Governor Dannel P. Malloy - Archive

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Press Releases

Governor Malloy Press Release Masthead
May 31, 2011
CONNECTICUT OPENS ITS DOORS FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY
Local Attractions and Cultural Organizations to Offer Special Incentives to Visitors
(HARTFORD, CT) - On Saturday, June 11th, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the Commission on Culture and Tourism welcome visitors to discover Connecticut's many attractions, cultural organizations, shops, lodging properties and performing artists during the seventh annual Connecticut Open House Day .
More than 200 arts, history and tourism properties will offer a variety of special incentives, such as discounted/free admission, free gifts and/or special exhibits and activities. Sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT), this one-day event will raise the visibility of all the state has to offer -world-class art, outdoor adventures, family activities and opportunities for rest and relaxation - and encourage visitors to become Connecticut Ambassadors and share their findings with family and friends.
"This is a great way to begin the busy summer tourism season," said Governor Malloy. "As we welcome visiting family and friends this summer, we hope residents will be excited about our world-renowned museums, attractions, galleries, theaters and historic properties. Our state offers so many memorable experiences -Connecticut Open House Day is a great way to offer something extra special to residents so they can get out and have fun right here at home."
"Open House Day is the chance for Connecticut residents and customer-facing frontline workers to be engaged as brand evangelists, storytellers for our great state. They truly embody the pride and spirit of an engaging destination, excited to welcome tourists and visiting friends and families and eager to support a growing tourism industry," said Christopher "Kip" Bergstrom, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.
Connecticut's Open House Day has grown from 120 participating attractions in 2005 to more than 200 in 2011. Participants in this year's Open House Day event include museums, galleries, historic properties, artists' studios, theaters, farms, vineyards, amusement parks, nature centers, shops, hotels, inns, B&Bs and 53 new participants including Lime Rock Park, Sunflower Farm, Tidewater Inn and Dinosaur State Park.
"With gas prices high this summer, the traveling public is planning seasonal getaways close to home," said Randy Fiveash, director of tourism at the Commission. "This event provides the perfect opportunity for state residents to discover the exciting culture and attractions that are within a two-hour drive or less."
Connecticut Open House Day offerings and hours of operation will vary by property. For more information, call 1-888-CTvisit (888-282-6863) or go to www.CTvisit.com for a complete list of participating venues updated daily or to sign up to become a Connecticut Ambassador.

About the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism brings together tourism, history and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut's cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. For more information, log on to www.cultureandtourism.org.
A sampling of this year's Open House Day destinations offering special promotions include:
Fairfield County:
  • Bruce Museum, Greenwich
    Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Westport Arts Center, Westport
    From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., visit the gallery and receive a personal tour by a trained docent.
    Relax in the lounge with river views and complimentary refreshments.
  • Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk
    Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for the first 100 visitors
  • Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk
    Enjoy a round trip cruises to Sheffield Island for a walk on the beach and tours of the historic142-year-old lighthouse and the nature trail through Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Sanctuary. From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. receive $3 off regular price. Advance reservations required.
Greater New Haven:
  • Yale Center for British Art, New Haven
    Enjoy the Children's Film Festival at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., which are all complimentary and open to the public. Center open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and has free admission.
  • Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
    Visit Lyman Orchards' annual Strawberry Fest on June 11. Pick-your-own strawberries, take a horse drawn wagon ride, free face painting for children, free raffles and fun family activities.
    Open House special offer: free cup of ice cream for the first 100 visitors from noon until 4 p.m., at the Apple Barrel market.
  • Tanger Outlet Center, Westbrook
    Open House Day customers will receive a free $5 coupon book by showing a valid
    Connecticut drivers license. Stores open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
  • Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford
    Museum is offering free admission from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). All ages are invited to participate in"Puritans at Play," all other games from the 17th century.
Litchfield Hills:
  • Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury
    One free all-day ride pass for the first 12 cars that request it through the Connecticut Open House Day. Park opens from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
  • Seven Angels Theatre. Waterbury
    The first 75 people will receive a complimentary ticket to the June 11th, 2 p.m. performance of
    Mad Bomber. Available from 12:30 p.m. until 1:15pm. Mad Bomber is a vibrant, riotous tale of two cities - set to music - of cops, politicians and tabloid reporters, and ultimately the triumph of hope and love (and justice) over a terrorist's master plan.
  • Lime Rock Park, Lakeville
    From 9a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors will be able to take complimentary tours of the track and paddock where all the cars are parked. See the cars race around the track a the Skip Barber Racing School weekend event.
  • Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio/Gallery, Riverton
    Open to the public and no experience necessary. There are Glass blowing activities for adults and children (5 years and up). Blow your own glass ornament for $30, or make a glass paperweight or glass flower for $45. Studio is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Mystic Country:
  • Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
    Offering free rides on the XD Theater Motion Ride and a free fountain soda from the Penguin Cafe to the first 100 Connecticut residents.
  • Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
    Free with museum admission to Blooms with a View: A Display of Art & Flower. A group of talented floral artists display the stunning arrangements that they created to interpret works of art in the special exhibition. Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Nathan Hale, Homestead, Coventry
    Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
  • Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes, Pomfret Center
    Will feature a variety of artists demonstrations, including painting "en plein aire" and jewelry designers. The Gallery features more than 40 local and regional artists displaying all artistic media (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Enjoy a "Good O'Summertime Tea" with advance reservation (2 p.m. - 5 p.m.)
River Valley:
  • Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
    Free admission from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex
    Children ride for free from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
  • Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
    Visitors receive a $2 discount for up to four people when they mention Connecticut Open House Day. The Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford
    Enjoy a day of free activities for the entire family. The grounds, indoors and out, will be filled with a variety of Hartford area arts and cultural organizations. Kids of all ages will enjoy the theater, music, dance, storytelling, Museum Center and more. Tours of the Mark Twain House will be available for regular admission.
  • Lutz Children's Museum, Manchester
    Free admission from noon until 5 p.m. Most exhibits and activities are designed for children aged two through ten and families.
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For Immediate Release: May 31, 2011
Contact: Christopher Bergstrom, Executive Director
Leigh.Johnson@ct.gov
860-256-2727 (Leigh Johnson)
Randy Fiveash, Director of Tourism
Randall.Fiveash@ct.gov
860-256-2769
Rena Calcaterra, Public Relations Coordinator
Rena.Calcaterra@ct.gov
860-256-2744
Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy