Programs for children are designed to engage their sense of discovery through first-hand experiences with art and history. Programs include our afterschool programs, summer camp, vacation workshops and hands-on exhibits.

February

Songs from the Civil War

The Battle Cry of Freedom, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Dixie, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Goober Peas. These songs from the Civil War are truly a part of the American musical lexicon. During an afternoon of song and readings, musicians Stefanie Kies and Nick Carter will explore the lyrical history of the Civil War, accompanied by a complement of local musicians on authentic period instruments–-drums, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, concertina, bugle and guitar. 

The program, which takes place on Lincoln's birthday, will frame each year of the War Between the States within a particular context: bravado and marching songs, camp songs, songs about home and songs of victory and defeat. It was conceived and spearheaded by Stefanie Kies in collaboration with Nick Carter and Tim Schantz and is designed to appeal to all ages.

Flag waving and audience participation will be the order of the day. In fact, before the musical program, all participants, adults and children, are invited to participate in a flag-designing project so they can make a show of support for the Confederacy or the Union throughout the program. Sign up early and start practicing your scales.

Flag project from 2:00 to 2:30. Performance starts at 2:30.

Sunday, February 12, 2:00–3:30 pm

Vanderbilt Education Center

Members $10; nonmembers $15

Register below or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10.

March

Summer 2012

Greenwich Historical Society
History and Art Camp 2012

The Greenwich Historical Society is now taking reservations for its History and Art Summer camp based at its headquarters, Bush-Holley House, Greenwich's one and only National Historic Landmark. The camp offers a highly interactive, two-week experience designed to utilize the artifacts and original art in Bush-Holley House, a dual interpretation museum that illustrates two distinct time periods in the life of the house: the new nation era, 1790 to 1825, and the period from the late 1800s to early 1900s when the site was home to America's first art colony. Campers focus on Colonial history for their first week and study art during the second. Sessions are fun, challenging and age-appropriate. A field trip and a Friday Parents' Day are part of each week's schedule. Campers also visit the current hands-on exhibitions at the Storehouse Gallery.

The professional staff includes museum educators and counselors who have a special interest in history and art. Re-enactors, working artists, musicians and guest educators round out the leadership team. Activities vary per by group, but include games, baking, soap and candle making, weaving, crafts projects, acting and role playing. Art instruction encompasses painting, pastels, sculpture, origami and photography. Art shows and performances cap off each session.

$550 two-week session / $350 single week (if available)

Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Session A

Early American Life
Grades 4–7; June 29, July 2–6

Art Colony Experience
Grades 4–7 ;July 9–13

Session B

Early American Life,
Grades 1–3 (Grade 4, if preferred); July 16–20

Art Colony Experience,
Grades 1–3 (Grade 4, if preferred); July 23–27

To download a camp brochure and application, click here.
For more information, send an email to Camp Director Jaime Villanda or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 30.