Category: Kent Historical Society Kent

2015: A year of progress

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

2015: A year of progress

The Kent Historical Society held its annual meeting Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 and it included a look back over the previous year and a look ahead.

President Lynn Mellis Worthington presented a brief synopsis of many of the accomplishments of the Kent Historical Society over the past year. It should be noted that the fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. Here is a detailed list. She also noted that the Society has experienced a great increase in memberships – with 285 total. We had 230 renewals and that represents an 85% renewal rate, which is fantastic.

A slate of officers was presented to the membership and elected:  Michael Everett as President, Lynn Worthington as Vice President and Bruce Whipple as Treasurer, and Melissa Cherniske as Secretary. 

Mike thanked our outgoing officers, Vice President Beth Dooley, Treasurer Richard Lindsey and Secretary Charlotte Lindsey. He presented each of them with a token of thanks to honor their years of service and commitment to the Society and the Board of Trustees. He also took time to thank the trustees who are stepping off the board. The Lindseys have decided to retire from being board members, as have Jennie Rehnberg and Patti Case. 

Five trustees were re-elected for two-year terms: Roger Gonzales, Tim Good, Nancy Schaefer, Bruce Whipple and Lynn Worthington.

Mike also spoke of some of the upcoming projects that members and residents will be seeing in the upcoming year. A re-clapboarding project is currently underway at the Seven Hearths Museum and the Society was fortunate to receive a $15,000 grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the 1772 Foundation, but additional funds need to be secured for this large-scale project. He also noted that George Laurence Nelson’s art work was removed from the museum while the construction work is underway and is in temporary storage. A plan is underway to obtain grant funding and create a permanent storage area in Tallman, which houses the Society’s office, archives and collections storage.

Also at the meeting Marge Smith introduced the new Kent  Quilters Group project a signature quilt that they are offering as a fundraiser for the Kent Historical Society.

Jeopardy delights onlookers

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Jeopardy delights onlookers

The Kent Historical Society hosted a game of Jeopardy focused on history Sunday, Nov. 15. The program was created by Bruce Adams, a KHS member and Kent’s first selectman. As a former Social Studies teacher at Kent Center School, Adams said he used Jeopardy-style games with his students as a way to study for tests or just a fun activity.

The three contestants were Ed Epstein, Michael Ward and Kasey Clark. Each had his own cheering section in the crowd as they answered the questions, which were quite difficult at times. The first set of categories included Notorious Firsts, Presidents and Veeps, Oddities, Who Said It? and Wait A Second.

“It is very difficult to make up questions for something like this,” Adams said. “I wanted it to be something interesting to you as you sit there and try to figure out the answers in your head and please don’t say the answers out loud.”

Adams said it is a real balance to get the questions right.

“You don’t want to make them so easy that everyone in the room knows the answers, but it is no fun for anyone if nobody knows the answers.”

He said he had fun putting together the event. He also had two quick special rounds in between the two regular rounds. The special recognition round was “Kent According To Susi,” in honor of Kent native and former Kent Historical Society trustee and president Mary “Susi” Williams. Adams borrowed former KHS newsletters and he put together five questions from what Susi had written.

“Lou Bull and an in-town farm next to the town hall. The Old Town Hall is now this,” Adams said and Epstein responded correctly when he said, “What is the Randall antique place?” and Adams said, “yes, RT Facts. “

Epstein was the final winner displaying his knowledge of history and his knowledge of town after living here for almost 50 years.

 

 

Curators’ Tour & Talk recap

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Curators’ Tour and Talk on “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer”

The curators of the Kent Historical Society’s 2015 Exhibit, “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer,” gave a special tour and talk about this popular show on September 19, at Seven Hearths.

In a nostalgic, varied exhibit that closed September 27, the Kent Historical Society explored the town’s camping past. During camping’s peak in the 1950s and 1960s, a surprising number of camps were tucked into the hills and hollows of Kent. Exhibit curators Marge Smith (the curator of the Kent Historical Society) and board member Melissa Cherniske gathered the material for the exhibit.

Co-exhibit curator Melissa Cherniske said, “Working on the ‘Camps of Kent’ show was a gratifying experience for all of us. It was such a pleasure to be able to bring a piece of the past alive for everyone.”

Many of Kent’s camps may be gone, but they often have alumni networks that help former campers and counselors stay connected. Through various social media outlets, the Kent Historical Society has been in touch with the alumni associations for Camp Francis, Geer Mountain Camp, Camp Kent, Kenico, Camp Po-Ne-Mah and Leonard/Leonore. This has proved crucial for the exhibit, because many past campers provided the artifacts and memorabilia that are on display. Many Kent camp alumni associations held reunions and attended camp-themed hikes over the summer, and the Kent Historical Society dovetailed its programming with these warm, heartfelt gatherings.

Curator Marge Smith said, “This exhibit succeeded because of the tremendous response we received from former campers, counselors, and camp owners, who shared their artifacts and memories with us. One of the most rewarding aspects has been hearing former campers express such depth of emotion about their camp experience and their time in Kent, and its lasting importance in their lives.”

