Seven Hearths Revealed Sponsors and Paint Out

Seven Hearths Revealed Sponsors and Paint Out

The Kent Historical Society invites all to Seven Hearths Revealed, an evening celebrating our beloved 18th century home and museum, April 21, 2018. We are grateful to our Underwriters, Sponsors and Friends who’ve helped support this fundraiser.

Attendees will tour Seven Hearths, view George Laurence Nelson’s artwork and and enjoy wine, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as celebrate spring with fellow KHS supporters, history buffs and friends.

Deborah Chabrian, KHS Trustee and well-known watercolorist, is again organizing a “Paint Out” with a group of local artists to create beautiful artwork that will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the George Laurence Nelson Scholarship Fund. This is the second year for the painting fundraiser, and Chabrian said that the artists all enjoyed the camaraderie of painting together in the historic Seven Hearths. Invited artists are creating paintings this year inspired by the interior rooms of the unique house museum. The resulting works of art will be offered in a silent auction during the party.

“We want to draw attention to GLN’s light-filled studio here at Seven Heaths, to bring life and art back into the house,” she said.

The party will provide an opportunity to discover more about the house’s rich legacy. Trustee Jeffrey Morgan continues to remove paint layers, particularly in the South Parlor, adding to the Society’s knowledge of what the interiors looked like through the years. The stairs (c. 1940), which previously gave access from the Fur Trading Post to the attic, have been removed to allow for better appreciation and understanding of this recently discovered historical gem. A new stair has been reconstructed in the original location from period materials and hand wrought nails. It is located at the top of the stairs from what was originally the general store and was later used by George Laurence Nelson as his painting studio. Several wonderful examples of Nelson’s interior watercolors will be on display throughout the house.

The fundraising party will provide needed operating funds for the Society. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the ongoing changes that have been happening at the 1751 house museum and celebrate the fascinating history of the building.

Tickets available online.

Patrice Galterio hired as Acting Director

The Kent Historical Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Kent resident Patrice Galterio as its acting director.

Patrice joined the KHS staff in September 2017, replacing long-time assistant Lyn Stirnweiss, who resigned to devote more time to her job at the Kent Chamber of Commerce. Patrice took on her new role as acting director in March, taking over from Brian Thomas, who resigned from his role as executive director after serving for three and a half years.  

Patrice was a founder and the creative director of the Kent Film Festival with her husband, Frank Galterio. She is a graphic designer and continues to do freelance work for clients part-time. She looks forward to helping guide the Historical Society in her new role.

May Sunday Series to focus on Kent’s Village life

May Sunday Series to focus on Kent’s Village life

The Kent Historical Society is hosting the third of our series, Our Town: The Village, A Look at “Urban” Life in Kent May 20 at 2 p.m. in Kent Town Hall.

During March, we had a lively, interactive discussion about the once thriving dairy industry in Kent. Many local farmers came to share their memories and swap poignant stories about farming with an intrigued audience, some of whom knew little about the subject. We hope for the same interaction with this next subject.

Do you remember life along Main Street in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s? It was a vibrant place, with a mixture of homes and businesses. Today, many of our unique Main Street businesses struggle for survival, and we want you all to come join in the conversation about The Village – share your own memories and talk about how to keep it healthy and happy. With your help, it will be as fun and exciting as the first two. Join Us!

Kent Town Hall, May 20th at 2:00pm

Award of Merit honors The Founders Exhibit

Award of Merit honors The Founders Exhibit

The Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO) bestowed upon the Kent Historical Society an Award of Merit for their exhibition “The Founders of Kent: Starting from Scratch on the Colonial Frontier.”

So often, local histories are told through the lives of just the main players. This exhibit was unusual in that its focus was on the families and their daily lives as they struggled to establish our Town of Kent which was on the edge of a real wilderness.

“The committee was most impressed by the exhibit’s topic of founding families and how Kent has grown since the Colonial era. Its design is easy to follow and understand, while offering content that is engaging. This project is clearly dedicated to sharing the history of Connecticut with the public.”

Marge Smith, the Society’s Curator, said it was gratifying for her to see her personal vision presented and receive honors.

“We were thrilled to have our hard work and creativity in this exhibit achieve this recognition,” Smith said. “This was a personal project of mine, but it came to fruition because of the energetic participation of many people; including NWCT Community Foundation, The Kent Lions Club, The Kent Barns, Guest Curator Susan Shepard of Woodbury, KHS Board Member Jeffrey Morgan, Historical Consultant Sarah Griswold as well as Sue Lopardo and her great KHS Docent Team. Also included in the success are the KHS Board Members who hosted a wonderful preview party, and Stephanie Plunkett and Melanie Marks who wrote enthusiastic letters of support for the Award nomination. Thank you to all who helped make this happen!”

Congratulations Marge and all who worked so hard!

Summer Art Enrichment Registration

Register Below With Payment link

Select session (either member or nonmember) and Click add to cart. Scroll to bottom for checkout.

[wp_eStore_fancy2 id=84][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=85][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=86][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=87][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=99][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=89][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=101][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=100][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=102][wp_eStore_fancy2 id=97][wp_eStore_cart]