Contact:
Becky Giantonio, Pita Communications
(860) 293-0157, ext. 25; becky@pitacomm.com
Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum Combines
History Lessons with Children’s Books
Three Hands-On “Tots and Moms” Programs
Teach Toddlers About Life During the Colonial Period
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (January 2, 2008) – This March, learning starts early at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in historic Wethersfield. The museum’s “Tots and Moms” programs allow little ones ages 2 to 4 to experience history while engaging in fun, educational activities with their parents or caretakers and other children.
The three interactive programs, based on the books of author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, teach kids about life during the Colonial period through dePaola’s stories, crafts and games.
Tomie dePaola has been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated more than 200 books. He and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
The “Tots and Moms” programs take place on the museum’s grounds from 10 to 11 a.m.:
Haircuts for the Woolseys – March 3
Children will meet the Woolsey family, a clan of sheep who have just had their spring haircuts when an unexpected snowstorm arrives and leaves the three lambs chilled. After hearing the story, they will cover a picture of a sheep with real wool and learn how it is made.
The Quilt Story – March 10
Participants will hear the story of a girl named Abigail who has a quilt made by her mother. Afterward, they will see quilts from the museum’s textile collection and learn how women made quilts from the sheep on their farms. The children will end the program making a quilt pattern out of pre-cut shapes.
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato – March 17
This Irish folktale follows the laziest man in Ireland and his encounter with a leprechaun, who gives him a seed to plant the largest potato in the world. Participants will make a shamrock headband and concoct green pudding for a snack.
Each program also includes floor games, such as Ring Around the Rosie” and “Farmer in the Dell,” and a healthy snack. The cost of each program is $10 per child, or $25 for all three. Reservations are required. Please contact Lisa Sillitto at (860) 529-0612, ext. 12 or Lsillitto@comcast.net to sign up for a program or get more information. Additional program information can also be found at www.webb-deane-stevens.org.
About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the museum, which consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes, brings Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le conte de Rochambeau; the 1766 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a new children’s museum.
The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St., Wethersfield, is open daily – with the exception of Tuesday – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 through April 30. Three-house tours cost $8 for adults and $4 for students and children ages 5 to 18. For information about current exhibits, upcoming events or Museum School classes, call (860) 529-0612 or visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org.
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