Donald E. Williams, Jr.

Connecticut Celebrates Annual Open House Day on June 9th

Canterbury, CT—Senate President Donald E. Williams (D-Canterbury, Brooklyn) and First Selectman Brian Sear joined with state tourism officials to invite residents of all ages to discover Connecticut’s many extraordinary attractions, cultural organizations, shops, historic inns, art exhibits and more on June 9th during the eighth annual Connecticut Open House Day. As part of the statewide event, more than 180 destinations are offering a variety of special incentives, including discounted or free admission, free gifts or special exhibits and activities to residents.

Open House Day provides an opportunity for residents to take part in the state’s new brand campaign, ‘still revolutionary,’ which highlights the state’s rich history, culture and innovation as a catalyst for driving tourism and increasing pride around the state. The campaign encourages residents to explore Connecticut’s destinations and attractions—new and old—that make our state unique, beautiful and full of inspiration.

“In Connecticut we have both great natural beauty and great cultural riches,” said Senator Williams. “Connecticut Open House Day a great opportunity for families to discover and enjoy a broad selection of exhibits and activities. I encourage folks to stop by places like the Prudence Crandall Museum and Green District School House in Canterbury or Sawmill Pottery in Putnam and visit the Creamery Brook Bison in Brooklyn.”

Participants and activities during this year’s Open House Day range from The Mark Twain House and Museum celebrating Tom Sawyer Day, to free Italian Ice on the patio of The Governor’s Residence, to the Connecticut River Ferries offering free rides on the nation’s oldest ferry service, to Gouveia Vineyards where visiting families can take tractor rides around the vineyard and children can enjoy face painting. In addition, there are 30 new participants this year including Studio 80 and Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme, Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery in Wallingford, New England Ballet Company performing in Orange, and Mashantucket Pequot Museum Park. From free admission for the first 100 visitors at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, to a free gift with every purchase at the Yale Center for British Art, there’s something for every family, couple and resident to enjoy on Open House Day.

“With the start of the summer travel season, we want to remind our residents of the inspiring experiences and memories to be made at destinations right in their own backyards,” said Randy Fiveash, Director of the Office of Tourism. “Through our brand research we learned that many of our residents are unaware of what Connecticut has to offer—Open House Day is the perfect opportunity to grab a friend, your family or a neighbor and take time to explore the hidden gems, local attractions, historic destinations and cultural institutions that can be found in all corners of our state.”

Connecticut Open House Day offerings and hours of operation vary by property. For more information, call 1-888-CTvisit (888-282-6863) or go to www.CTvisit.com for a complete list of participating venues updated daily or to sign up to become a Connecticut Ambassador. More information, photos and news related to Open House can also be found on the state’s social media channels: VisitConnecticut (Facebook), @CTvisit (Twitter), VisitCT (Pinterest).

Local Events:

Green District Schoolhouse, Canterbury
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., visitors can view photographs and memorabilia from the town’s district school days.

Prudence Crandall Museum, Canterbury
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Visitors get to participate at the craft table—“ Millinery Magic”—make a door decoration from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.Creamery Brook

Bison, Brooklyn
40-minute wagon ride to see the bison at 2 p.m., followed by a craft project for children. Rides are $5 per person (normally $10).

Sawmill Pottery, Putnam
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. there will be wheel-throwing demonstration, ten dollars and hour fee fro paint-your-own waived-bisqueware, and a 10 percent discount on gallery items.