Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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11/23/2022

Celebrate Holiday Food Traditions and Twilight Tours at DEEP Osborne Homestead Museum

(HARTFORD, CT) – Get ready for a “Holiday Feast” at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby. Celebrate holiday food traditions of different cultures and nationalities, and the diversity of American food through visual and creative decorations.

  • The holiday tours begin this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 25 through November 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tours will then be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ending on Saturday, December 17.
  • In addition, visitors can enjoy the amber glow of “Twilight Tours” on Fridays, December 2, 9, and 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more than thirty years, volunteers have created the holiday decorations at the museum. These talented and committed volunteers are from the Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Garden Club of Woodbridge, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Valley Arts Council, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club.

This year’s holiday theme will honor the many ethnic and cultural heritages of Connecticut by celebrating autumn and winter holiday culinary traditions. Native American, Filipino, African American, and various Caribbean and European American foods will be on display representing holiday festivals, including Kwanzaa and New Year’s Day. This display will be a feast for the eyes though not for the belly. While no food will be served, guests can take home recipes and share recipes from their cultural heritage.

Admission is free and donations are accepted. Registration is advised and can be done by calling 203-734-2513 or emailing DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov. The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of DEEP’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division, is open for free docent-led and self-guided tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Osborne Homestead Museum is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off Rte. 34 in Derby within Osbornedale State Park. Also on the grounds is Kellogg Environmental Center, open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For further information or directions, visit the website, email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov, or phone the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203) 734-2513.

Library Holiday Decorations

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110