Arts & Entertainment
Simsbury Free Library’s May Events Feature Music And History
Activities Calendar Includes Exploration of 100 Places to See in Connecticut
Explore Connecticut’s historic architecture when Christopher Wigren, author, architectural historian, and Deputy Director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, introduces us to 100 places in our state on May 22nd. The Simsbury Free Library also offers monthly events that can cultivate or grow an interest in history, reading, genealogy and more.
The popular Drop In Genealogy and the monthly Drop In Book Club return to the event calendar. Genealogist Alison Watson Maston will use her 40+ years of experience as a genealogist to help you research family history using records at the Simsbury Free Library. The monthly book discussion will feature The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and is open to anyone who is interestedin exploring this important topic.
May events include:
Thursday, May 9th: Gospel Comes to Simsbury: Helen Walton (6:30p – 7:30p)
Join us for the musical talents of Helen Walton as she shares the history and intrinsic elements of gospel music while she sings and plays percussion instruments handed down from her grandmother. Children and families welcome! Free to members and students; $5 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call (860) 408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
Saturday, May 11th and May 25th: 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.
Tuesday, May 14th: Drop In Book Club: The Hate U Give (11:15a)
New members in search of great book discussions and even better company are always welcome at the SFL’s Drop In Book Club any time they are interested in the monthly selection. This month’s selection is the acclaimed and award-winning novel, The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? The only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life. For more information, call 860-408-1336 or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
Wednesday, May 22nd: Connecticut Architecture: Stories of 100 Places (6:30p)
Christopher Wigren, author, architectural historian, and Deputy Director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, will discuss his well-received new book "Connecticut Architecture: Stories of 100 Places." Connecticut boasts some of the oldest and most distinctive architecture in New England, from Colonial churches and Modernist houses to refurbished nineteenth-century factories. In his guide to this rich and diverse architectural heritage, Wigren introduces readers to 100 places across the state. Written for travelers and residents alike, the book features buildings visible from the road. Free to members and students. $5 for non-members. Books are available for sale for $40 each. To reserve a seat, call 860-408-1336, or email programs@simsburyfreelibrary.org.
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.
