Events and Programs
2024 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 2024 season with special demonstrations and new exhibits from 10:00 until 4:00!
Ironworks Weekend
May 18th & 19th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Immerse yourself in Ironworks Weekend, a new 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 first iron smelting on the site since the furnace's closure in 1892. Master blacksmiths Steve Mankowski and Christopher Henkels 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 8th (Saturday) 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us on June 8th to enjoy FREE ADMISSION as historic trades are demonstrated throughout the day. Experience the antique tool sale along with the special programs and demonstrations. Explore our newly renovated galleries and beautiful museum grounds.
TradesUp Youth Workshop
June 15th (Saturday) 10:00am – 12:00pm
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 woodworking with hand tools. 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
Furniture Restoration Workshop
June 22-23rd 10:00am – 4:00pm
Don’t miss the Furniture Restoration Workshop led by Max Smith! Dive into the world of furniture conservation in this jam-packed two-day class. From assessing materials to mastering cleaning tricks and problem-solving, you'll be all set to revive your beloved furniture pieces. Bring along your furniture projects to restore during the class. Suggested pieces include small coffee tables, end tables, chairs, antique clock cases, small wood sculptural pieces, etc. Students will be guided through the process of restoring their individual pieces. Don't forget to secure your spot by pre-registering - it's a must! Registration Information.
State Museum Sunday
June 23rd Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month. Free Admission does not apply for the Furniture Restoration Workshop.
Bell Ringing Weekend
July 6th 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 . 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!
TradesUp Youth Workshop
July 20th (Saturday) 10:00am – 12:00pm
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 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
State Museum Sunday
July 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.
Blacksmithing Workshop
July 28th 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? This hands-on class will be taught by blacksmithing expert, Ian McCarthy. 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 10th 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 17th (Saturday) 10:00am – 12:00pm
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 painting and drywall. 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
State Museum Sunday
August 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.
CAMA Fall Festival
September 27th through 29th (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, 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.
How to Hew Log Hewing Workshop
October 5th 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
TradesUp Festival
October 12th 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 “TradesUp” on October 12th .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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