FOUNDERS DAY
A special program at the Henry Whitfield State Museum
Saturday, September 27, 2008

Guilford, Conn. (Sept. 14, 2008) – Just how much would 12 coats, 12 fathom of wampum, twelve glasses, twelve pairs of shoes, twelve hatchets, twelve pair of stockings, twelve hoes, four kettles, twelve knives, twelve hats, twelve porringers, twelve spoons and two English coats be valued at in today’s economy? In 1639, they were worth enough to seal the deal between Henry Whitfield and his band of settlers and the Menuncatuck tribe of Guilford.

Come celebrate the September 1639 founding of Guilford and explore 17th century Puritan and Native American culture from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, September 27 at the Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford. Admission is free all day.

Highlighting this first annual event will be Dale Carson (Abekaki) who will reveal the fascinating lifestyle of the areas Native Americans and Linda Palmer who will interact with visitors costumed as a Puritan woman in early New England. Linda will also presenti ‘Dissent Among the Puritans’ at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. This PowerPoint program illustrates the difficult times the first settlers encountered.

Visitors will also be able to examine copies of the Guilford Covenant and the three treaties and create their own ‘mark’ or symbol just like the Native American sachems did when they ‘signed’ the treaties. Reproductions of the trade goods used to purchase Guilford will be displayed and adults and children alike can try their hand at 17th century games such as knickerbox. There will be refreshments as well as unique items in the museum shop.

"In the past, the museum has hosted special days celebrating Guilford’s history," said Michael McBride, museum curator. "This new program uses the anniversary of the founding of the community as a focal point to present the coming together of two diverse cultures."

The Henry Whitfield House, built in 1639, is Connecticut’s oldest house, New England’s oldest stone house and a National Historic Landmark. It is open April to December 14th. School and group tours are available year round by appointment. The museum is located at 248 Old Whitfield Street in Guilford (exit 58 off I-95). For more information, call (203) 453-2457. Free parking is available.

The Henry Whitfield State Museum is administered by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. The agency brings together tourism, film, history and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism is located at One Constitution Plaza, 2nd Floor, Hartford, Connecticut. For more information, log on to www.cultureandtourism.org.

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Contacts:
Karin Peterson
Museum Director
Connecticut Commissionon Culture & Tourism
(860) 256-2760
 
Michael A. McBride
Museum Curator
Henry Whitfield State Museum
(203) 453-2457