NB Youth Museum at Hungerford Park Will Take Part in Open House Day

More than 200 museums, attractions, cultural organizations, shops, lodging properties and performing artists will take part in this year’s annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday,.

This year marks the 7th annual Connecticut Open House Day, during which a variety of businesses and nonprofit organizations offer a variety of special icentives, including such things as discounts, free admissions and gifts, or special activities and exhibits to lure visitors.

The one-day event is sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and is undertaken in conjunction with the governor’s office. It helps raise the visibility of all the state has to offer – including world-class art, outdoor adventures, family activities and opportunities for rest and relaxation – and encourages visitors to become Connecticut Ambassadors and share their findings with family and friends.

Some of the local venues that will take part in the Open House Day will include Priam Vineyards in Colchester, the EO Art Lab and the Beet Co-Op, both in Chester; the Deep River Historical Society, The East Haddam Historical Society Museum, Gillette Castle State Park, Goodspeed Opera House,Hillside Sweet Shoppe, The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse; all in East Haddam, Connecticut River Expeditions in Haddam, the New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park in Kensington, CaRo Art Studio & Gallery LLC and the Sandman Gallery, both in Meriden; Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, General Mansfield House, Green Street Arts Center at Wesleyan University, North End Arts Rising / Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center and Wesleyan Potters, all in Middletown; and the Ruth Callander House Museum in Portland.

According to Melissa Schilke at Wesleyan Potters, "We will be offering the opportunity to try a craft, try out a potter's wheel or a weaving loom. For a small fee, they can complete a small jewelry project. There are activities for kids. We are participating from noon to 4 p.m."

The Middlesex County Historical Society is unveiling its new exhibit, "One House, One Family, Two Centuries" Saturday. The exhibit depicts the story of the society’s headquarters, the General Joseph Mansfield House, a brick, five-bay Federal home that has stood at 151 Main Street since 1817, and the family who lived there.

Executive Director of the Buttonwood Tree, Anne-Marie Cannata, says there will be artists, refreshments and music and Nan Vechitto will sell her jewelry made from beads, crystals and precious stones.

“This is a great way to begin the busy summer tourism season,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a prepared statement about the Open House program. “As we welcome visiting family and friends this summer, we hope residents will be excited about our world-renowned museums, attractions, galleries, theaters and historic properties. Our state offers so many memorable experiences – Connecticut Open House Day is a great way to offer something extra special to residents so they can get out and have fun right here at home.”

“Open House Day is the chance for Connecticut residents and customer-facing frontline workers to be engaged as brand evangelists, storytellers for our great state.  They truly embody the pride and spirit of an engaging destination, excited to welcome tourists and visiting friends and families and eager to support a growing tourism industry,” said Christopher “Kip” Bergstrom, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.

Connecticut’s Open House Day has grown from 120 participating attractions in 2005 to more than 200 in 2011.  Participants in this year’s Open House Day event include museums, galleries, historic properties, artists’ studios, theaters, farms, vineyards, amusement parks, nature centers, shops, hotels, inns, B&Bs and 53 new participants including Lime Rock Park, Sunflower Farm, Tidewater Inn and Dinosaur State Park.

“With gas prices high this summer, the traveling public is planning seasonal getaways close to home,” said Randy Fiveash, director of tourism at the Commission. “This event provides the perfect opportunity for state residents to discover the exciting culture and attractions that are within a two-hour drive or less.”

Connecticut Open House Day offerings and hours of operation will vary by property. For more information, call 1-888-CTvisit (888-282-6863) or visit the state tourism commission’s website, for a complete list of participating venues updated daily or to sign up to become a Connecticut Ambassador.

Have you participated in one of Connecticut's Open House Days? Tell us in the comments.