

This year, there will be much to please the culinary crowd as well. Directly following the tour, the After Tour Cocktail Celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the custom home of prominent Westport builder Michael Greenberg. Renowned Chef Matt Storch of Match in South Norwalk will be on hand to whip up holiday hors d'oeuvres and spend time with guests, and Pastry Chef Lisa Storch will create sublime desserts. Michael Greenberg's one-of-a-kind home, a luxurious rustic retreat with handcrafted woodworking and stonework throughout, will be styled for the Cocktail Celebration by Christian O'Dowd and The Cantering Caterer to create an enchanting setting to relax with friends after a day of touring.

According to tour chair Jackie Cutrone, "There is a richness to the day, to the architecture and the culinary celebration afterwards, where you can gather with friends and relive the day in such a special setting. Chef Matt Storch is preparing an exceptional menu for our celebration, and our committee has planned a spectacular Out Of This World Auction for the event. It will be an extraordinary day, and what a great way to raise funds for the Historical Society!"

In addition to the creations of top Chef Matt Storch, this festive late afternoon cocktail celebration will also feature caviar by Balducci's, matched with Perrier-Jouët champagne. Specialty cocktails and wine will also be served while guests enjoy live jazz by NYC trio Lapis Luna.

In honor of the culinary theme, live and silent auction items donated by celebrated chefs and restaurants from Westport to New York, including Match, Da Pietro, Barcelona, Chez Stephane, Bonda, and Rebecca's, will be featured. The Out Of This World Auction will also feature beautiful baubles, relaxing vacations, and uplifting experiences including a weekend tryst at the Tribeca Grand and sea and ski vacations. Limited ticketing for the Cocktail Celebration, $75, now on sale.  Please call 222-1424.

This year, the Education Department of the Westport Historical Society is pleased to offer Holiday House Fun Day for children ages 5 - 10 during the 19th Annual Holiday House Tour on Sunday, December 4th from 11am to 4pm. Children will have an opportunity to create a variety of holiday crafts, play games, decorate cookies and participate in a variety of holiday related activities during the afternoon. The fee is $10 per child per hour and includes all materials as well as snacks and lemonade. Registration is required. Call 222-1424, ext. 108 or email: sgold@westporthistory.org.

Auction and ticket proceeds benefit the programs at the Westport Historical Society, which include exhibition and educational programs, community and family activities, archival preservation and research.

Photo by Andrea Maritzer Fine

Any student of modern architecture will instantly recognize the hand of Frank Lloyd Wright in this 1950’s classic designed by his student Aaron Resnick. The ceilings, the shape of the rooms, the light reflect the work of the great architect. Its artist-owner has furnished the home with pieces of the time and maintained the very Usonian principals of clean lines, unfussy design and the intense relationship between a structure and the land which surrounds it. Parquet floors, an Eames chair, and favorite pieces of Santa Fe and Eskimo pottery blend in with the artist's own work and that of Calder, Feininger and George Rickey. The art studio, a quiet place to work and think, befits the owner, who studied at the Arts Students League in New York and exhibits often. From the leaded glass windows to the architecturally inspired furniture, this classic has been nurtured with an artist’s touch. Styled for the Holiday House Tour by Pina Signorello, Creative Director, Signorello of Westport

The Westport Historical Society announced that well-known author and personality Dan Woog will be at the Society on Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sign copies of Staples High School, 120 Years of A+ Education. The book, which sold out at its initial unveiling at the Westport Library in early November, is now in its second printing.

Staples High School, 120 Years of A+ Education looks at the history of Staples High School from 1884 through today, at the people who played major roles behind the scenes, in the classrooms and on the fields.  It is also a tale of public education and an intriguing look at the growth of Westport.  Staples High School belongs on every bookshelf and makes an ideal holiday gift, and you won't want to miss your chance to have Dan add a personal message to your favorite Staples student or grad!

The Westport Historical Society is a proud sponsor of Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education. Copies of the book may be purchased at the Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place in Westport, or online at www.StaplesHistory.com and www.ItascaBooks.com.

Pictured at the Westport Library unveiling earlier this month are (l to r) Betty Lou Cummings,
author Dan Woog, Historical Society executive Director Denise Torv, Jo Woog, and Jo Fuchs Luscombe.
Photo by Dave Matlow.

The Westport Historical Society, founded in 1889, is an educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport, Connecticut. It is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of preserving our town's heritage and its historic buildings and landmarks.

