June 13, 2026, was the Annual CT Open House Day. The purpose of this event is to inspire Connecticut residents to learn about all the experiences in their own backyard, anticipating that this will convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. As usual, this event coincided with the ever-popular Strawberry Festival, on the Church Green, in our “front yard!”

Once again, our Vice President, Colleen Fitzgerald, outdid herself planning the activities and putting together the Flag display in the Meeting Room.

This year, the America 250 Committee set up a tent in front of the house, staffed by Town Historian Diane Calabro, who invited all who passed by to contribute a cat cartoon for inclusion in the Graphic History of Cheshire Book that she is creating, and Ray Bennett who offered glimpses into the expanded Declaration Celebration that will be held on the Great Lawn at Bartlem Park on July 4th.

Our refloored front porch also offered an opportunity to guess the contents of the 1976 Norton School Time Capsule that will be opened on July 4th and a sign-in sheet for Spirits Alive! volunteers, now that the Spirits and actors have been chosen.

Of course, we also offered guided tours of the House Museum, led by Will and Chris D’Agostino, had the Farming in Cheshire display in the Shed open for viewing, and some wonderful new herb gardens in the courtyard. The garden wheel, which was originally planted for the Bicentennial in 1976, was reinvigorated by a Cheshire Girl Scout Troop (who are somewhat camera shy!) and Colleen Fitzgerald planted a supplementary herb garden around the bulkhead and created a fun “Mission Impossible” activity involving the herb gardens.

Visitors also noticed that our courtyard sports yet another gravestone without a grave (some people collect coins …)

Meanwhile, in the Parlor, Barney Kathan signed copies of his book “American Holy Days,” which examines the traditional national holidays of the U.S. All proceeds from his book sale were donated to the Historical Society. Unfortunately, we had the event sign and spot reserved on the front porch but Barney entered through the back door and set up inside the house! Still, a few books were sold and we thank him for his generosity!

We also have to thank The Suburban Garden Club of Cheshire for the beautiful wreaths and red, white and blue plantings and displays in the front of the house, as well as the student volunteers who helped us prepare the displays, set up the tents and signage, and run the children’s craft activities.