Arts & Entertainment
Outstanding October Events at The Simsbury Free Library
Simsbury Students Share Tales from the Trenches of WWI After Trip to France
Each month the Simsbury Free Library offers the rare chance to learn about little-known Connecticut history. This month on October 24, 2019, two seniors at Simsbury High School are offering a world view of our state’s history all the way from the trenches of World War 1 in France. Katy Hitson and Josh Picoult had the unique opportunity to travel overseas to join a team restoring the trenches dug by French soldiers in 1914 and occupied by CT soldiers in 1918. The pair will share their adventure as well as artifacts. Piccoult has a passion for history and curates exhibits at the Simsbury Historical Society.
A second seminar on October 17 examines the impact of Climax Fuse Company, one of Avon’s most notable corporations, on the local economy and surrounding area.
The popular Drop In Genealogy and the monthly Drop In Book Club return to the event calendar. This month’s book discussion will feature Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and is open to anyone who is interested in exploring this fascinating book.
A full roster of October events offered by the Simsbury Free Library include:
Tuesday, October 8: Drop In Book Club: Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine (11:15a)
New members in search of great book discussions and even better company are always welcome at the Simsbury Free Library’s Drop In Book Club any time they are interested in the monthly selection. This month’s selection is the acclaimed novel, Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. For more information, call 860-408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
Saturday, October 12 and October 26: Drop In Genealogy (10:00a – 2:00p)
Researching your family tree and don't know where else to look to find missing ancestors? Bring any information you have and let genealogist Alison Watson Maston help. Alison has over 40 years of experience. She specializes in researching vital records, land records, immigration and naturalization records as well as probate records. She has particular expertise in New England, New York City and Ireland. Free for members; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
Thursday, October 17: History of Climax Fuse: A Step into the Fuse Industry (6:30p)
Join us for a talk concerning the history of the Climax Fuse Company, one of Avon’s most notable corporations and Ensign Bickford’s local competition. Luke Villani will explain why and how the two companies became one, and describe Climax Fuse’s social and economic impact on Avon and Simsbury. He will also explain how the massive fuse fire of 1907 affected Climax Fuse. The brownstone buildings on Route 44, which now house Avon's town hall, will mean much more to you once you know their history. As an added bonus, Luke will give some details about a planned excavation of an illegal metalworks site in Simsbury from 1750. Free. To reserve a seat, call 860-408-1336, or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
Thursday, October 24: Simsbury Students Share Stories from the Trenches of WWI (6:30p)
High School Seniors Katy Hitson and Josh Picoult spent three weeks in France restoring the trenches dug by French soldiers in 1914 and occupied by CT soldiers in 1918 during World War I. The pair will share their experience, from how they got accepted to the program, to what it was like being the only two American French speakers on the trip, their interactions with the people of Seicheprey, and their time in the trenches. They also have some artifacts that they brought back from their amazing adventure.
About Simsbury Free Library
The Simsbury Free Library (the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library), located at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, promotes interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material and expertise, artifacts, and educational and cultural programs, to help visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc.
The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.
