Monday, June 23, 2014

Connecticut Students Win National Awards at History Day Contest

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For Immediate Release
June 23, 2014
Contact: Rebecca Taber-Conover
860-522-6766, ext. 11
 
 
 
College Park, MD – Fifty-nine middle and high school students had the experience of a lifetime as they represented Connecticut at the prestigious National History Day Contest, which took place at the University of Maryland in College Park from June 15 to June 19.  The Connecticut students competed against more than 2,900 students from across the country.   They presented projects-exhibits, documentaries, papers, websites and performances -that showcased months of historical research and hard work to teams of judges.  During the week, students met fellow competitors, toured Washington, D.C., met U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and participated in a variety of fun, educational activities. The amazing experience culminated with a three-hour Awards Ceremony on June 19, which was live streamed on the History Channel’s website, History.com. You can view pictures of the delegation’s trip to National History Day on the History Day in Connecticut Facebook page.
There were several Connecticut winners, they are listed below. You can view a list of all winners here.
  • Nicholas Serrambana, a student at Classical Magnet School in Hartford, won Third Place (in the nation) in the Senior Individual Performance category for his project, Hanging Satan: The Eradication of Connecticut’s Witch-Craze.
  • Five students from Pequot Home School in Southport won Second Place (in the nation) in Senior Group Performance for their project, The Farm Security Administration Photography Project: Human Rights and Government Responsibility through an Altered Lens.  The students are: Isabella Altherr, Annabel Barry, Pierce Barry, Quinn Barry and Jaden Esse.
  • Samuel Porcello won the prize for Outstanding Entry tied to a Historic Site with his exhibit, A Tale of Two Floods: How Johnstown Elevated Individual Rights and America’s Flood Responsibility.  He is a student at Conard High School in West Hartford.  During the National Contest, Sam met with one of the flood survivors whom he had previously interviewed over the phone.
  • Jonas Burkhard and Tim Nolan were awarded the Senior Prize for a Connecticut Project with their documentary, Neutrality? Bombs, Gold and Swiss Support of the South African Apartheid Regime.  They are students from E.O. Smith High School in Storrs and, in fact, flew back from high school graduation in order to participate in the National Contest.
  • Jasmine Su and Gabrielle Young won the Junior Prize for Outstanding Connecticut Entry with their exhibit, Japanese Internment During WWII: Connecticut Acts Responsibly to Restore Basic Rights of Japanese Americans. They are students at Memorial Middle School in Middlebury, CT.
Additionally, several Connecticut students were recognized as finalists, selected as a top fourteen project among over a hundred, at the National Contest:

  • Abigail McMahon and Aje Watson from Praise, Power, and Prayer Christian School in Windsor were finalists in the Senior Group Performance category with their project Dodging the Draft: Rights and Responsibilities During the Vietnam War.
  • Jack Higgins from Thomas Edison Middle School in Meriden was selected as a finalist with his documentary, The Beman Triangle: A Community’s Struggle for Freedom.  Jack received a special invitation to attend “Breakfast on the Hill” with members of Congress, an event sponsored by National Endowment for the Humanities.  Jack spoke with legislators about his award-winning documentary which focused on a vibrant African-American community in Middletown, CT.
  • Catherine Cranmer, Rebecca Coyne, and Lydia Russell from Mansfield Middle School in Storrs were selected as finalists in the Junior Group Website category with their project, Japanese American Internment: The Rights of the People vs.  The Responsibility of the Government.
Connecticut’s National Contest participants had previously placed first or second at the Connecticut History Day State Contest, held on April 26, 2014 at Central Connecticut State University. “The quality of our students’ work is phenomenal,” stated Rebecca-Taber Conover, Head of Public Programs and History Day for Connecticut’s Old State House. “I am so proud of our Connecticut students.”
During the National Contest, students, teachers and parents participated in several special activities.  The Connecticut Delegation visited the U.S. Supreme Court and enjoyed private tours of the National Gallery of Art and the U.S. Capitol. Students, Angela Yu and Maddy Fodor, from Staples High School in Westport, CT, exhibited their project, Prudence Crandall, as part of National History Day Night at the Museum of American History.  Each NHD affiliate selects one project to be displayed at the special event; Maddy and Angela’s project represented Connecticut. 
 
Over 4,000 middle and high school students participate in History Day in Connecticut, one of 56 affiliate programs of National History Day, a renowned, year-long, academic program.  The road to National History Day (NHD) usually begins in Connecticut’s classrooms and home schools where students choose topics reflecting an annual NHD theme, conduct research and analysis and create an exhibit, performance, website, paper or documentary that shares their findings. Of these, over a thousand students competed in this year’s District Contests, with 400 of winners going on to the State Contest, which sends first and second-place winners on to Nationals.
All of this is made possible by a strong collaboration among many of Connecticut’s history organizations who work with dedicated educators to help students develop critical thinking skills and a passion for learning and sharing history. A shared goal is to encourage a life-long interest in Connecticut’s rich stories, archives, historic buildings and museum collections. The collaboration is led by Connecticut’s Old State House, funded by Connecticut Humanities, and supported by the Connecticut League of History Organizations, the Connecticut Historical Society, Central Connecticut State University and scores of historical societies and civic groups who provide special prizes at the state level.
You can learn more about History Day in Connecticut by visiting its website at http://www.historydayct.org/or becoming a fan of the organization on Facebook.
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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Two Connecticut Teachers Named Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award Recipients by National History Day


