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| > About Windsor > Recreation > Museums & Galleries > Windsor Historical Society > Winterfest Activities |
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Winterfest Activities
November 17, 2005 - July 15, 2006
Celebrate! Holidays in Windsor 1880-1910
North Gallery
Did you know there was no pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving? That May Day dew might be the fountain of youth, or that Santa Claus once came on New Years Day? Learn more about the holidays you thought you knew as the Windsor Historical Society presents Celebrate, Holidays in Windsor 1880-1910.
The Victorian era was full of holiday celebrations both old and new. Americans created over twenty-five holidays between 1870 and 1910 and made significant alterations to other established celebrations. Many of these changes came about because of social concerns. Americans created Memorial Day to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. Reformers used Thanksgiving Day to teach immigrant children about the first immigrants, the Pilgrims, hoping that they would spread American traditions to their foreign families. Columbus Day unified Americans in a patriotic celebration of their adopted homeland.
Victorian holidays also reflected the growing consumerism of the late 19th century. Retailers advertised all kinds of Christmas gifts, from dolls to sewing machines to medical cure-alls. Card makers printed colorful valentines for Victorians eager to buy affordable greetings for friends and family. Florists and card makers also reaped great profits when Mother's Day became a holiday in 1908.
The Windsor Historical Society's rich collection offers visitors a fun and colorful way to explore a year of Victorian holidays. Visitors will delight in historic holiday toys, valentines, postcards and photographs. Come see the exhibition during the Society's normal operating hours, Tuesday through Saturday 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and continue the celebration at Society-sponsored programs. The exhibition is on view in the Society's North Gallery through July 15, 2006. For more information, contact the Society at (860) 688-3813.
January 21
Celebrate Winterfest at the Windsor Historical Society from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Compete in a snowman-making contest (snow or no), make winter crafts, drink hot chocolate and learn how Windsor kept warm in winters past. WHS open house: WHS exhibitions free to the public.
February 11
Love is in the air during the Windsor Historical Society's Victorian Valentines talk and workshop from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Discover the history behind the delicate, lacy, layered Valentines of the Victorian era with Christine Ermenc, director of Windsor Historical Society. Floral imagery and symbols, the workings of the early U.S. Postal Service, and the life story of Esther Howland, one of New England's most successful 19th century female entrepreneurs will be explored. Using a valentine kit, participants can craft their own valentine masterpiece. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 members.
February 21-25
Wondering how to entertain your child over Winter Break? The Windsor Historical Society is sponsoring fun, educational activities for children grades kindergarten through eight over the Windsor Public School's winter break. Programs available during normal Society hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. A parent or guardian must remain with the child during the activities. $3 adults, $2 children, members free.
March 16
Gain the luck of the Irish at the Windsor Historical Society's St. Patrick's Day Concert from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy Irish tunes played by a Celtic folk duo and learn more about Irish culture in Windsor. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students, free to members. $1 discounts to anyone wearing green.
April 15
Hunt for Easter eggs or make your own at the Windsor Historical Society from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Easter egg hunt for children kindergarten-5th grade and egg decorating for all ages. Reservations required. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students, $4 members.
April 22
Barn Raising on Palisado Green from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (Rain date: April 29) Come help Windsor Historical Society raise a barn on Windsor's historic Palisado Green with Jeffrey Bradley of New England Outbuildings. Historical re-enactors will demonstrate colonial crafts and games, and festivities will include hayrides to the meadows, line dancing, and home-baked goods for sale. Event is free to the public.
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