THEODORE ROOSEVELT DAY – 100 Year Commemoration

To commemorate President Theodore Roosevelt's 1911 trip to Farmington and visit to the Pope family, Hill-Stead Museum, the Farmington Historical Society and the Farmington Literary Arts Center are joining forces to offer a day of activities for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, museum- and theater-goers alike. Theodore Roosevelt first came to Farmington to visit his sister, Anna Roosevelt Cowles, who lived on Main Street with her husband Admiral William Sheffield Cowles. Theodate Pope developed a close relationship with Anna Cowles. When Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Farmington in 1911, after a hike to Rattlesnake Mountain, he paid a visit to the Pope family at Hill-Stead. In a subsequent letter to his sister, he called Hill-Stead "the ideal of what an American country house should be." Join in this day of commemoration with the following activities:
• At 9:30 am, trace Theodore Roosevelt's steps with a five-mile hike to Rattlesnake Mountain, led by Theodore's great-grandnephew Evan Cowles, leaving from the Farmington Historical Society on the corner of Winchell Smith and Main Streets. The walk will pass "Oldgate," the home of the Cowles family. The walk will take two to three hours; sturdy shoes are recommended. If there is heavy rain, the walk will be cancelled.

• At 2 pm, see a photo display in Hill-Stead's Makeshift Theater with a screening of a video interview of Betty Boyd Caroli, author of The Roosevelt Women, followed by a live performance of a skit written by Hill-Stead interpreter Betty Collins. The skit features Mark McNally as President Roosevelt, Sharon Stotz as Theodate Pope, and Wanda Beckerman as Anna Cowles.

•Refreshments will be offered, as well as an optional 3 pm museum tour for a glimpse into the Pope family's residence as Theodore Roosevelt experienced it in 1911.

The hike, video and skit are free; museum admission will be charged for the tour.