Events and Programs
2023 Special Events Calendar
Eric Sloane Museum Reopening Weekend
May 6th & 7th , Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the start of our 2023 season with FREE ADMISSION to the Eric Sloane Museum on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 4:00!
Our neighbors at the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association will be holding their annual Spring Power Up Festival as well, additional ticket required. Be sure to check out both museums during your visit!
CAMA will be providing shuttles for the Eric Sloane Museum Visitors from special event parking. Please be sure to let the shuttle driver know if you wish to stop at the Sloane Museum.
State Museum Sunday
May 21st Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month.
Connecticut Open House Day- Historic Trades Day
June 10th (Saturday) 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us on June 10th to enjoy FREE ADMISSION as historic trades are demonstrated throughout the day. We are partnering with the Antique Tools and Trades in Connecticut Association to offer an antique tool sale along with the special programs. Explore our newly renovated galleries and beautiful museum grounds.
How to Hew Log Hewing Workshop
July 15th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join us as we explore hand-hewing techniques and methods through a hands-on workshop at the Eric Sloane Museum. Have you ever wondered how hand-hewn beams are created? This hands-on class will be taught by preservation carpenter, Nevan Carling. Students will learn the basics of timber selection and beam layout all while using traditional tools and methods to create a hand-hewn finished product. Pre-Registration is required. Registration Information
State Museum Sunday
June 18th Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month.
Bell Ringing Weekend
July 1st 10:00am - 4:00 pm
Join us as we ring in the 4th of July at the Eric Sloane Museum. Learn about an American tradition of bell ringing which is as old as the country itself while visiting our large collection of early American art. Museum hours will be from 10:00-4:00 with interactive programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The museum grounds also offer a perfect place to enjoy a afternoon picnic in the Housatonic River Valley. We look forward to ringing in the 4th with you!
Ellie and the Clouds
July 8th 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us of for an exciting day of S.T.E.A.M-based learning as we take to the clouds at the Eric Sloane Museum. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! This free program explores the history of Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War Two with additional activities including Cloud Making, Foretelling the Weather, Drawing and Painting the Sky, and More! Although this program is free, pre-registration is required, and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so register today!
State Museum Sunday
July 16th Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month.
Ellie and the Clouds
August 5th Saturday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us of for an exciting day of S.T.E.A.M-based learning as we take to the clouds at the Eric Sloane Museum. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math!This free program explores the history of Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War Two with additional activities including Cloud Making, Foretelling the Weather, Drawing and Painting the Sky, and More! Although this program is free, pre-registration is required, and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so register today!
Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop
August 12th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us as we explore hand carving techniques and methods through a hands-on workshop at the Eric Sloane Museum. Have you ever wondered how hand carved spoons and bowls are created? This hands-on class will be taught by woodworking expert, Rick Liegl. Students will learn the basics of wood selection and design layout all while using traditional tools and methods to create a hand carved finished product. Pre-Registration is required. Registration Information
State Museum Sunday
August 20th Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month.
Kent Carnival
September 2nd 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Join us at the Kent Carnival where we will have hands on activities and an outreach booth. We will be joined by our friends from Touch a Trade for daylong demonstrations. Stop by the carnival first then head to the Eric Sloane Museum afterwards for a full day of activities!
CAMA Fall Festival
September 22nd through 24th (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us for FREE ADMISSION to the Eric Sloane Museum on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 4:00!
The Connecticut Antique Machinery Association will be holding their annual Fall Festival as well, additional ticket required. Be sure to check out both museums during your visit!
CAMA will be providing shuttles for the Eric Sloane Museum Visitors from special event parking. Please be sure to let the shuttle driver know if you wish to stop at the Sloane Museum.
Valley of Fire: Kent Ironworks Tours
October 7th & 8th , Saturdays & Sundays 11:00am and 1:00pm
Visit the remains of the Kent Iron Furnace on the site of the Eric Sloane Museum. Learn more about the furnace and its role as an active part of one of Connecticut's earliest industries. Although the furnace was abandoned after over 60 years of operation, the role it played in developing the landscape continues to affect the site to this day! Tours Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM. Tours included with the price of admission!
Touch a Trade
October 21st 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Part of our mission at the Eric Sloane Museum is to promote trades/craft education and foster opportunities for creative learning. We are delighted to co-host “Touch A Trade” on October 21nd.This free event is designed to offer youth and adults alike the opportunity to safely participate in trades, crafts and self-sufficiency skills through hands on activities and demonstrations Admission is free!
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