Old Home Days East Hampton

For the 40th year, East Hampton will be celebrating Old Home Days Glorious Celebration in July this year. The idea for Old Homes Days goes back to the 19th century and the first festival here in East Hampton happened in 1910. They were held regularly until 1950 when they were discontinued until 1978 when the current Old Homes Days came into being.

The three-day event will begin on Thursday at 6 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. on Saturday.

• Thursday, 7/12/2018 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday, 7/13/2018 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, 7/14/2018 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Parking will be offered at East Hampton High School and shuttles will make drop-offs near the action. 

Carnival rides, vendors, food and lots of live entertainment will be featured. Thursday night is Kid's Night and they can get a bracelet for ride discounts.

Glorious Gallop

Friday at 7:15  The Glorious Gallop is a point to point 5K race that starts at Seven Hills Crossing.  The race continues down Mott Hill and around Lake Pocotopaug and finishes at Center School. Check the website to register and for details. 

Parade

The theme of this year's parade is 40 Years Strong and will take off from the high school at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. Local bands, around 70 floats, antique vehicles and other marching units will make the 1.5 mile march. This is a popular event, expect thousands to line the streets so stake out your favorite spot early.

Check out their website site for more details. 

Restaurant review: Staropolska New Britain, Conn.

What could be better than fruit filled pierogies? That is the question we asked ourselves when choosing where to go for lunch in New Britain. Staropolska is located on Broad Street and has its own spacious parking lot. 

On a gorgeous May day, we opted to dine outdoors and it was lovely. We actually spent about 2.5 hours at our corner table and we were never made to feel we had overstayed our welcome.

The menu is huge so be prepared for lots of choices. The lunch menu is more reasonable and the portions were generous enough to satisfy us. They do have daily soup and entree options. You can check their website to see what is offered each day. 

I opted for the stuffed cabbage which is served with your choice of vegetable and starch. The starch choices included French fries, mashed potatoes and potato pancakes (for $1 extra). Vegetable choices: garden salad, beets, cucumber salad, sauerkraut salad, coleslaw, cooked sauerkraut, spring salad, red cabbage, pickles or string beans.  I chose the potato pancake and the cucumber salad. It was a hearty plate and I brought home about half. In fairness, I ate Al's coleslaw and sampled Irene's red cabbage, beets and both sweet and savory pierogies.

I was a little surprised by the potato pancake, I was expecting a latke type pancake and it isn't made with grated potato, it is mashed potato. Delicious. The red cabbage is also served cold, not warm. I loved all the sides. 

Irene chose two plates of pierogies one sweet one savory. I loved the potato, onion and bacon pierogi, bacon was the taste that was front and forward, she also had sauerkraut and mushroom which I didn't taste. The sweet raspberry and blueberry pierogies are what will keep me coming back, they are fabulous, not too sweet but the fruit is amazingly fresh tasting. 

Al and Pete had the beef stroganoff with starch and vegetable. Pete had noodles and Al had mashed potatoes. Needless to say, neither of them went away hungry. 

The quality and quantity of the food were excellent and I am looking forward to going back and sampling a few other of the offerings. If you are craving Polish food or even if you have never had it, I highly recommend that you give Staropolska a try, you won't be disappointed.  

Food Trucks on the Farm Lyman Orchard

Saturday June 30th

Food Trucks on the Farm

Join Lyman Orchards for our Food Trucks on the Farm Festival. From farm to food truck to your table, feast on delicacies from some of your favorite rolling kitchens. Live music and Silent Auction provided by The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center.