Two Connecticut Teachers Named Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award Recipients by National History Day

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For Immediate Release
June 12, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
(860) 246-1553, ext. 116
 
 
Hartford, CT – History Day in Connecticut, an affiliate of National History Day (NHD), is proud to announce that two Connecticut teachers have been honored as recipients of the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award by NHD. Jennifer Hunt, a teacher at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford, and D. Claude Morest, a teacher at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering in Stamford, were both selected as the two state winners for Connecticut.
 
“National History Day firmly believes that quality teachers are the best educational tools that students have,” said NHD Executive Director Cathy Gorn. “The history teachers selected as Behring Award recipients are a credit to their discipline, and exemplify what it takes to truly be a quality educator.” 
 
Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award winners are NHD participating teachers who have shown outstanding creativity, commitment and inspiration in developing student interest in the field of History. Each winner is awarded $500 and becomes eligible for the National Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award. Two national winners will be announced during the NHD Awards Ceremony at the University of Maryland on Thursday, June 19.
 
“The NHD structure gives me a foundation on which to enhance student learning,” said Behring Award Winner Jennifer Hunt. “The process offers three crucial ingredients for intellectual engagement. Choice of topics allows personal empowerment, depth of knowledge from primary and secondary sources provide an opportunity for substantive analysis and the breadth of topics that relate to the same theme illustrates the interconnectedness of humans and the importance of studying history.”
 
“This is a thoughtful recognition of the teachers who put in an extra effort to educate their students beyond the normal expectation level,” said Behring Award Winner D. Claude Morest. “As one of those teachers, I am glad that NHD has recognized my hard work. This honor motivates me to continue going above and beyond the call in teaching my students how to conduct historical research and write papers.”
 
What’s Up Next for History Day in Connecticut?
The 2014 History Day in Connecticut Delegation will be traveling to the National Contest at the University of Maryland, which will be held June 15-19. While there, the students will not only participate in the contest but also take a tour of Washington, D.C. and meet with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. The Awards Ceremony will be taking place on the morning of Thursday, June 19 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The History Channel will be live-streaming the ceremony on its website, www.History.com.
 
History Day in Connecticut is an affiliate program of the renowned academic program, National History Day (NHD). History Day in Connecticut is led by Connecticut’s Old State House with support from the Connecticut Historical Society, the Connecticut League of History Organizations and ConnecticutHistory.org. Major funding provided by Connecticut Humanities. For more information on History Day in Connecticut, contact State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860-522-6766, ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.
Learn more about History Day in Connecticut by visiting our webpage http://www.historydayct.org/ or liking us on Facebook. The National History Day website may be viewed at http://www.nhd.org.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Due to Rain, Old State House Mural Painting Moved to Monday, June 16

Due to Rain, Old State House Mural Painting Moved to Monday, June 16

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For Immediate Release
June 10, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
(860) 246-1553, ext.116
 
Due to the potential for rain throughout the rest of the week, Connecticut’s Old State House is postponing its Community Mural Painting Project again to Monday, June 16. Hartford artists Tao and Amy LaBossiere will lead the project, which will be taking place outside the building in the Old State House’s Main Street courtyard.
Join Tao and Amy as they invite professionals, artists, children and whoever else walks by to turn the Old State House courtyard, where George Washington once stood, into a masterpiece shared by the entire city. Weather permitting; the LaBossieres will begin the mural at roughly 11 a.m. and they will wrap up around 1 p.m. The Old State House encourages anyone in buildings surrounding the property to take pictures of the mural down below and share them on the Old State House’s Facebook page.
This community mural painting project is supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign, which has also supplied funding for future Old State House Farmers Market concerts this summer. Visit the Old State House Facebook page for the latest updates on upcoming events, postponements and other news.
Located in downtown Hartford just a short walk from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, visit the Old State House website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org. To stay up to date on everything from news to events, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse .
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Monday, June 9, 2014

Old State House Community Mural Painting Postponed to Wed., June 11


Old State House Community Mural Painting Postponed to Wed., June 11
Hartford Artists Tao & Amy LaBossiere to Lead Outdoor Project
 
View as PDF
For Immediate Release
June 9, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
(860) 246-1553, ext. 116
 
