Summer at the Norfolk Historical Society

The current exhibition at the Historical Society Museum is “Hidden in Plain Sight: Artists, Artisans and Craftsmen of Norfolk’s Golden Age of Architecture,” featuring some of Norfolk’s beautiful architectural treasures and their extraordinary details. Stained glass by Tiffany and Maitland Armstrong, sculpture by August Saint-Gaudens, terra-cotta, faience, stone, wood and iron all are part of the fabric of our town, hiding in plain sight. Guided walking tours, leaving from the museum at 2 p.m., will be given on the first and third Saturdays of the month, beginning on July 2. From August 5 to October 8, we will also be offering a townwide scavenger hunt for examples of local artisanship, which will send you to all sorts of interesting places you may not know.

Independence Day Celebration in Colebrook 

The annual Independence Day celebration sponsored by the Colebrook Associates, Inc., will be held on Monday, July 4, in the Meeting House, Colebrook Congregational Church, at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Ellen Griesedieck, a resident of Sharon, Conn., and a painter, illustrator, photographer and visionary. Her presentation will be on her American Mural Project. The program will also include a selection of patriotic songs, a buffet luncheon held on the Green and homemade pies. Children are invited to assemble at the school at 10:15 to participate in a bike parade. All are welcome to join in this tradition, which has continued for over 60 years!

Author Gina Hyams at the Colebrook Historical Society

On Friday, July 8, at 7 p.m., the Colebrook Historical Society will host a gathering with refreshments and lively conversation. Highlighting the evening will be a presentation by noted author Gina Hyams, who will be talking about her book “The Tanglewood Picnic: Music and Outdoor Feasts in the Berkshires.” Hyams is a Berkshire-based writer and editor who specializes in food, travel and the arts. The gathering will be held at the Colebrook Historical Society, at the corner of Routes 183 and 182A in the center of Colebrook. All are welcome. For further information, contact Carol Lord at 860-738-8244 or carol.9508@yahoo.com.

“Around the World in 30 Instruments” Concert

On July 11, from 6:30 to 7:30, Four Shillings Short, the husband and wife duo of Aodh Og O’Tuama and Christy Martin, will be performing a free world music concert for all ages at the Norfolk Library. This educational concert features traditional and original music from around the world on an array of instruments, including a dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistles, sitar, banjo, bodhran, guitar and even a krumhorn.

NCCF Camperships

The Norfolk Connecticut Children’s Foundation is pleased to offer summer camperships to Norfolk children whose families are eligible. These camperships allow Norfolk children to enjoy the experience of participating in one of the area’s fine summer camp programs. Brochures and registration forms for Camp Jewell’s program in Colebrook are available at the Norfolk Library, Iron Bank, Town Hall and the Botelle School office, or by contacting Camp Jewell. For more information, please contact Don Tobias at 860-542-5293 or 480-4125.

Celtic Music Concert

Internationally acclaimed Irish singer Colleen Raney will be joined by flute player and singer Hanz Araki and bouzouki virtuoso Ryan Davidson for a performance at the Norfolk Library on Thursday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m. One of the finest traditional singers of her generation, Raney has delved deep into the songs and stories of Ireland, both ancient and contemporary. Irish Music Magazine recently called her “among the best in her genre.” This is a free concert, but please reserve a spot by calling the library at 860-542-5075.

July Programs at the Norfolk Library

On Sunday, July 24, at 4 p.m., Janet Barrett, author of “They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse,” will speak about a courageous warhorse who served alongside the Marines during the Korean War. The next Sunday, July 31, at 4 p.m., John Garret Thew will talk about the craftsmanship and artistry of his copper weathervanes. Summer reading programs for children continue on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. during the month of July with a musical journey around the world (July 11), circus acts (July 18) and a musically fueled interactive game night (July 25). Miss Eileen will be at Tobey Pond on Wednesdays at 2:15 p.m. for summer story time.

Norfolk Artists & Friends 8th Annual Art Show and Sale

The Norfolk Artists & Friends will hold their 8th annual art show and sale on August 5, 6 and 7 at the Gallery on the Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate, sponsored by the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. This year the exhibit will be part of Weekend in Norfolk. Each artist will donate a portion of his or her sales to the Shed Restoration Fund. The opening wine and cheese reception will be on Friday, August 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The artists will welcome visitors on Saturday, August 6, from noon to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, August 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a list of artists participating in the show, please check the website, norfolkart.org. Come and join the fun, listen to the music and enjoy the artwork!

Open House at Immaculate Conception Church

As part of Weekend in Norfolk, August 5-7, the Norfolk Open House weekend team of docents will be on hand at Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. We look forward to sharing the history of our parish and the unparalleled beauty of the stained glass windows. Light refreshments will be available. All are welcome.