Wallingford Garden Market

Doolittle Park

Saturday, June 30-Sept 1, 2018

9a.m. to noon


VENDORS

2018 season

Muddy Roots Farm / JC Farm / Elmer's Acres / Ferraro’s Market / Cat's Sunshine Cafe / Miller's TriMountain Sugar House / Andie's Cookies / The Eatery  SereniTeas / Filipeks Pork Products / MacBrother's Gourmet Food / Flat Out Pickled Oh Fudge & More / Anna’s Lemonade / Natureworks / Amy McNamara Art/ Hazelwood Crafted & Co. / Works of Heart Photography / Knit Knit Horray Natural & Organic Essentials / Lisa’s Soaps Naked & Natural / Rachel Antonia Designs / Jewelry Creations by J’Carla / Lynne’s Candles / I Could Make That But
Christ Presbyterian Church Wallingford / Coalition for a Better Wallingford /St. Pauls Episcopal Church / Naturally in the Woods / Oliver's Olive Oil

Bethel Summer Food Truck Fridays

Bethel's Summer Food Truck Fridays
Enjoy food from amazing local food trucks plus concerts from talented area bands!

5pm - 8pm, 1st & 3rd Fridays in June, July & August

Location
Hurgin Municipal Center
1 School Street
Bethel, CT

2018 Dates
June 1st - August 17th

Music at the Wadsworth Mansion 2019

Music at the Mansion

Wednesdays in July 2019
Grounds open at 5:30pm
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
Entrance Free

Each Wednesday in July, the Wadsworth Mansion will open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, and entertainment on the mansion’s back lawn will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The concerts are free and open to the public and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics or enjoy delicious food from a participating food truck.

• July 10: Hartford Jazz Orchestra
• July 17: CJ West and the Downtown Train
• July 24: Plywood Cowboy
• July 31: Middletown Symphonic Band

Frederick Church at the Wadsworth Atheneum

"Frederic Church: A Painter's Pilgrimage"


Jun 2, 2018 - Aug 1, 2018

Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street

Hartford, CT

See 50 of this celebrated Hudson River School painter's compositions of sacred terrain in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. A leading painter of 19th-century America, Frederic Church was the most popular painter in the United States during his lifetime. 

The exhibition is on view through August 26.
Wednesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

$5 - $15; discounts for members, students and seniors.

860-278-2670

Greenwich Summer Concerts

Greenwich Summer Concerts

Concerts include the Wednesday night concerts at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, the Dixieland Jazz Band Concerts on the Sound on the Island Ferry and Island Beach and Sunday concerts at Binney Park. 

NO Pets or grills. 

Weather postponements or cancellations call 203-861-6100 after 4 p.m.

Location

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park - Arch Street
Island Beach Ferry - Arch Street
Binney Park - Riverside, CT

2018 Dates
June 27th - August 26th

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERTS 7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m.


July 29 - Sound Beach Community Band @ Binney Park
August 26 - Sound Beach Community Band @ Binney Park


WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 7:15 p.m-8:45 p.m.
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (unless otherwise noted)
Rain date: The next day - Thursday


June 27 - The Bob Button Orchestra- Big Band, 30’s, 40’s Swing @ Binney Park

July 11 - The Tribunes – Doo Wop
July 18 - Gunsmoke - Country
July 25 - Steve D’Agostino – Singing Songs from the Great American Song Book


Aug. 1 - 1 Stop Pony Band – Billy Joel and the Doors
Aug. 8 - The Band Just Sixties
Aug. 15 - Cynthia Sayer - Jazz
Aug. 20 - Billy and The Showmen – R & B


DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND CONCERTS ON THE SOUND
On the Island Beach Ferry and Island Beach
Departs dock @ 4:00 p.m. and returns @ 6:00 p.m.


Sunday, July 1 Rain date: Sunday, July 15


Sunday, August 5 Rain date: Sunday, August 12


Park Pass and Ferry Fees apply

Jaguar Car Show Lyman Orchard

Sunday, Jun 24th

Jaguar Car Show

Join us as we welcome back members of the Jaguar Club of Southern New England as they host their 44th Annual Concours d'Elegance on the Apple Barrel grounds. Come see an impressive gathering of beautiful and historic models of Jaguars, from the rarest to the latest models, from luxurious sedans to the pulse-racing designs of sports cars and convertibles.

Gazebo Concert Series East Hampton

The 19th Annual Gazebo Series has announced its lineup. Concerts take place on Thursday's at 6:30 p.m. on the Village Green.