A Day of Architectural and Culinary Riches awaits visitors to the Westport Historical Society's 19th Annual Holiday House Tour, one of the group's largest fundraisers of the year and a showcase event for design lovers, taking place on Sunday, December 4, 2005, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This premier home tour is eagerly anticipated each year, as visitors delight in a day of touring decorated private homes while supporting an important cause. The five Westport homes, chosen for their architectural uniqueness, history and style, are dressed up for the holiday season by creative florists and stylists. Highlights this year include an architectural classic styled for the day by Pina Signorello, and the historic arts and crafts home of interior designer Robin Liotta. Advance tickets, $45 (WHS members $35), are now on sale.

This year, there will be much to please the culinary crowd as well. Directly following the tour, the After Tour Cocktail Celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the custom home of prominent Westport builder Michael Greenberg.

Michael Greenberg's rustic yet elegant estate, with handcrafted woodworking and stonework throughout, will be styled for the Cocktail Celebration by Chris O'Dowd and The Cantering Caterer to create a perfect setting to relax with friends after a day of touring. In addition to the creations of top Chef Matt Storch of Match, this festive late afternoon cocktail celebration will also feature caviar by Balducci's, matched with Perrier-Jouët champagne. Specialty cocktails and wine will also be served while guests enjoy live jazz to warm up a chilly winter's day! . In honor of the culinary theme, live and silent auction items donated by celebrated chefs and restaurants from Westport to New York, including Match, Da Pietro and Barcelona, will be featured,as well as a private cooking party at Kitchens by Deane. Limited ticketing for the Cocktail Celebration, $75, now on sale.

To start the day, enthusiasts may join Michael Greenberg as he discusses Restoring Barns to the Comforts of the 21st Century at 10 a.m. Tickets for this event are $15.

The Holiday House Tour is made possible in part by the generous support of sponsors Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Match, Allied Domecq, Westport Resources, Balducci's, and The Cantering Caterer.

All auction and ticket proceeds benefit the programs at the WHS, which include exhibitions, archival research, oral history, and many community activities and events.

Where was the Sanitarium in downtown Westport that was reputed to be haunted with the screams of former patients? And who was the Westport Fire Chief who used his ever- present silver trumpet to summon volunteers to the scene, only to reveal it was full of a steady supply of beer? Whether you know the answer to those questions (or don’t have a clue), you’re invited to the Westport Historical Society’s fabulous inaugural gala Westport Stories: Fame and Infamy, Places, Events at The Inn at Longshore on Friday, November 4. It's an evening for strange but true Westport stories to be revealed (or recalled) to old-timers and newcomers alike.

The Society's inaugural gala will celebrate Westport's charismatic, creative, eclectic people, its places and events. Westport Stories will feature live music by Total Re-Mix, dancing, original skits, buffet dinner, open bar, luxury silent and live auction items and just a touch of scandal! The fun begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until midnight, with tickets starting at $200 per person.

Honorary Co-Chairs for Westport Stories are Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, and the Event Chair is Linda Daniels, assisted by James D'Adamo, Executive Style Director, O, The Oprah Magazine.  All gala and auction proceeds benefit the exhibition, educational, community and publications programs at the WHS, which includes archival research, oral history, and special events. To receive an invitation, please call 203.222.1424, x3 or email gala@westporthistory.org. Westport Stories is sponsored by Health Net, with entertainment underwritten by Patriot National Bank.  Media sponsorship for Westport Stories provided by Westport Magazine.

A trip down memory lane is in store as Yesterday’s Toyland opens at the Westport Historical Society on October 9. This charming exhibit from days gone by will feature vintage toys and dolls from the Victorian era through the 1940's, when home television changed family entertainment forever. Children can visit a hands-on Yesterday’s Playroom, where they are invited to play with reproductions of toys on view and to dress up in colorful reproductions of the vintage children’s clothing on display.

Exhibit Curators Ellen Naftalin and Elise Meyer quickly got into the spirit of the show, researching and meeting with over 25 collectors to gather items for the exhibit. "For me, the most enjoyable part of curating this exhibit has been meeting and working with the collectors from our community who have preserved these fanciful toys over the years, and are now so generously sharing them with us," commented Naftalin. 'We are, after all, children at heart."

During the Victorian era, children did not have the option of tuning out through TV, computers, Gameboys or cellphones. What did they do for entertainment? Parlor games, stereoscopes, sing-a-longs, poetry recitals and readings from the popular book of the day were considered family entertainment. The simple, every-day toys children played with, such as jacks and marbles, will fascinate the children of today.

