Events and Programs
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2026 Special Events Calendar
Eric Sloane Museum Reopening Weekend
May2nd & 3rd , Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the start of our 2026 season with special demonstrations and new exhibits from 10:00 until 4:00!
Ironworks Weekend
May16th & 17th 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 demonstrations , commemorating 200 years of the furnace history. 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 6th (Saturday) 10:00 am – 4:00 pmJoin us on June 6th 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 expansive galleries and beautiful museum grounds.
Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum Night at the Museum
June 12th (Friday) 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience as we open Eric Sloane: American Modern 12 June 2026. You’re familiar with Duchamp, Pollock, Calder, Stankiewicz, Johns, Nevelson, Rauschenberg, and Kosuth as giants of Modern Art, but what about Eric Sloane? This fascinating, historical, and immersive experience challenges visitors to view Sloane as a Modernist, something the artist would have vehemently denied. On display are replicas of Sloane’s sculpture and his “Placements” – the artist’s response to the Modernist movement. The opening night of the exhibit will be part of the Night at the Museum program. Exhibit creator and author Wil Mauch will give a brief talk on Eric Sloane’s relationship to the Modern Art movement. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for participant questions related to any aspect of Sloane’s life and work Pre Registration Required.
Registration Information
Blacksmithing Workshop
June 13th10:00 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
TradesUp Youth Workshop
June 20th (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. 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! Please contact andrew.rowand@ct.gov for additional information regarding the course.
Straw Hat Making Workshop
June 27tht (Saturday) 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Looking for the perfect summer hat? Look no further! Join local milliner Jaya Lee for a fun hands-on raffia hat workshop. In this class, students will use traditional millinery tools and hand sewing techniques to create their own summer hat from pre-plaited raffia. At the end of class each student will take home their own one-of-a-kind raffia hat! Pre-registration is required. Head-size or hat size is needed at time of registration. Participants must be 16 years old or older.Please contact andrew.rowand@ct.gov for additional information regarding the course.
Bell Ringing Weekend
July 4th, 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!
Broom Making Workshop
July 25th (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
TradesUp Youth Workshop
July 25th 20th (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. 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! Please contact andrew.rowand@ct.gov for additional information regarding the course.
Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop
August 1st, 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
Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum Night at the Museum
September 11th (Friday) 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience as we say good-bye to Eric Sloane: American Modern 11 September 2026. You’re familiar with Duchamp, Pollock, Calder, Stankiewicz, Johns, Nevelson, Rauschenberg, and Kosuth as giants of Modern Art, but what about Eric Sloane? This fascinating, historical, and immersive experience challenges visitors to view Sloane as a Modernist, something the artist would have vehemently denied. On display are replicas of Sloane’s sculpture and his “Placements” – the artist’s response to the Modernist movement. The opening night of the exhibit will be part of the Night at the Museum program. Exhibit creator and author Wil Mauch will give a brief talk on Eric Sloane’s relationship to the Modern Art movement. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for participant questions related to any aspect of Sloane’s life and work Pre Registration Required.Registration Information
Felt Hat Making Workshop
September 12th (Saturday) 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join local milliner Jaya Lee to learn how to make your own felted wool hat! In this class students will use water, soap, and friction to turn wool fibers into a cloche or fedora style felt hat! At the end of class each students will leave with a their own hand crafted hat. Pre-registration is required. Head-size or hat size is needed at time of registration. Participants must be 16 years old or older. Please contact andrew.rowand@ct.gov for additional information regarding the course.
CAMA Fall Festival
September 25th through 27th (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 3rd 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. Please contact andrew.rowand@ct.gov for additional information regarding the course.
SPARK by TradesUp
October 24th 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 24th . 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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