Connecticut Storytelling Center Receives Connecticut Humanities Grant

Connecticut Humanities has announced that 11 state organizations have been awarded more than $130,000 in competitive grant money to support humanities-based programming. The money will help fund events ranging from an annual storytelling festival in New London to a lecture series in Madison.

The Connecticut Storytelling Center has received a $4,999 grant to support the 35th Annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival and Conference which takes place April 29-31 at Connecticut College in New London. The 2016 Conference focuses on making history come alive through the art of storytelling. Professional storytellers will be on hand to entertain and educate, providing opportunities throughout the weekend for conference attendees to be coached on storytelling techniques.

The Madison Historical Society will use a $3,280 grant to fund the 2016 Frederick Lee Lecture Series which focuses on true stories of crime and punishment in Connecticut between 1639 and the late 1800s. Author Joel Helander begins the series on February 14, by discussing his book Noose and Collar: The Story of the Rockland Murder, Madison, CT. Musician Rick Spencer performs historic songs of outlaws, villains and rogues on February 28. And on March 13, author Jon Blue will discuss The Case of the Piglet’s Paternity, a collection of 33 of the most intriguing trials from the records of the New Haven Colony.

A $24,956 grant will support the Connecticut Historical Society‘s latest exhibition, Growing Up in Connecticut. The exhibition, which will be on display from May 24 through October 8, 2016, explores major themes related to an American childhood, illustrated by objects and stories from Connecticut residents and Connecticut places. In addition to the physical exhibit of stories, objects and photographs, programming will encourage visitors to think about their own childhood experiences and discuss the issues facing children today.

Other grant recipients include the Avon Free Public Library, Fairfield Museum and History Center, Paul J. Aicher Foundation, Milford Public Library, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford Chorale, Young Men’s Institute Library and Yale Repertory Theatre. For additional details about this round of Connecticut Humanities grant funding, please visit cthumanities.org.