Several dollhouses—including a unique five-story house, a miniature silversmith shop and a Victorian cottage—are on display, and dolls and more dolls will greet visitors: delicate lady dolls, including one by Greiner, 1857, clothed in the fashion of the day; Raggedy Anns, Kewpie dolls, Uncle Wiggley and Teddy Bears; rocking horses of all sizes, from a small homemade model to an authentic carousel steed. Trains and train accessories circa 1930, all-time favorites for boys of all ages, help to complete the display.

The beloved Kewpie Doll was the 1909 brainchild of Westporter Rose O’Neill a prominent member of the town’s early art colony. The popularity of the doll was international and one of the most successful in the history of doll making. By 1913, more that five million Kewpies had been sold. O’Neill purchased a nine-acre estate on the Saugatuck River that she named Carabus Castle, and even had the steam boiler in its cellar cast in the shape of a Kewpie.

A group of unique shadowboxes explores the artists’ interpretation of “toys and playtime.” Each incorporates vintage toys, found items, and one-of-a-kind collectibles, setting the mood and theme for our pre-television era exhibit. It’s Showtime!, by artist Karen Silver Bloom, takes you to a circus, and Happy Moments, an interactive work by boxist Arthur Burke, gives us a peek into a child’s favorite book.

A very special feature in the Society’s Little Gallery is the hands-on Yesterday’s Playroom. Children are invited to play with reproductions of the toys on view in Yesterday’s Toyland and to dress up in the colorful reproductions of the vintage children’s clothing on display.

Group visits for Yesterday's Toyland and Yesterday's Playroom are currently being booked, and will include a specialized tour as well as a toy-themed craft project. A special children's concert by Mary Ann Hall Music for Children is planned for Sunday, December 11. For more information, please call the WHS Education Department, 203.222.1424, ext.108 or email sgold@westporthistory.org.

Captain Scott Shields and his dog Theodore, son of Bear, the most celebrated rescue dog at Ground Zero in 2001, were welcomed with open arms by the campers at the Westport Historical Society's Time Travelers Summer Camp today, as they presented the special program "Lost in the Woods" to the campers.

"Lost in the Woods" is a 45 minute interactive presentation created by Captain Shields which teaches kids to be safe and to know what to do in emergencies. He travels around the country with Theodore, the son of Bear, to present this special program.

Captain Shields developed the program "Lost in the Woods" in honor of Bear, the first canine inside to search the rubble at Ground Zero. Bear worked eighteen-hour days, and he is credited with finding the most victims, including the beloved FDNY Chief Peter Ganci and FDNY Commissioner Thomas Feehan.

The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation was begun by the well-known law firm of Proskauer Rose. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.bearsearchandrescue.org.

Scott Shields explained to the campers how Theodore will look for the "Baby" (a tennis ball) after he is allowed to sniff the scent. Captain Shields then hid the ball deep in the WHS gallery space, and the children quietly cheered Theodore on as he rescued the "Baby" and returned it to Captain Shields. The children also read about the different rescue processes on the special presentation pictured behind Captain Shields. The WHS campers learned to wear bright colors to be easily spotted in the woods, and how to stay dry and keep warm if they get lost. The campers had extra fun interacting with Theodore!

Captain Shields and Theodore prepared for the presentation.

A group of Westport residents have raised over $12,000 to purchase and return to Westport a painting that is considered a town treasure and a unique piece of Westport history. The donors gathered at the Westport Historical Society on Monday, August 1, to officially welcome the painting, Honor Roll, back into the community.

Honor Roll, a portrayal of Westport's original honor roll by Westporter Stevan Dohanos, was featured on the December 4, 1943 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, and was the first of 136 covers he painted for that magazine.  Copies of that cover were sent to 1,000 Westporters who were serving in the armed forces at that time. After touring the United States to stimulate bond sales, the original painting was returned to Westport by the Curtis Publishing Company and hung in the YMCA lobby for many years.

During a major renovation in the 1970s, it was relegated to a closet and subsequently rescued by Dohanos. It was later sold to a collector of many Dohanos' works, who cherished and took care of it for the past 35 years.

Realizing that it was an important part of the town's World War II history, as well as the only portrayal of the original honor roll, The WPA Art Rescue Committee made arrangements to bring the painting back to Westport on loan - hoping it could raise the $12,500 required to keep it in Westport permanently.

