Barnes Museum Announces A Trio of America 250 Events

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

The Barnes Museum has announced that it will be holding three outreach events in upcoming months on topics related to the United States' 250th anniversary.

History Pints at Kinsmen Brewing

Date: Tues., Apr 21, 7-8pm

Location: Kinsmen Brewing, 409 Canal St, Milldale

Join us for an evening of local history as we explore the story of Asa Barnes, a tavern keeper in Revolutionary-era Southington, and the role everyday spaces played in shaping life during the American Revolution. This talk will highlight how taverns, homes, and local networks helped spread ideas, foster debate, and connect Southington to the broader story of independence.

Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation at the door. Copies of The Barnes Museum and Homestead will be available for purchase for an additional $25, with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Barnes Museum.

We look forward to welcoming you for a relaxed and engaging evening of history.

You must be 21+ and show ID for those who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages during the event.

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/558/1776812400000

Southington’s Revolutionary Legacy: The Hannah Woodruff Chapter of the DAR

Date: Thursday, May 21, 6-7pm

Location: Community Room, Southington Public Library, 255 Main St, Southington

Join us in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary with a program exploring Southington’s Revolutionary-era legacy through the women connected to the Hannah Woodruff Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Centered on the life of Hannah Woodruff, the chapter’s namesake, the presentation examines how women in Southington experienced the Revolutionary period and how their families carried those stories forward through generations.

The program highlights the history of the Hannah Woodruff Chapter and the local families whose lineages trace back to Revolutionary War soldiers. Special attention is given to members connected to the Bradley and Barnes families, illustrating the chapter’s historic ties to The Barnes Museum and Southington’s broader historical landscape.

Guests will also learn about the chapter’s continued presence in the community through historical stewardship and educational initiatives. An accompanying artifact table hosted by current Hannah Woodruff Chapter members will offer visitors the opportunity to view personal objects and materials that connect Southington families to the era of the American Revolution and the generations that followed.

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/556/1779400800000

Among Southington's Patriots: A Revolutionary War Walking Tour

Date: Saturday, June 20, 10am-12pm

Location: Oak Hill Cemetery, 33 Queen Street, Southington

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this special tour of Oak Hill Cemetery offers a focused look at Southington’s Revolutionary War soldiers and the lives they led during the fight for independence. Walk among the headstones and discover how these individuals shaped their community and contributed to the founding of the nation, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today.

Free with $10 suggested donation. Registration not required. 

https://tockify.com/the.barnes.museum/detail/564/1781964000000

Genealogy Program 4/28, ‘Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry’

Tom Curtis, Southington Genealogy Society member, right, shares his own personal genealogy story involving his wife, Bonnie, during the April 28 program "Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry & Ten Ways to Help You Do That.”

The Southington Genealogical Society meeting on Tuesday, April 28 will be both in person at the Southington Historical Society building and online via Zoom. New member Tom Curtis will present "Ten Best Reasons to Learn Your Ancestry & Ten Ways to Help You Do That.” Curtis will share his own genealogical love story. The building is located at 239 Main St. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. Email southingtongenealogicalsociety@gmail.com for the Zoom link. This is open to the public. Learn more at www.southingtongenealogicalsociety.org.

Curtis, a Connecticut native who recently returned home after more than 63 years of residence in the American South, will discuss amazing discoveries he has made in the last few years of researching his mostly Connecticut ancestry including a heart-warming genealogical love story, “the greatest accomplishment in the history of the human race,” and the truth that Southington’s first minister Jeremiah Curtis is great-great-great-great-uncle of US Vice President Charles Curtis from Kansas. Tom Curtis will share the genealogical techniques he used to make these discoveries in hopes attendees can use them to make their own amazing discoveries. Those who attend in person will also be able to see several genealogical items that complement the presentation.

The Southington Genealogical Society Inc., founded in 1984, is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history. The organization meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Southington Historical Society. The website is www.southingtongenealogicalsociety.org.

Orchard Valley Garden Club Hosts Talk by Dahlia Expert

On Tuesday, March 31, The Orchard Valley Garden Club is pleased to have Pam Bosward of West Woods Flower Farm in Hamden, CT presenting, “Growing Beautiful Dahlias.” West Woods Flower Farm grows pesticide free, locally-grown flowers from mid-June through mid-October.

Pam grows many varieties of cut flowers but dahlias are her specialty. She has been growing flowers since 2014 and opened her farm business in 2020. She grows over 700 varieties of dahlias and will share her passion for growing them. We will learn all about the many varieties, how to grow and care for them as well as dividing them and how to over-winter them.

Pam is a huge supporter of the “locally grown movement” and encourages everyone to support their local farmers. She is a member of the CT Dahlia Society and the American Dahlia Society.

The meeting will be held at the American Legion Hall, 64 Main Street in Southington. Gathering time is at 9:45, and the program begins at 10:00 am. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. A $5 guest donation is requested. 

For more information, please visit the Club’s website at

https://orchardvalleygardenclub.weebly.com