June 28: Four Barrel Billy
July  05: East Hampton High School jazz band
July 19: The Modern Riffs
July 26:  Dizzy River Band
Aug 02:  Seat of Our Pants
Aug  09:  Victor Cowles


Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and seating. Children and dogs are welcome. Local Cub Scouts will send snacks and refreshments. 

Connecticut Historic Gardens Day

Historic Gardens Day

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day 2018
Sunday, June 24, 12:00 – 4:00 pm – Rain or ShineHill-Stead Museum’s Sunken Garden

Enjoy this special state-wide celebration of Connecticut’s stunning historic gardens. Member sites host special events and activities celebrating their gardens. Choose the gardens in your own backyard, or plan a daytrip to see those further afield.

Events will take place RAIN OR SHINE, though activities may vary depending on the weather.

For a list historic gardens included with their website. 

Orange Summer Concert Series

ORANGE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Concert Series*
Start Date:Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Town of Orange Concert Nights

6:30 pm at the Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road

Dates and bands are:

June 28 – Lunch Box (rain date 7/5)

July 12 – Cruise Machine (rain date 7/19)

August 9 – Frantic City (rain date 8/16)

August 23 – Fools on the Hill (rain date 8/30)

Willimantic 3rd Thursday Street Fest

The 3rd Thursday of the month from May-September Downtown Willimantic comes alive between 6-9 p.m. To check out a particular 3rd Thursday go to their website. Five blocks of entertainment, shopping, and food. 

We'll save a parking spot for you if you approach our Historic Downtown eastbound on Main Street or via High Street. Have some dinner, duck into a downtown merchant for some AC and shopping, dance in the streets, and grab refreshments at the Beer & Wine Garden.

It sounds like a fun evening to me. 

Strawberry Festival Third Congregational Church Middletown

The Third Congregational Church on Miner Street in Middletown will be having their annual Strawberry Festival on Thursday, June 21, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you have never gone to this festival you are missing the best strawberry shortcake in the world.

My daughter Kasey and I consider this a not to be missed event. 

Middsummer's Fairy Tea Party Roseland Cottage Woodstock

Midsummer's Fairy Tea Party


Jun 22, 2018 - Jun 22, 2018Roseland Cottage, 556 Route 169Woodstock, CT

Join us for a special Fairy Tea Party on Midsummer's Eve, when Victorian children believed the Fairy Realm held its annual merriments. After tea, stroll around the garden, where little fairies have left traces of their revelry. Make your own fairy garden in a teacup or other container you have brought. Advance tickets required.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. 

$30

860-928-4074

Concerts on the Green Series Redding

Concerts on the Green Series

“Concerts on the Green” are held on the Redding Town Green from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

Location
Redding Town Green
37 Lonetown Road
Redding, CT 06896

2018 Dates
June 17th - August 26th


June 17 - Yippee Coyote - Rock ‘n Roots Band
June 24 - Bone Dry - Jam Band with a Groove


July 1 - Brian Q. Torff & New Duke - A special concert in memory of Sally White
July 8 - Tracy DeLucia - Adult Contemporary Country
July 15 - River of Dreams - Billy Joel Tribute
July 22 - Peter Calo - Heroes gone but not forgotten
July 29 - Silver Steel Band - Steel Drum Band


Aug. 5 - Fab Forward - Solo Beatle Tribute
Aug. 12 - The Currys - Americana Trio
Aug. 19 - The Mighty Ploughboys - Celtic Rock
Aug. 26 - Sony Carroll Orchestra - Big Band

Annual Strawberry Festival Monroe

The 47th Annual
Strawberry Festival
Craft Show & Fine Arts
2018

Saturday, June 16th 10am-5pm 

Sunday, June 17th 12pm-5pm

Over 90 juried exhibitors, local artists, strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, baked goods, children's games & live entertainment will be offered. So come for a fun-filled weekend!

MONROE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

34 Church Street
Monroe, Connecticut
203-268-9327

Hartford Rib Off

Father's Day Weekend head to Hartford's Riverside Park for the Hartford Rib Off.  During this two day event (Friday and Saturday) more than 3,000 pounds of meat will be cooked for over 1500 people. 

