History Is the Story of Us

I tease European friends and acquaintances from my previous lives that here in New England is where American history comes from. And living in Connecticut can provide us with daily reminders and nearly forgotten stories of who we were while we were on our way to becoming who we are now.   

I was thinking about history, my own as well as that of this region, over the weekend enjoying some snow-free walks in close to spring weather, passing as I often do the Leffingwell House Museum on Washington Street. 

It's one of my favorite places to photograph, thanks to the efforts of The Society of the Founders of Norwich and so many volunteers who've worked to preserve its garden and surroundings (despite its proximity to highly-trafficked highways) and the beauty of the building itself. 

This Saturday morning at eleven, as another sign spring's arrival is unstoppable, the museum opens for the 2018 season. The Leffingwell House is 343 years old; we should look so good, right? And their opening day offers opportunities to get a closer look at aspects of American history some of us may have yawned through during our classroom careers.

There's a tour of the building itself, ten rooms of heritage and history right here in our own backyard. And as part of the season-opening there are specials like a visit with the crew of the Raven, a group of maritime living history explorers, researchers and reenactors who bring to life the exploration, naval, privateering and pirating histories of the Western European countries, their colonies in the New World, and emerging America from the early 1600's through the War of 1812.

You can meet Christoper Leffingwell, whose ancestors founded Norwich and perhaps quaff a mug of the city's official drink, Leffingwell Cocoa, and also sample other chocolate treats honoring the chocolate mill he and his brother Elisha established in 1770 (probably to the delight of Revolutionary dentists, I'm guessing).

Saturday will be the unveiling of the new Colonial Cottage Craft Room and with it an opportunity to see close-up the home industries and crafts that were part of the daily routine and responsibilities of colonial women (as Ye Olde Norwichtown Commons was still centuries away). And speaking of a craft and a critical skill, there will also be a demonstration of candle-making. 

Admission is $5, and let's face it that's a bargain price for a whole day's worth of time travel. And when you visit, make a note of whatever catches your fancy on their calendar of upcoming events through November when the museum closes for the winter. 

And if you feel like doing something revolutionary while at Leffingwell you could become a sustaining member and be a part of our history yourself. After all, the root word of history is 'story' and we each have a tale to tell.
-bill kenny