The Society is grateful to the Exhibition Sponsors: Kent School, The Marvelwood School, South Kent School, Victor Fink in memory of Camp Leonard-Leonore, Nicholas/Tobin Insurance, Union Savings Bank, Bain Real Estate, Ira Goldspiel and William Pitt/Sotheby’s International Realty, and Barry Labendz & David Birnbaum of Kent Falls Brewing Company.

Annual Fund

Posted on by Logan Wheeler
 Why does the Kent Historical Society need an Annual Fund?

The Kent Historical Society is embarking on something brand new this fall – the Annual Fund for the Kent Historical Society. Many of our members are probably asking why the organization would need this and why they should donate, when they already pay membership dues.

You’ve probably recognized that recently the Society has increased its public programming and expanded what it offers to both the town and the region. The Board of Trustees has consciously been planning to increase the financial backbone of the Society.

About a year ago we hired fundraising consultant Nancy Baker, a longtime resident of the Northwest Corner and the former Director of Development of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston.  She has been guiding us through the process of developing a more sophisticated fundraising program that includes funding from a variety of sources. We’ve revamped our membership renewal process so that your membership is now on an annual basis, rather than based on our fiscal year. For example, when you become a member in July, your membership renewal is due in July.  I’m pleased to report that 22 members renewed at a higher membership level than they had the previous year.  

Fund raising for a non-profit must come from many different sources and we are cognizant of this and are working hard to expand the income streams. We have increased our contacts with state and local foundations and applied for multiple grants.  We have been successful with two during the past year. We hope to hear in the upcoming months on at least two more.

The new Annual Fund is another important source of funding for the Society. The purpose of these donations will be to support the mission of KHS through donations to augment our operating budget: “Our mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent’s artistic and cultural heritage.”

In the next couple of weeks you’ll receive a letter encouraging you to give to the Annual Fund. I hope that you will consider the important work that the Kent Historical Society does for the town as well as the region and decide to make a gift in support of the organization, in addition to your annual membership dues so we can continue to add new programming, exhibitions and events to our calendar.  Your support is deeply appreciated.

Lynn Mellis Worthington, President

 

1772 Foundation Grant

Posted on by Logan Wheeler
Kent Historical Society Wins $15,000 Grant from the 1772 Foundation

Earlier this year, the Kent Historical Society applied for a $15,000 grant from the 1772 Foundation through the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation to replace the clapboard siding on the Seven Hearths Museum. The grant request has been approved.

This grant adds momentum to the extensive program of restoration and improvement that is underway at Seven Hearths, explained Executive Director Brian Thomas of the Kent Historical Society. The new siding will protect the entire building and return Seven Hearths to the way its exterior looked in the Colonial era. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Thomas said the Society owes many thanks to the 1772 Foundation and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for their generosity in supporting the Society’s quest to improve Seven Hearths, while maintaining the highest standards of authenticity. This year’s competitive grant program awarded $190,000 in grants to 21 local historical societies, museums, and non-profits for maintenance and preservation projects. The entire list is available at http://cttrust.org/press/.

“We are delighted that our grant application was successful,” Thomas said. “It’s a vote of confidence in the care we’ve taken to make sure the restoration is done properly.”

Bruce Whipple is the Chairman of the society’s Building and Grounds Committee and has been guiding the planning for this project.

 “In addition to replacing the clapboards to their original dimensions, the scope of work also includes replacement of beaded edge corner boards, water table boards, the original cornice and moldings. Two doorways, on the southern and eastern facades, that were covered over will be restored and put back in use. Lastly, a window will be moved back to its original location in the back eastern parlor that was supplemented with an additional window in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.   Hand forged, wrought iron, square nails will be used in the construction,” Mr. Whipple said. “We are grateful to have the accomplished and trained historical expertise of Jeffrey Morgan and Roger Gonzales on our board to supervise the project management of the construction phase this fall.”

The Kent Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Outpourings of Memory and Emotion

Posted on by Logan Wheeler


Outpourings of Memory and Emotion

 In putting together “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer,” Curator Marge Smith was worried that we would not be able to collect enough material to fill an entire exhibit. But Board Member Melissa Cherniske connected with many camps’ alumni associations through social media, and discovered an energetic, active network of former campers and they supplied the KHS with an abundance of material.

 Once these groups learned of the planned exhibit, they began making reunion plans tied to the exhibit. The largest contingent was from Camp Kent, with over sixty people attending on Saturday, June 13. It was standing room only on a hot day. The docents kept boxes of Kleenex in every room of Seven Hearths. Shrieking and yelling rang through the house, accompanied by tears of joy at reconnecting with childhood friends. Several of the attendees were couples who met at camp.

 Campers and counselors from Kenico, Camp Francis, and Po-Ne-Mah also organized their reunions with the Historical Society over the summer.

 Sunny Cohen attended Kenico, from 1965 to 1972, wrote in the guest book: “A million thank yous to all involved in putting this “Camps of Kent” exhibit together.  The memories provoked by photos, and collected artifacts for a time that surpasses [all others] is truly a gift that you have given to me … and apparent love for the special place that these camps held in your town. We were welcomed then and continue to feel welcomed in this cherished tribute exhibit walking down memory lane together.”