Friday night is adult only Beer fest with a surf and turf menu but Saturday is all about families. 

Friday 6-9 p.m.

• $75 Adult all-inclusive ticket [must be 21+]. Ticket price includes beer, surf and turf dinner, entertainment, and parking.

• Limited to 500 total tickets sold.

• With the purchase of a full price Friday Beer Fest ticket you will receive a 30% off coupon code to use when purchasing a Saturday ticket. This coupon code will arrive in your Friday ticket confirmation email.

• The Hartford Rib Off is a 501(c)(3) and 100% of proceeds benefit local charities. Come have fun with us so we can collectively change our world through the money we raise.

Saturday  11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• $65 Adult all-inclusive ticket. There are a limited number of pre-sale discounted adult tickets available for $50.
• $20 Attendees age 12 – 20 ticket
• Children under 12 are always admitted free
• $120 Family Pack (new this year) 2 adult tickets, and 2 under 21 tickets. There are a very limited number of these family packs available.
• Limited to 2,000 total attendees.

All tickets for Friday and Saturday include free parking. Bring your own chairs and plan to visit the vendors and silent auction. 

Discover Cedar Hill Cemetery Tour

Discover Cedar Hill – Highlight Tour 

Wednesday, June 20, 10:00 am

Admission: $5.00; Cedar Hill Members Free
Bob Chudy leads this introductory tour about Cedar Hill’s most prominent residents. Hear about the discoverer of anesthesia and his tragic life, the woman behind the management of Colt Manufacturing, and the man who saved the country from bankruptcy twice.

Lyman Orchard Strawberry Fest

Saturday, June 16th

Strawberry Fest 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come enjoy a day of outdoor family fun and great food at our annual Strawberry Fest, celebrating Lyman's fresh-grown strawberries and sweet strawberry treats from the Apple Barrel. Fun activities of the day include Strawberry Picking in the orchard, Live Music on the Apple Barrel deck, Pie Eating Contests, Pony Rides. Face Painting, and much more! Enjoy Breakfast on the Deck, sizzling hotdogs, and burgers at the Outdoor Grill, and so much more!

Get the details on their website.

Branford Festival on the Green

Come to the historic Branford town green Father's Day weekend for crafts, musical acts, and entertaining talent from all over New England.  Hours June 15, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.,  June 16, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and June 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check their website for parking information. 

The Food Court will have lots of great food including Funnel Cakes, Italian ice, Steak & Cheese Club Sandwiches, Gyros, Hand-Cut French Fries, Pizza, Lobster Rolls and the Historical Society’s wildly popular Strawberry Shortcake on Saturday only! 

So come on down for some great food and entertainment. This is a jam-packed fun-filled weekend for the whole family. 

Yankee Doodle Fair Westport

2018 YANKEE DOODLE FAIR
JUNE 14TH – JUNE 17th
Sponsored by the WESTPORT WOMAN’S CLUB
44 IMPERIAL AVENUE, WESTPORT, CT
203-227-4240

FREE ADMISSION

TICKET PRICES WILL REMAIN THE SAME AS LAST YEAR:
SINGLE TICKET $1.50, SHEET OF 22/$30, SHEET OF 48/$60
WRISTBANDS ARE $30
THURSDAY 6-10 p.m.
FRIDAY 6-10 p.m.
SATURDAY 1-10 p.m.
SUNDAY 1-5 p.m.

CARNIVAL RIDES AND GAMES!

PAY-ONE-PRICE UNLIMITED-RIDES WRISTBANDS EVERY DAY AND NIGHT
“THE FAIR IS ALL CASH ONLY PLEASE”
RIDE IN THE RAIN! RIDES AND THE FAIR WILL CLOSE ONLY IN SEVERE WEATHER.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT!
JR’S DELI AND GRILLE
MELT MOBILE (THURSDAY & FRIDAY)
SKIP’S GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM
COLD BEVERAGES

