Wilton Historical Society Photo Gallery

Through our photo gallery you can see the many activities and fun that are here for visitors to enjoy. We continue to add albums as programs and events unfold so come back again to see what we've added.

Click on the underlined title to view the photo album.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Puppet Show, April 10, 2010

This well-loved tale was retold with all the magic and mischief that marionettes can muster. The Society Gallery was filled with kids and their parents enjoying the show and interactive session after the performance.
Photos courtesy of Carrie Brady

Sheep Shearing, Wool Carding and Spinning

Nutmeg and Clover, the two sheep at Ambler Farm, got a haircut! On a sunny March 20, Ambler Farm's herd of sheep (2) were sheared. After the shearing, several people from the Wilton Historical Society offered insight into how wool was processed, first into fiber, then into cloth, during Wilton's early history. Everybody had an opportunity to give that a try.
Photos courtesy of Carrie Brady

Charlie Needs a Cloak

This workshop brought literature to life in a hands-on exploration of the children’s classic Charlie Needs a Cloak by Tomie dePaola. Through activities and demonstrations, the kids participated in the step-by-step techniques of how a sheep’s haircut is turned into a warm and beautiful garment. At the conclusion of the workshop the kids took home their own cardboard loom and a miniature version of Charlie’s cloak.
Photos courtesy of Carrie Brady

2009 Holiday Season

The holiday season, from December 1, 2009 to January 18, 2010, was a busy time at the Historical Society. It began with the 2nd grade program, included a visit from Santa Claus, and of course, all through the season the Great Trains ran to the delight of kids of all ages. This album captures the fun and delight of the season.

Craft Show Photos

Thanks to Lee Wilson, we have a wonderful photo album taken at the Fine Craftsman Show, November 14 & 14, 2009. Lee has put his photos on a photo album web site for everyone to enjoy. Simply click on the link above to view Lee's fine work.

4th Grade Programs

Cider Mill students come to the Museum in May for an extended day program in which they experience many of the household tasks common in early Wilton. They learn about textile making, hearth cookery, candle making, wood working, blacksmithing and all the jobs that engaged adults and children before the industrial revolution. This is a collaboration with the Cider Mill PTA and with the assistance of many parent volunteers. This album is a collection of photos from two recent 4th Grade Program events at the Heritage Museum.

18th Century Tavern Night

On September 23, The Wilton Historical Society in cooperation with the Fifth Connecticut Regiment reenactment group and the gracious hosts at the Lumberyard Pub held an Eighteenth Century Tavern Night that was enjoyed by all. The fun included a sampling of 18th Century libations in the company of soldiers, militia, and tavern maids. The crowd joined in the singing of many favorite songs from the 18th Century and played several tavern games, including Nine Mens Morris, at which in the last photo, two studious members of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment can be seen in deep concentration.

New Canaan Historical Society Reenactment

Our own Wilton Militia often participates in reenactment events to commemorate Revolutionary era battles. The Wilton Militia is popular because it has a small cannon which adds considerable excitement to an event whenever it’s fired. Many times these reenactment battles make a serious effort to mirror as much as possible the actual conflict. Other times though, the primary purpose to have a good time and entertain a watching crowd, with some explanatory discussion addressed to the audience about the weapons, uniforms, military tactics and other interesting aspects of 18th century warfare.

An example of the latter was held at The New Canaan Historical Society. The Wilton Militia took part in an afternoon of drills, musket and cannon firing, a military court martial, and a battle re-enactment, all on the grounds of the NCHS in New Canaan.

Wilton Militia Cannon Firing Exercise

On April 18, 2009 the Wilton Militia held its annual spring firing exercise at Ambler Farm. The crew began by walking through several "dry runs" to be sure everyone knew the proper firing procedure. You can tell which photos are taken during this practice firing because the photographer was in front of the cannon. After the dry run through's, the gun crew fired a number shots with black powder (no cannon balls). Ann Bell, president of Friends of Ambler Farm helped by lighting the fuse on several firings. After the exercise the cannon was cleaned and the crew declared they were ready for public demonstrations.

Wine Taste, February 5, 2009

A group gathered at the Historical Society for an evening of wine tasting, conducted by Wilton resident JoAnn LoGiurato, owner of Dancing on Grapes. The tasting featured wines from Jefferson’s favorite regions of France.

Candlelight Tours, December 26, 2008

On Friday December 26, visitors to the Museum had an opportunity to meet some of Wilton’s historic characters in festive, candle-lit rooms. Six "former Wiltonians" shared their lives and experiences in full period attire.

Gingerbread Houses, December 6, 2008

An afternoon of house building, gingerbread houses that is. With Christmas music playing in the background, a group of parents and kids had an enjoyable time creating their "dream houses" covered with frosting and candy.

Militia Muster and Market Day, October 18, 2008

A fun filled day at the Heritage Museum with "hands-on crafts", games, story telling, roasted turkeys, an exciting pie-eating contest and featuring the Wilton Militia.

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