 Abigail Ceppos, who also attended Camp Kenico from 1966 to 1972, sent us a package early on that found its way into the exhibit.  She wrote in the guest book: “Going to camp changed my life forever. Developing friendships (that have lasted over 50 years), in addition to skills and life experiences that have shaped my choices and path along the way. There’s so many memories that have been sparked again by visiting this phenomenal exhibit — intercamp activities, ‘community activities’ like going to sing to the seniors at Cour D’Alene, Olympics, Kent Falls day trips, and so much more. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!”

 Abby’s lines in the guest book actually contain an important historical clue confirming the location of Camp Cour d’Alene. It also revealed that it was a camp for older folks that was part of the entire system of Kent camps, not just a private house.

 In all, there were five reunions and each group made the exhibit part of their festivities. Many came from great distances. Some were unwell, but they came anyway and brought spouses, children, and grandchildren. All five reunions glowed with the pleasure of reconnecting with the treasured past, and the Kent Historical Society helped brighten the joy.

 On Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m., at Seven Hearths, a “Curators’ Talk” will summarize the experience of mounting this exhibit.

Curators’ Tour and Talk

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Curators’ Tour and Talk

The curators of the Kent Historical Society’s 2015 Exhibit, “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer,” will give a special tour and talk about this popular show on Saturday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the Seven Hearths Museum at 4 Studio Hill Road in Kent.

In a nostalgic, varied exhibit that will close September 27, the Kent Historical Society explored the town’s camping past. During camping’s peak in the 1950s and 1960s, a surprising number of camps were tucked into the hills and hollows of Kent. Exhibit curators Marge Smith (the curator of the Kent Historical Society) and board member Melissa Cherniske gathered the material for the exhibit, and in this tour and talk they will share what they’ve learned as all the campers came back to town.

Co-exhibit curator Melissa Cherniske said, “Working on the ‘Camps of Kent’ show was a gratifying experience for all of us. It was such a pleasure to be able to bring a piece of the past alive for everyone. In our talk, we will reflect about the emotional high-points of creating the show.”

Many of Kent’s camps may be gone, but they often have alumni networks that help former campers and counselors stay connected. Through various social media outlets, the Kent Historical Society has been in touch with the alumni associations for Camp Francis, Geer Mountain Camp, Camp Kent, Kenico, Camp Po-Ne-Mah and Leonard/Leonore. This has proved crucial for the exhibit, because many past campers provided the artifacts and memorabilia that are on display. Many Kent camp alumni associations held reunions and attended camp-themed hikes over the summer, and the Kent Historical Society dovetailed its programming with these warm, heartfelt gatherings.

Curator Marge Smith said, “This exhibit succeeded because of the tremendous response we received from former campers, counselors, and camp owners, who shared their artifacts and memories with us. One of the most rewarding aspects has been hearing former campers express such depth of emotion about their camp experience and their time in Kent, and its lasting importance in their lives.”

The Society is grateful to the Exhibition Sponsors: Kent School, The Marvelwood School, South Kent School, Victor Fink in memory of Camp Leonard-Leonore, Nicholas/Tobin Insurance, Union Savings Bank, Bain Real Estate, Ira Goldspiel and William Pitt/Sotheby’s International Realty, and Barry Labendz & David Birnbaum of Kent Falls Brewing Company.

The Kent Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent’s artistic and cultural heritage. For more information, call 860-927-4587.

Walks attract many participants

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Two walks attract many participants

The Kent Land Trust and Kent Historical Society collaborated on two public walks in July in conjunction with this year’s exhibit, “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer.”

A group of 60 people gathered July 25 at the former Camp Francis property, now known as the East Kent Hamlet Nature Preserve, off Kent Hollow Road.  The group split and one hiked one of the three marked trails in the preserve and the other group, many of whom were Camp Francis alumnae campers from the years of operation by the Girl Scouts.

The second walk was held July 31 at the Avian Preserve off North Kent Road on the night of the Blue Moon, the second full moon to occur in July. Children and adults alike enjoyed s’mores, and South Kent resident John Baker delighted the group of 67 by leading them in a variety of songs around the campfire. 

Images from the walks:

 

Special gift for Sponsor level members this year

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Special gift for Sponsor level members this year

As a special gift to our Sponsor level members and above this year, we are providing a complimentary subscription to the quarterly magazine “Connecticut Explored.” This handsome publication covers the depth and breadth of our state’s history in articles of high quality, but with a dash of irreverence that makes for lively reading and wide appeal.

“Connecticut Explored” explores the state’s cultural heritage with the aim of revealing connections between the state’s past, present, and future. The magazine is published four times a year by a consortium of organizational partners that represent the best heritage, educational, and arts organizations in the state.

Other KHS members may also purchase a discounted subscription to “Connecticut Explored” magazine because we are now organizational partners with the group.

Our new exhibit is featured in the Spotlight section of the summer issue of the magazine.

For more information, see http://ctexplored.org/subscribe/