Search Results for: Seven Hearths

Musicale delights with Spirited Tea

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Musicale benefit delights with Spirited Tea

The Society owes many thanks to the supporters and attendees of the Musicale & Spirited Tea Party that was held Sunday, April 17. We are also indebted to everyone who volunteered their time to ensure its success. Proceeds from the event will go toward matching a grant from the Connecticut Trust for HIstoric Preservation for exterior restoration of the Kent Historical Society’s Seven Hearths Museum.

The Kent Community House was dazzling with the elegant decorations, beautiful flowers and scrumptious treats that were created from authentic recipes hailing back to the 1800s.  

The event would not have happened without the dedication of Patsy Stroble, who took on the task of creating an inventive menu, led two baking workshops, and presented a magnificent and plentiful buffet of tea treats, including a three-tier cake iced to perfection by her daughter, Kari Morales.

Frank Delaney was absolutely wonderful, sharing his wit in his clever introduction to our “Spirited Tea Party.” He took us back to look at the history of hosting teas and delighted those attending with several readings, including one from Alice in Wonderland.

Co-chairs Zanne Charity and Bruce Whipple organized and coordinated a spectacular afternoon, taking us back to the 19th Century with entertainment, food, and beverages, of the period, including a “spirited punch”

The Benefit Steering Committee put many creative hours into planning and mounting the event. Those members are: Liddy Baker, Melissa Cherniske, Beth Dooley, Jackie Markham, Wendy Murphy, Julia Samartini, Patsy Stroble, Kate Vick, and Lynn Mellis Worthington.

  • Special thanks to:
    Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kissinger, for helping to underwrite the event
    Davis IGA
    First Congregational Church of Kent
    Harney Tea
    Kent Greenhouse                       
    Kent Wine & Spirit 
    Town of Kent

There were many others who contributed to the success of event.

Those who attended the Baking Workshops helped by creating the splendid array of sweet and savory treats that were served, and others assisted with last minute preparation of edibles on Sunday morning: Lynn Ainsworth, Judy Flynn, Carol Franken, Ellen Horovitz, Adele Johnson, Jody Lampe, Adriana Martinez, Anne Penner, Judy Pinkerton, Allan Priaulx, and Judy Warrick.

We also thank four Marvelwood School students, Maggie Everett, Victoria Sanchez, Isabelle Cameron and Lauren Greiner, who volunteered an entire day to take care of so many little details – everything from setting place settings to delivering tea to the tables.

There were just shy of 100 people in attendance. They enjoyed the punches created with Harney teas, the wide variety of food that was beautifully arranged on the center buffet table, and the opportunity to listen to authentic and historically accurate music from the 19th century performed by the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble.

There were over 50 people who donated to this event, in addition to those who purchased tickets and attended. We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who contributed.

There were a number of people who pitched in to help in advance, or wherever needed on the day of the event: Darlene Brady, Lawrence Charity, Darrell Cherniske, Mike Everett, Kent Freeman, Adriana Martinez, Toni Presti, Michael Ward, John Worthington, and Jane Zatlin. Also thanks to Lazlo Gyorsok, who took photographs throughout the event.

 

Musicale and Spirited Tea Party

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

Musicale and Spirited Tea Party

Join the Kent Historical Society on a trip to the 19th century to experience a Musicale and Spirited Tea Party on Sunday, April 17th at 2:30 p.m. at the Kent Community House.

There will be glorious tunes played by the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble on antique instruments, including flutes made in neighboring Litchfield harkening back to the 19th century, and a guitar of the same make and model played by Mark Twain. And, to accompany the lively songs and dances that one would have heard at an American “musicale” party during that period of time, there will be an amazing array of glorious treats, both sweet and savory, researched and presented under the direction of our “Food Angel,” Patsy Stroble.

In keeping with our time travel to the 19th century, there will be other surprises awaiting as well. We are delighted that author and former BBC broadcaster Frank Delaney, who has a home in Kent, will be performing selected readings from the 19th century.

Proceeds from the benefit will go toward the restoration of Seven Hearths Museum. While exterior work is already underway, we must raise funds to match a generous grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation to help complete the exterior phase of the Museum’s restoration before other work can take place. We hope you will join us in support of this endeavor.

This special event will showcase musicians Barbara Hopkins on flute and Judy Handler on guitar. Hopkins will be playing period flutes, including her wooden Asa Hopkins flute made in Litchfield, CT, in the 1830s. Handler will be playing a Martin parlor guitar that is the same make and model that Mark Twain owned and played.

The Rosewood Chamber Ensemble’s musical repertoire ranges from familiar Stephen Foster songs to lively dances and newly rediscovered music of the 19th century. Particularly interesting are the background stories they tell about the period, the music, and the flutes. One of the flutes is made from rosewood, and that combined with the rosewood in Handler’s guitar inspired the name Rosewood Chamber Ensemble.

Interested in the Baking Workshops with Patsy Stroble? Click here for more information.

Our thanks to our Committee Members:


Tickets

Reserve your tickets by filling out the form below and selecting which ticket package you prefer. Tickets will be held at the door. If you have any questions, email reservations@kenthistoricalsociety.org. If you are going to be a table host and do not have your guest list available at this time (or it changes), please email us with the information.

 

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George Laurence Nelson Art Scholarship 2018

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

ART SCHOLARSHIP IN KENT FOR DESERVING
STUDIO ART OR ART HISTORY STUDENT

In honor of noted American artist George Laurence Nelson, one of the founders of the Kent Art Association, the Kent Historical Society is offering a very special scholarship of $1,000 to a deserving student intending to further his or her education in studio art or art history.