"We asked the community for help," said Judy Gault Sterling, President of WPA Art Rescue, "and it responded with donations large and small. The Ron Malone family, The Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection Committee, Ralph Sheffer and Paul Newman responded generously, among many others. While here in Westport on loan, the painting is hanging at the Westport Historical Society as part of its exhibit The Folks Back Home, that honors the Red Cross and the work it did behind the scenes to support our men on the war front at that time."

"People stopping in to see the exhibit and painting are very emotional about it," added Mollie Donovan, who co-chairs the Westport Historical Society's Exhibition Committee along with Wally Woods. "The names of Westporters who served are still clearly readable, and many of their families are still here in town. There are so many people who worked hard to make sure it came back to Westport - but we especially want to thank Walt Reed, a long time Westporter who knows the collector and was instrumental in its return."

At the conclusion of the exhibit, Honor Roll will become a part of the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection (WSPAC).

A treasure trove of antiques and collectibles awaits shoppers to the Westport Historical Society’s 2nd Annual Ultimate Sale, to take place the weekend of July 16 and 17.

Antiques vendors bring an eclectic range of items including glassware, china, crystal, jewelry, and vintage books and clothing to this popular event, held on the grounds of the Society and on Veterans Green from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend will also be filled with music and family fun. Saturday will feature a performance by acclaimed Bluegrass band Big Appleachia, returning for the second year to the Ultimate Sale. From 1 to 3 p.m., it's Bubble Fun on the Green, where kids can create the most fantastic bubbles with all kinds of recyclable materials. Fun with Face Painting will also be available.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., young Westport fiddler Cameron Bruce will perform a variety of fiddle tunes including Bluegrass and jazz favorites.

"The Ultimate Sale is an event for the whole family". said WHS executive director Denise Torv. "In addition to a range of high quality antiques and other unique items, Wheeler House will be open and visitors can stroll through the exhibits currently on view and the Victorian period rooms. They can also enjoy our beautiful shady grounds as they look for a special treasure."

Refreshments, including ice cream, slushies, fried chicken, and hot food will be available for those taking a break from shopping. The Ultimate Sale, chaired by Gale Beyea and Fran Thomas, serves as a major fundraiser for the Society, to support its acclaimed exhibition and education program. The Society is also home to thriving archival and oral history research programs.

Donations of furniture and accessories such as frames, rugs, silverware, crystal, glassware, and vintage jewelry and clothing are accepted through July 15.  For donation or consignment information, please call the WHS at 222-1424, x201, or visit WHS at www.westporthistory.org. Donations are tax deductible.

Travel back in time at the Time Travelers Summer Camp, co-sponsored by The Westport Historical Society and Westport Continuing Education.

Time Travelers Summer Camp will feature a new adventure each day to include exciting walking tours, treasure hunts, a historic cemetery tour, guest artists and musicians, unique arts and crafts, cooking, drama games, outdoor fun on the lawn, a glimpse of what life was like at the turn of the century, and even making our own ice cream! Campers bring a bag lunch and a healthy snack is provided. The camp will be held at the Westport Historical Society located at 25 Avery Place in downtown Westport, across from Town Hall.

Register for one session or all three sessions, for Grades 1-5.

Session 1: Mon. June 27 – Fri. July 1
Session 2: Mon. Aug.22-Fri. Aug. 26
Session 3: Mon. Aug. 29 – Fri. Sept. 2

Hours: 10 a.m to 3 p.m.  For fees and registration, contact Westport Continuing Education at 341-1209, or visit www.westportcontinuinged.com. For additional information on guest artists and programs for the camp, please contact WHS Education Coordinator Susan Gold at 222-1424, x 108 or sgold@westporthistory.org.

The Westport Historical Society is pleased to acknowledge the support of its educational programming by Washington Mutual Home Loans in Westport. The educational programming at WHS is designed to encourage youth and adults alike to discover and appreciate the rich heritage of Westport, with a variety of activities offered to entertain and stimulate interest in learning more about Westport's history.

Educational activities include docent-led tours of the 19th century Victorian Wheeler House & Bradley-Wheeler Carriage Barn, tours of Main Street & the Historic King's Highway Area District, special programs for children including tours, hands-on art activities and interactive games, Cemetery Tours with burial grounds expert Peter Jennings, Vacation Day Programs for children on school holidays, the Time Travelers Summer Camp, monthly family programs on weekends, birthday parties for children, and volunteer opportunities in archives, museum education and program development.