FAIR SPECIAL EVENTS
• SAND ART • FACE PAINTING • TAKE-A-CHANCE DRAWING
• SWEET CAKE MOUNTAIN (ACOUSTIC COUNTRY BLUE GRASS BAND – FRIDAY, 6 PM)
• SCHOOL OF ROCK’S HOUSE BAND – SATURDAY, 3 PM)
• SSDS MARSHALL ARTS OF WESTPORT (DEMONSTRATIONS – SUNDAY, 2 PM)
• SUZUKI SCHOOL OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE (SATURDAY, 1:30 PM)
• CURIO COTTAGE THRIFT SHOP • WOMAN’S CLUB BAKE SALE • INDOOR CAFE

RAFFLE
GRAND PRIZE: $1,000
SECOND PRIZE: $500
THIRD PRIZE: $350 SILVER RIBBON Gift Certificate
RAFFLE DRAWING will be held on Sunday at 5pm
TAKE-A-CHANCE DRAWINGS will be held on Sunday at 4pm

Need not be present to win.

Cruise Night Main Street Middletown

Name: 21st Annual Cruise Night on Main
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Time: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Main Street MiddletownHundreds of cars are expected to line both sides of Main Street from Washington Street to South Green.

Free parking for the evening is available for spectators at the MiddleOak Corporate Center Garage on College Street, Melilli Parking Arcade, accessible from Washington and Court Streets, and Harbor Drive along the beautiful Connecticut River.

Music and food, combined with lots of pre-1991 classic vehicles, will make this a family-friendly and fun event for everyone. Entertainment on the Showmobile in front of Bank of America will feature today's top performers. WMRD / WLIS Radio will be in front of Middlesex Chamber, playing oldies music; Over the Hill Gang Car Club DJ will be by Brew Bakers, spinning tunes from the 50’s / 60’s; and WCNX Radio will be in the Gazebo on the South Green, playing oldies and Beach Ball Trivia!

Come to Middletown for a fantastic evening of family fun, great food and of course spectacular cars! For more info check out the Cruise Night website. 

Sunset Sounds Concert Series Hartford

Sunset Sounds Concert Series

Free, donations welcome.

Thur., June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 & Sept. 13,

6 - 7:30 pm

Bring a picnic dinner & enjoy music in the lovely setting of the Butler-McCook historic garden on the 2nd Thursday of the month from June through September on the Richard P. Garmany Fund Music & Education Terrace (made possible by Hartford Foundation for Public Giving) at the Amos Bull House. Tours of the first floor of the Butler-McCook House & Garden are available from 5:30 – 6 pm. The Butler-McCook Garden is dog friendly- bring the whole family!

Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair

Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair

It is time to make your plans for great food, crafts, and family fun.

Welcome to the 81st year of this traditional New England festival featuring farm-fresh strawberry shortcake along with grilled foods, handmade crafts, amusements and entertainment that are fun for the entire family.

The event is held on the historic Church Green in the center of downtown Cheshire June 9, 2018, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Be sure to visit the festival's Facebook page for the latest festival news!

Facebook.com/CheshireStrawberryFestival

New Horizons Village Strawberry Festival

61st Annual Strawberry Festival will be held on
Saturday, June 9, 2018 10am – 3pm

One of the highlights of the year here at New Horizons Village, the Strawberry Festival is now in its 60th year. The experience and entertainment are always fun, from the Antique Car Show to magicians and musicians, Beatles Forever will be performing in 2017. There are many children’s games and activities, and, of course, wonderful food including our signature Strawberry Shortcake. The Arts and Crafts are central to the Festival, offering many excellent opportunities to buy unique gifts.

This is one of the most significant days of our year, as it is not only a great community event but is an important fundraising program.

Portland Music and Arts Festival

Riverfront Park 284 Brownstone Ave

Saturday, June 9, 2018 Rain Date June 10

Noon to 8 p.m.

Music, Food, Arts and Crafts

Featuring:
Ellen Iovino
Seat of Our Pants
CJ West and The Downtown Train
Plywood Cowboy

Admission: $15 12 and younger free

Strawberry Jazz Festival

The First Congregational Church of Madison on the Green June 9th, 2018 10 am to 3 pm, for our Strawberry Jazz Festival. 