Due to the potential for rain on Tuesday, Connecticut’s Old State House is postponing its Community Mural Painting Project to the following day: Wednesday, June 11. Hartford artists Tao and Amy LaBossiere will lead the project, which will be taking place outside the building in the Old State House’s Main Street courtyard.
Join Tao and Amy as they invite professionals, artists, children and whoever else walks by to turn the Old State House courtyard, where George Washington once stood, into a masterpiece shared by the entire city. Weather permitting; the LaBossieres will begin the mural at roughly 11 a.m. and they will wrap up around 1 p.m. The Old State House encourages anyone in buildings surrounding the property to take pictures of the mural down below and share them on the Old State House’s Facebook page.
This will be the third year Tao LaBossiere has created a mural on the grounds of the Old State House. An award winning artist, he has had his artwork displayed in museums and galleries throughout the city of Hartford. This community mural painting project is supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign, which has also supplied funding for future Old State House Farmers Market concerts this summer. An additional rain date of Thursday, June 12 has been planned if the rain continues through Wednesday. Visit the Old State House Facebook page for the latest updates on upcoming events, postponements and other news.
Located in downtown Hartford just a short walk from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, visit the Old State House website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org. To stay up to date on everything from news to events, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Community Street Painting at Connecticut’s Old State House: Tues., June 10

 

Community Street Painting at Connecticut’s Old State House

Hartford Artists and Couple Tao & Amy LaBossiere to Lead Project
 
View as PDF
 
For Immediate Release
June 3, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116
 
The weathered bricks outside of Connecticut’s Old State House will come alive with color on Tuesday, June 10 as local Hartford artists Tao & Amy LaBossiere lead a community street painting project that will result in a masterpiece shared by the entire Capitol city.

Join Tao and Amy as they invite professionals, artists, children and whoever else walks by to turn the Old State House courtyard, where George Washington once stood, into an outdoor canvas. Weather permitting; the LaBossieres will begin the mural at roughly 11 a.m. and it will be completed around 1 p.m. The Old State House encourages anyone in buildings surrounding the property to take pictures of the mural down below and share them on the Old State House’s Facebook page.

This will be the third year Tao LaBossiere has created a mural on the grounds of the Old State House. An award winning artist, he has had his artwork displayed in museums and galleries throughout the city of Hartford. This community street painting project is supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign, which has also supplied funding for future Old State House Farmers Market concerts this summer. A rain date for the mural has been set for Thursday, June 12 if the weather does not cooperate on June 10.

What’s Up Next at the Old State House?
Connecticut’s Old State House is proud to take part in CT Open House Day on Saturday, June 14. Take advantage of free admission between the hours of Noon and 4 p.m. Special Art and Amistad Tours will be available, as well as general tours of the building. Visit www.CTvisit.com to learn more about CT Open House Day.

The Old State House welcomes retiring State Senator Donald Williams, President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate for the next installment of Conversations at Noon on Tuesday, June 17. Senator Williams will discuss his new book Prudence Crandall’s Legacy, as well as his career as a lawmaker and his future after the State Senate. This program is free and lasts for one hour.

Located in downtown Hartford just a short walk from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum and the riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world.  The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, visit the Old State House website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org. To stay up to date on everything from news to events, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CTOldStateHouse .
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Monday, June 2, 2014

A Conversation with Senator Donald Williams, President Pro Tempore of the CT State Senate


 
A Conversation with Senator Donald Williams,
President Pro Tempore of the CT State Senate
Old State House Conversations at Noon – Tues., June 17, 2014
View as PDF
 
For Immediate Release
June 2, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116
 
Senator Donald E. Williams Jr., President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate and author of the new book Prudence Crandall’s Legacy, surprised many when he announced his retirement from politics earlier this year. Having served in the Senate since 1993, he rose to the rank of President Pro Tempore, the highest rank for a General Assembly legislator, in just eleven years. Since assuming the position, he served under Republican and Democratic administrations and became the longest-serving president of Connecticut’s Senate chamber since the position’s inception in 1845.

Join us Tuesday, June 17th for our next installment of Conversations at Noon where Senator Williams will explore his new book about Prudence Crandall’s unique role in the fight for civil rights and her influence on legal arguments for equality in America. After his talk, he will reflect on his career as lawmaker, his future after the Senate and what he thinks about the future of politics within the state of Connecticut during a one-on-one interview with the Connecticut Network’s Diane Smith.

Coincidently, Prudence Crandall, the subject of Senator Williams’ book, has a historical connection with Connecticut’s Old State House. It was within the Old State House that the Black Law of 1833 was passed, making it illegal in Connecticut to teach African-American students from out of state without the written consent of the town. After disregarding the law and continuing to teach, Crandall was arrested and her trial eventually ended up at the Old State House. She was later found not guilty on a technicality by the State Supreme Court of Errors, however her school was closed.

Bring your lunch and enjoy this free event, which lasts from noon until 1 p.m. Major funding for Conversations at Noon is provided by Connecticut Humanities. Conversations at Noon is taped in front of a live audience by the Connecticut Network (CT-N).

Located in Hartford just minutes from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum and the Connecticut Riverfront, Connecticut’s Old State House invites visitors of all ages to discover that their voices matter, and that words, ideas, persuasion and debate really can change minds – and, quite possibly, the world. The building served as the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878. For more information on admission process, 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 www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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