Events and Programs
2025 Special Events Calendar
Eric Sloane Museum Reopening Weekend
May 4th & 5th , Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the start of our 2025 season with special demonstrations and new exhibits from 10:00 until 4:00!
Ironworks Weekend
May 24th & 25th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Immerse yourself in Ironworks Weekend, an exciting program exploring the history of ironmaking in the Housatonic Valley at the Kent Iron Works site. The event will include special tours, exhibits, and an iron smelting demonstration, marking the second iron smelting on the site since the furnace's closure in 1892. Master blacksmiths will smelt iron with a bloomery furnace using traditional methods and techniques. Enjoy free admission to the museum and programs Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 4:00.
Historic Trades Day
June 7th (Saturday) 10:00 am – 4:00 pmJoin us on June 7th for FREE ADMISSION as historic trades are demonstrated throughout the day. Shop for handmade items from local artisans while learning about their specific crafts and trades. Explore our newly renovated galleries and beautiful museum grounds.
Broom Making Workshop
21st (Saturday) 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join us as we explore broom making techniques and methods through a hands-on workshop at the Eric Sloane Museum. Have you ever wondered how handmade brooms are created? This hands-on class will be taught by broom maker Alan Curboy. Students will learn the basics of broom making and design layout all while using traditional tools and methods to create a one of a kind finished product. Pre-Registration is required . Registration Information
Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum Night at the Museum
June 28th (Saturday) 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience as we explore some of the hidden gems of the Eric Sloane Museum’s collection with renowned author and historian Wil Mauch and Museum Curator Andrew Rowand. This is a ticketed event, and pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, please visit the link. Registration Information
Bell Ringing Weekend
July 5th, 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 as old as the country itself while visiting our large collection of early American art. Museum hours will be from 10:00 to 4:00 . The museum grounds also offer a perfect place to enjoy an afternoon picnic in the Housatonic River Valley. We look forward to ringing in the 4th with you!
TradesUp Youth Workshop
July 12th (Saturday) 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for an exciting day of Trades Education program with TradesUp!
Experience S.T.E.A.M-based learning through this hands-on workshop. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math! Ages 10-17. This free program explores the world of plumbing. Students will gain experience using skills such as basic math, measuring, hand and eye coordinatio,n while developing a sense of confidence and self-sufficiency. Although this program is free, pre-registration is required, and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so register today! Registration Information
Blacksmithing Workshop
July 19th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us as we explore blacksmithing techniques and methods through a hands-on workshop at the Eric Sloane Museum. Have you ever wondered how hand-forged metal objects are created? Blacksmithing expert Ian McCarthy will teach this hands-on class. Students will learn the basics of hand forging and design layout, all while using traditional tools and methods to create a one-of-a-kind finished product. Pre-registration is required. Register Today
Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop
August 9th, 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
TradesUp Youth Workshop
August 16th (Saturday) 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for an exciting day of Trades Education program with TradesUp!
Experience S.T.E.A.M-based learning through this hands-on workshop. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math! Ages 10-17. This free program explores the world electrical work. Students will gain experience using skills such as basic math, measuring, hand and eye coordination, while developing a sense of confidence and self-sufficiency. Although this program is free, pre-registration is required, and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so register today! Registration Information
Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum Night at the Museum
September 13th (Saturday) 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience as we explore some of the hidden gems of the Eric Sloane Museum’s collection with renowned author and historian Wil Mauch and Museum Curator Andrew Rowand. This is a ticketed event, and pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, please visit the link. Registration Information
CAMA Fall Festival
September 26th through 28th (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 its annual Fall Festival; an additional ticket is required. Be sure to check out both museums during your visit!
CAMA will provide shuttles for Eric Sloane Museum visitors from special event parking. Please let the shuttle driver know if you wish to stop at the Sloane Museum.
How to Hew : Log Hewing Workshop
October 4th 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? Preservation carpenter Nevan Carling will teach this hands-on class. 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
SPARK by TradesUp
October 25th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Eric Sloane Museum works to promote trades/craft education and foster opportunities for creative learning. We are delighted to co-host “Spark" on October 25th . This free event offers youth and adults the opportunity to safely participate in trades, crafts, and self-sufficiency skills through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Admission is free! Learn more about TradesUp and Spark
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