The Wilton Historical Society is offering several upcoming workshops as well as an opportunity to enroll children in a “Hands on History” spring break camp. All of the programs will be held at the Historical Society.
To register for any of the programs, email the Historical Society or call 203.762.7257.
The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Rd..
Ukrainian Egg (Pysanky) Decorating Workshop for Adults and Kids
Saturday, March 24 1-3 p.m.
Learn the colorful and venerable craft of decorating eggs in the Ukrainian style, known as pysanky (derived from the Ukrainian verb meaning to write). Expert egg decorator Susan Clark will lead this workshop for adults and children on Saturday, March 24 from 1-3 p.m. at the Wilton Historical Society.
This ancient craft uses symbols and motifs to create a jewel-like egg. Intricate designs can be created with geometric forms, or with more naturalistic, flowing patterns. Participants will be using a kistka, a pointed implement a bit like a pen, filled with beeswax and heated, to draw designs on the eggs between bathing them in colored dye. Decorate eggs in a traditional design, or create your own.
Appropriate for adults and children ages 9 and up. Children ages 6-8 must be accompanied by adult. The cost to participate is $20 for Wilton Historical Society members, and $25 for non-members.
Needle Felting Workshop for Kids
Saturday, April 7 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
One of the world’s oldest textiles, felt is created from wool or other animal fibers that are densely matted together. It is ideal for protecting against cold and insulating against heat, thus it has long been used for yurts, blankets, rugs, hats, boots and clothing. “Needle felting” is a term for using one or more felting needles by hand to create flat felt or felt sculpture; it does not involve knitting, and is a dry process of interlocking fibers.
On Saturday, April 7 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., museum educator Lola Chen will introduce kids to the subject. The workshop project is creating a needle felted animal friend. Children also will help prepare their snack of apple roses.
The program is suggested for ages 6-12. The cost to participate is $10 per child (maximum $25 per family) for Wilton Historical Society Members, and $15 per child (maximum $35 per family) for non-members.
Hands on History Spring Break Camp: A History Lesson Your Kids Will Never Forget!
Monday, April 9-Friday, April 13, daily 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
From the moment they arrive, 12 lucky kids will be using all their senses to experience history in this engaging and fun Hands on History Spring Break Camp. The program will be held at the Wilton Historical Society from April 9-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily in the 1860 Abbott Barn. Kids will get a chance to dig into a variety of activities, including break making; weaving, mosaics, woodworking; making a sock puppet; Colonial cookery; and more. There will be time every day to play outdoor games, learn something new, and make new friends. Campers bring their own lunch, and daily snacks are provided.
The program is suggested for ages 6-10/grades 1-5, and limited to 12 campers. Hands on History Spring Break Camp is led by a certified instructor and three assistants.
The cost per child is $375 for members, and $475 for non-members.
Stained Glass Workshop for Kids
Saturday, April 14 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
From the earliest archaeological evidence of glass making dating to 3500 BC to the glorious medieval stained glass of Europe to the decline of stained glass between the Renaissance and the mid-19th century, the story of this marvelous material is the topic of a Stained Glass Workshop for Kids. To be held on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the program, led by museum educator Lola Chen, will introduce kids to the subject. The workshop project is creating a stained-glass sun catcher. Children will help prepare their snack, Stained Glass Cookies.
The program is suggested for ages 6-12. The cost to attend is $10 per child (maximum $25 per family) for Wilton Historical Society Members; and $15 per child (maximum $35 per family) for non-members.