We have many things going on for you that day. Like our Livingston Taylor Concert and our wonderfully talented Nathan Bayreuther Jazz Combo, Plant Sale, Tons of food (Plus Strawberry Shortcake and Pies will be available), many games including a dunking booth, Petting Zoo, lots of Artist and Craft vendors. (we usually have over 200). Fire Department is doing safety demos. Rotary (Amber Alert Registration), Local Book Authors will be signing their books, Stop by our travel booth to learn more about Disney Destinations and check out the special savings offers available and much, much more!!!!!! 

So spend the day with us and enjoy all our ACTIVITIES!!!!!

Connecticut Open House 2018 June 9

June 9, 2018 – Connecticut Open House Day

The Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 14^th annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 9^th.  The one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art, and tourism.  A great way for residents to discover or rediscover all that is happening in our state. Once Connecticut residents learn about the wealth of treasures in our own backyard, they will share their newly gained appreciation and enthusiasm with visiting family and friends and become Connecticut ambassadors.

OPEN HOUSE DAY SPECIALS* • FREE ALL-DAY ADMISSION • FREE ADMISSION TO THE FIRST 100 VISITORS • SPECIAL OFFERS IF VENUE IS ALREADY FREE • COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS • INTERACTIVE OR SPECIAL TOURS • COSTUMED GUIDES • SPECIAL VISITOR GIFTS OR OFFERS • SITE-RELATED BOOK SIGNINGS  * Offers vary, see details online

Some examples:

Ansonia

• General David Humphreys House
  Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Barkhamsted

• Squire’s Tavern
  Free admission from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., offering a special photo slideshow on Barkhamsted’s history.

Bridgeport      

• Arcade Mall   
  Mall opens at 10 a.m. Open house mall tenants include BPT Creates, Paradox INK, Criss Dam Studios, Phyte Haas and Murroquin Weavings. Moe’s Burger Joint offing 15% your meal and Artist & Craftsman Supply Store offering a 10% discount on your purchase.
• Barnum Museum     
  Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with free Barnum bookmarks, guided tours, postcards and red noses (while supply lasts).

Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Meeting House (1771) 
  Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
• Creamery Brook Bison
  Half off price day with wagon rides to see the bison there they roam from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Make and taste your own butter from 2:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Cost per person $5.

And lots more!!

Coventry Farmers Market

Coventry Farmers’ Market

Free

Sun., June 3 – Sun., Oct. 28, 11 am – 2 pm


Join us for the 15th season of the Coventry Farmers’ Market! Hosted on the grounds of the Hale Homestead in Coventry, our market carries on the tradition of being the largest farmers’ market in Connecticut, featuring some of the best of Connecticut-grown, Connecticut-made products around, at one of the most unspoiled countryside settings in the state. The CFM offers weekly, thematic programming including recipe sampling, educational talks, chef demos & more. 

Visitwww.coventryfarmersmarket.org for more information & to sign up for the weekly newsletter. Free family fun activities & tours of the first floor of the Homestead every Sunday!

Ireland's Great Famine Museum: Making America: The Irish in the Civil War Era

In the mid-19th century, many Irish immigrants had fled an Ireland ravaged by the Great Hunger, hoping to find a better future in the US, but such hopes were dashed when war erupted in 1861. With the Civil War, Irish survivors of the Great Famine had to endure the second great trauma of their lives. Having survived the worst demographic catastrophe of 19th-century Europe, they fell on the battlefields of Virginia or Tennessee.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, America was home to approximately 1.6 million people of Irish birth, most refugees from the Famine. At least 150,000 Irishmen served in the Union forces and 20,000 with the Confederates. More Civil War generals came out of Ireland than any other foreign country. Making America: The Irish in the Civil War Era will highlight the significant role that the Irish played in America’s struggle to define itself as a nation.

Ireland's Great Hunger Museum is open Wednesdays 10-5, Thursdays 10-7, Friday and Saturdays 10-5, and Sundays 1-5. Admission to the museum is free. For more information visit the museum's website at www.ighm.org , or call 203-582-6500. The museum is located at 3011 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06511.

This exhibit is on until October 2018.