Connecticut's Old State House Announces "Conversations at Noon" Fall 2015 Series - Series Begins October 13 with "Connecticut's Local Government & You"

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For Immediate Release
September 30, 2015
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116

Hartford, CT – Connecticut’s Old State House in downtown Hartford has announced the dates for next three installments of its free lunchtime lecture series, Conversations at Noon. For the next year, thanks to a grant recently awarded to Connecticut’s Old State House by Connecticut Humanities, the series will continue with a new theme – Choosing to Participate: Renewing Connecticut’s Civic Health. Through this new theme, the Old State House will highlight a civic indicator used to assess civic participation during each of its monthly programs. These indicators will be explored using issues and examples from the past and engaging scholars, government officials, experts, activists and the public in meaningful conversations that will bring these issues into the present and demonstrate how easily people can help improve Connecticut’s civic health. 

The first of the next three installments of the series, Not Just a Spectator Sport: Connecticut’s Local Government & You, will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at Noon. Conversations at Noon is moderated by the Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith and the events are free and open to the public. The series is sponsored by Connecticut Humanities.

Not Just a Spectator Sport: Connecticut’s Local Government & You

Tuesday, October 13 at Noon
With Election Day 2015 just around the corner, historian Bruce Clouette will share the history of Connecticut’s local government from the colonial era to the 21^st century. Scott Jackson, the former mayor of Hamden and current undersecretary of OPM’s Intergovernmental Policy Division, and Frank Connolly, author of Local Government in Connecticut, will join Clouette in a panel discussion following his talk.  

Don’t Mince Your Words: Conversations at the Thanksgiving Table

Wednesday, November 18 at Noon

As the holidays approach, thoughts of gathering with family at the dinner table inspire warm feelings for some and feelings of dread for others. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center’s Elizabeth Burgess will discuss the dinner table’s role as the center of family conversation. Before Old State House visitors take their seat at the Thanksgiving table, they will enjoy a lively panel discussion on conducting civil conversation with Everyday Democracy’s Val Ramos, humorist Regina Barreca and journalist Richard Hanley.

Taking Care of Our Own: The History of Philanthropy in Connecticut

Tuesday, December 1 at Noon

During the season of giving, Old State House visitors will learn about the major impact philanthropy has had on Connecticut lives. Eugene Leach, Professor Emeritus at Trinity College, will explore how private giving “helped civilize Hartford.” After his talk, attendees can participate in a conversation about the changing face of philanthropy in the 21^st century.

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 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. The Old State House Farmers Market is currently open for the season and provides visitors the opportunity to shop for locally grown produce and Made-in-CT crafts on Tuesdays and Fridays. 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.