The George Laurence Nelson Art Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior or college student who is a graduate of Kent Center School, or whose family resides in any of the Region One towns (Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon). The application must be postmarked or received by the Society by May 1, 2018.

Applications have been supplied to the guidance offices of most high schools in the immediate area. Please click HERE for a copy of the application form.

The Kent Historical Society is located at Seven Hearths, which was the home of George Laurence Nelson and has a permanent display of his original art works. This home, at 4 Studio Hill Road, is a reminder that Kent has a rich and diversified historical past. In supporting young artistic talent we hope to keep this tradition ongoing.

For further information or to request an application for the George Laurence Nelson scholarship contact:

e-mail: scholarship@kenthistoricalsociety.org                                             

Tel: 860-927-4587

Kent Historical Society, PO Box 651, Kent, CT, 06757 (Please reference: Art Scholarship)

Summer Art Enrichment 2015

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

SUMMER ART ENRICHMENT

The Kent Historical Society offered three weeks of Art Enrichment Programs for children in July 2015. Morning sessions had children exploring color through fine art in a variety of mediums and then focused on drawing. The afternoon sessions delved into painting.

The Historical Society wants to foster arts education for young people in our area to honor the memory of George Laurence Nelson, a pre-eminent 20th Century artist known for his portraits, landscapes and florals, who lived at Seven Hearths for many years and bequeathed his 18th century home to the Kent Historical Society to operate as a museum.   

KHS believes that arts education and other forms of cultural enrichment are essential to a young person’s whole and healthy development. The Society offers Summer Arts Enrichment to encourage children’s innate creativity and boost creative thinking and problem solving, while expanding their experience and appreciation of the arts.

Classes took place in the Kent Historical Society’s “Art Barn,” an indoor/outdoor space on the campus of the Historical Society’s Seven Hearths property, facing gardens and a woodland that is used as extended classroom space. At the culmination of each class there was an exhibition to allow parents and family to see all of the creations completed through the week.  On that day, the museum was open to view the exhibition at the time “Camps of Kent.”

KHS member families have priority registration and discounted fees. Join as a Family member for $35.
COLOR SPLASH I ~ Art instructor Cheryl Moore returned to KHS’ Summer Art Enrichment program to focus on color. Moore is a respected artist and a 33-year teacher, who knows how to draw out artistic talents from her students. She is chairman of the Art Department at South Kent School and has offered a number of special workshops for younger children over the years. The KHS sessions focused on exploring color through painting. The projects included “Swipe Art” that involves using a limited palette of color dots that are swirled together to create unique images; “Underwater Watercolor” which uses a technique that involves alcohol to create water bubbles; watercolor abstract flowers were painted; leaf prints were created using large leaves; and dot painting was employed using a technique similar to that used by renowned artist Vance Kirkland.


Color Splash II – This week was also led by Cheryl Moore and was dedicated to exploring mixed media with a variety of materials, including recyclable papers, and featured painting with watercolor and some acrylic paints. She exposed the young artists to a variety of artistic styles, cultural interpretations, and mediums. Some of the projects were a mixed media self-portrait, tissue paper collage flowers, a landscape using recycled materials, fish prints using the Gyotaku style, and several watercolor paintings.

Drawing –This drawing class was led by Andy Richards, who is a native of Kent and currently the chairman of the Visual Arts Department at The Gunnery School in Washington. He instructed students in drawing as a way to explore their creativity and use their imagination. Exploring one’s ideas visually with drawing is a wonderful way to communicate and share a vision. The central idea was for students to have fun and learn that drawing and the visual arts are a positive learning experience. Students worked with pencil, markers, charcoal and pastel on paper, learning techniques for each and worked on an exercise that involved drawing their favorite place – anything from a house, a room or even a treehouse. Pastels allowed students to work with color and see how different colors can affect the mood of the drawing.


Painting –Painting can be a lifelong activity, whether as a professional or as a hobbyist. Learning about color and the wonderful effect it has on people can help guide your painting process. Andy Richards lead this program as well, and covered the Principles of Design and the Elements of Design with the idea that knowledge of these will help the student to understand how to take his or her imagination and put it onto canvas. Students started with watercolors and moved on to working with acrylics.  One of the projects was an exercise that involved splattering paint and then looking for creatures that can be developed from the shapes created by the splatters.

 KHS expects to offer this program again in Summer 2016.

Giving Tuesday December

Posted on by Logan Wheeler

#GivingTuesday observed 12/1

Seven Hearths Campaign




The Kent Historical Society has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. The Society is encouraging donors to support the re-clapboarding project that is currently underway at the Seven Hearths Museum.

If you’ve driven north of the Kent village center on Route 7, you’ve probably noticed a lot of work being done to the exterior of the Seven Hearths Museum. The Kent Historical Society has hired a firm, Cenaxo, to replace all of the clapboards on the building.
This is a big job and we were thrilled to be awarded a $15,000 grant from the 1772 Foundation through the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. However, the grant is a matching grant and we are fortunate that some people have already stepped up to help with our fundraising.
 
We are taking advantage of #GivingTuesday Dec. 1 with the goal of raising 10 percent of what we’ll eventually need to satisfy the requirements of this grant. In a 24-hour period, we hope to bring in $1,500. We hope that you’ll take a few minutes and donate through PayPal to help us with this project. Of course, we are always willing to accept checks as well.
 

#GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and this year will be Dec. 1. We all recognize the shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and #GivingTuesday has been designed to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

We hope you’ll choose to support the Kent Historical Society!

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.

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.

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.