Conducting Civil Conversation at the Thanksgiving Table: Wednesday, November 18 at Noon

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For Immediate Release
November 5, 2015
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116

Conducting Civil Conversation at the Thanksgiving Table

Conversations at the Thanksgiving Table – Wednesday, November 18 at Noon

History of Philanthropy in Connecticut – Tuesday, December 1 at Noon 

Hartford, CT – The holiday season is rapidly approaching and that means conversations around the table can quickly and easily turn uncomfortable. Connecticut’s Old State House is encouraging healthy and cordial dialogue at the Thanksgiving table this year. During its next installment of Conversations at Noon on November 18^th, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center’s Elizabeth Burgess will discuss the dinner table’s role as the center of family conversation. Following her talk, those in attendance will enjoy a fun and lively panel discussion on conducting civil conversation with family during the holidays with humorist Gina Barreca, journalist Richard Hanley and Everyday Democracy’s Val Ramos.

This program is a continuation of the Old State House’s year-long series Choosing to Participate: Renewing Connecticut’s Civil Health where civic health indicators, which are used to assess civic participation, are explored using issues and examples from the past and engaging scholars, government officials, experts, activists and the public in meaningful conversations. The civic health indicator being highlighted through this program is ‘conversing with family over dinner.’

This program is free to attend and open to the public, thanks to the support of Connecticut Humanities.

Coming up at Connecticut’s Old State House: The History of Philanthropy in Connecticut

Just two weeks later, on December 1, Conversations at Noon returns with a new installment entitled Taking Care of Our Own: The History of Philanthropy in Connecticut – where the Old State House will highlight a very appropriate civic health indicator during the holiday season: ‘charitable giving.’

Eugene Leach, Professor Emeritus at Trinity College will discuss the impact philanthropy has had on Connecticut lives. After his talk, Deborah Rothstein, Vice President of Development & Donor Engagement for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Ashley “AJ” Johnson, pastor, community educator and founder of Small Business Night Out, and Professor Leach will explore how private giving “helped civilize Hartford” and identify the changing face of philanthropy in the 21^st century.

Like the November 18 program, The History of Philanthropy in Connecticut, is free and open to the public thanks to the support of Connecticut Humanities.

Located in historic downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of
government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. The Connecticut’s Old State House Shop, located on the Main Street side of the building, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase quality-made Connecticut and Hartford themed gifts, products and apparel. Visitors can also shop online at shop.ctoldstatehouse.org. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit us online at http://www.ctoldstatehouse.org.