The Westport Historical Society, founded in 1889, is an educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport, Connecticut. It is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of preserving Westport’s heritage and its historic buildings and landmarks. The only octagonal-roof, cobblestone barn in Connecticut, which is on the property, was completely restored over a ten-year period and houses the Museum of Westport History, displaying a diorama of the town as it looked toward the end of the 19th Century. The current exhibit on view, through Labor Day, is The Folks Back Home, honoring the Westport Chapter of the American Red Cross and its work behind the scenes during World Wars l and II. Gallery and gift shop hours are Monday-Friday, 10 to 4, and Saturday, 12 to 3.

The Westport Historical Society is pleased to kick off its slate of summer programs with Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk on Sunday, June 26 at 1 p.m., performing enchanting Victorian Faery Tales based on Westport’s own local lore.

This lively interactive story theater presentation, geared to children of all ages, will engage the audience with a program that includes varied voices, finger fables, movement and lots of audience participation. Admission is $6 per person, $5 for WHS members and includes refreshments following the performance, which will take place at the Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, in downtown Westport.

Jonathan gives close to 300 performances and workshops each year throughout the tri-state area. Raised in Westchester, he is noted for his lively interactive children’s fairy tales, Hudson River Lore, and curricular based school performances. His performances feature local heroes, medieval skits, talking trees, rainbow dragons and lots of imaginative characters to bring his stories alive. In Victorian Faery Tales, Jonathan will weave Westport’s famous residents and stories from long ago into an interactive story theater that will encourage children to listen and participate as the story unfolds.

Jonathan has a Masters in Education from New York University, and has extensively studied educational theater. He has performed at the Tribeca Film Festival in NY, and has appeared on PBS, the Food, History, Outdoor and National Geographic Channels. Recently, Jonathan appeared on the Travel Channel telling The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Hundreds of schools in the metropolitan New York area, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut have worked with Jonathan as a master artist educator to meet curricular needs and inspire students to listen, read and imagine. New York Newsday lauded his children’s cassette, The Rainbow Dragon & Other Tales, for car travel with kids.

Jonathan makes sure to have a lot of variety in his program to keep the youngsters engaged, and uses the oral tradition and familiar heroes to enchant the children when visiting historic sites. “I guess I love enchanting the children into listening, “ he says. Read more about Jonathan's extensive storytelling background at www.jonathankruk.net.

The Westport Historical Society is pleased to acknowledge the support of its educational programming by Washington Mutual Home Loans in Westport. The educational programming at WHS is designed to encourage youth and adults alike to discover and appreciate the rich heritage of Westport, with a variety of activities offered to entertain and stimulate interest in learning more about Westport's history.

Educational activities include docent-led tours of the 19th century Victorian Wheeler House & Bradley-Wheeler Carriage Barn, tours of Main Street & the Historic King's Highway Area District, special programs for children including tours, hands-on art activities and interactive games, Cemetery Tours with burial grounds expert Peter Jennings, Vacation Day Programs for children on school holidays, the Time Travelers Summer Camp, monthly family programs on weekends, birthday parties for children, and volunteer opportunities in archives, museum education and program development.

The Westport Historical Society proudly presented the annual Jennings Trails program to all third grade students in the Westport schools over a three week period in May.

This tour gives students a chance to learn about Westport's early history (1700's through early 1900's) by visiting two historic sites: Old Adams Academy (the original one-room school house) located on North Morningside Drive in Westport and the Bradley-Wheeler Barn, located at 25 Avery Place, Westport.

This is an interpretive tour with parents serving as guides at the sites and hands-on opportunities for the students to experience what life was like for people during the Victorian period. The Jennings Trail tour is dedicated to the memory of Bessie Cornelia Jennings, who was so enthusiastic about the history of our area that she conducted tours for second grade students in Westport schools throughout Greens Farms and Westport to give them an understanding of their town.

In addition, The Westport Historical Society offers a booklet called Jennings Trail: A Guide-Map to Historic Westport, Connecticut, that provides a history of Westport, and outlines a driving tour of two dozen plaques that mark historical sites in Westport. This booklet is available at the WHS for $1.75. Please call the WHS at 222-1424 or stop by at 25 Avery Place to obtain a booklet or for more information.

Local third grade students learn about kitchen history in the Victorian kitchen of Wheeler House at the Westport Historical Society. The cast-iron cook stove, dated 1870, was the most important item in the kitchen. Items such as the apple parer, pancake maker, coffee bean roaster, coffee grinder and lemon squeezer were guaranteed to shorten time spent in the kitchen.

Westport Historical Society Committee Plans Annual Hidden Garden Tour and Garden Market:  Glamorous New Event is Added This Year