Current Events
2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTSAll events take place at the Museum unless otherwise stated. Events are open to the public and free to members and children under twelve, except as noted. Donations from non-members is $5 for regular events.
East Haddam: The Epicenter of New EnglandWednesday June 21, 2023 7 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Stephen Gencarella Many places throughout New England can claim to be the home of fascinating legends, yet no other town quite matches East Haddam for its fantastical stories. Professor Stephen Gencarella, a folklorist at UMass Amherst and author of several books on New England folklore, will share how centuries of tales of the Moodus noises—from precolonial times to the present, coupled with seemingly endless tales about the Devil’s Hopyard, ghost stories, historical legends, and remarkable anecdotes about a supernatural black fox -- make East Haddam the epicenter of New England folklore. Dr. Stephen Gencarella is the author of Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut: Hiking the State's Legends, Hauntings, and History. He is the resident folklorist for the Connecticut River Museum and lives in Old Lyme, CT. "Junk in the Trunk” Tag Sale & Plant SaleSaturday May 20, 2023 8 a.m. - 12 noon
Tag sale in partnership with the East Haddam Garden Club Plant Sale. To reserve a tag sale space, call 860-873-3944.
The Vanished Port: Slave Trade on the Connecticut RiverWednesday May 17, 2023 7 p.m.
"The Vanished Port: Slave Trade on the Connecticut River," presented by Erik Hesselberg. Erik was president of the Middlesex County Historical Society and developed the award-winning exhibit “A Vanished Port,” on the Connecticut River’s ties to the slave economy of the Caribbean islands. Back by popular demand, Erik recently spoke at the Museum about his book "Night Boat to New York: Steamboats on the Connecticut, 1815–1931." Exploring Black and Indigenous Connecticut Maritime Experiences
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Excavating at Two Wrasslin' Cats
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Dr. Sarah Sportman, Connecticut State Archaeologist
Connecticut’s newest Paleoindian site, the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Site, was identified in 2020. Avocational archaeologist Mark Clymer was drinking coffee in the backyard of the Two Wrasslin’ Cats coffee shop in East Haddam, when he looked down and spotted a piece of stone tool-making debris on the ground. This discovery initiated a series of small archaeological investigations on the coffee shop grounds, led by the Office of State Archaeology with Mark Clymer and volunteer excavators. The excavations uncovered artifacts that reflect a typical Paleoindian toolkit, including rebased fluted points, endscrapers, gravers, and channel flake fragments, all of which are were made on high quality stone materials from New York.
The first inhabitants of our region, known to archaeologists as Paleoindians, arrived in what is now Connecticut at the end of the last ice age (10,000-13,000 years ago). They were hunter-gatherers who moved seasonally across the landscape, probably following the paths of migrating animals. Archaeological sites from this time period are relatively rare, and each new find adds important information to our growing body of knowledge about the first peoples to live in what is now Connecticut.
The archaeological research at the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Site is part of a growing list of recent and ongoing projects at Paleoindian sites in Connecticut. The information collected from this project, as well as recent excavations at the Brian D. Jones Site in Avon and the Templeton Site in Washington, shed new light on Paleoindian lifeways in what is now southern New England. The Two Cats Site is also an important public archaeology project. The location of the excavations, in the back yard of an active coffee shop, provides the opportunity for the public to interact with the archaeologists while they work, ask questions, see artifacts, and witness the archaeological research process.
Dr. Sportman’s presentation will be held at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street, East Haddam, CT. For more information call 860-873-3944.
The first inhabitants of our region, known to archaeologists as Paleoindians, arrived in what is now Connecticut at the end of the last ice age (10,000-13,000 years ago). They were hunter-gatherers who moved seasonally across the landscape, probably following the paths of migrating animals. Archaeological sites from this time period are relatively rare, and each new find adds important information to our growing body of knowledge about the first peoples to live in what is now Connecticut.
The archaeological research at the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Site is part of a growing list of recent and ongoing projects at Paleoindian sites in Connecticut. The information collected from this project, as well as recent excavations at the Brian D. Jones Site in Avon and the Templeton Site in Washington, shed new light on Paleoindian lifeways in what is now southern New England. The Two Cats Site is also an important public archaeology project. The location of the excavations, in the back yard of an active coffee shop, provides the opportunity for the public to interact with the archaeologists while they work, ask questions, see artifacts, and witness the archaeological research process.
Dr. Sportman’s presentation will be held at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street, East Haddam, CT. For more information call 860-873-3944.
Alzheimer's and Dementia - You are not Alone!
Sundays at 2 p.m. on February 26, March 26, April 23, and May 21
The East Haddam Library System & the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum are co-sponsoring a four part series of programs discussing Alzheimer’s and Dementia, presented by Kristopher Sortwell, MSW, CBIS.
The East Haddam Library System & the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum are co-sponsoring a four part series of programs discussing Alzheimer’s and Dementia, presented by Kristopher Sortwell, MSW, CBIS.
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Start the new year enjoying the benefits of Yoga at the Museum!
Mondays, 7pm, January 2nd - January 30th. Continues through April! $60 for 5 classes, $50 for 4 classes or $15 drop-in per class Taught by experienced practitioner Erin Day, this Yoga class offers ease, increased self-awareness, flexibility, and strength with a combination of slow, fluid movements within the postures. You are encouraged to listen to your body and trust what you know is the right action for you. The classes will include Yoga postures, meditation and breathwork, and Yoga teachings for your life. Practicing together as a community is just the beginning as we experience the peace and liberation that is accessible through Yoga. The class is appropriate for all levels. Erin Day is an experienced Yoga mentor, herbalist, greenspirit practitioner and owner of Ten Summit Yoga & Earth Based Wellness. Erin loves to witness others thrive as they are supported in community and compassion. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in this large, comfortable space at the Museum. The class is appropriate for all levels, and no previous experience is required. To sign up, or if you have questions, please contact Erin at 860-262-0248 or tensummitst@gmail.com. |
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Read about past events from the last few years ...
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