Connecticut’s Kid Governor Announces Upcoming Dates for Summer Library Circuit

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
July 13, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

 

Hartford, CT – Connecticut’s Kid Governor^SM (CKG) Jessica Brocksom has announced two upcoming dates for her 2017 CKG Library Circuit as she continues to promote her Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice platform through the summer. CKG Jessica’s Library Circuit will kick off in the capital city when she hosts a speaking engagement at the Hartford Public Library’s Main Branch on Tuesday, July 18 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

She will follow this engagement up with another stop at Middletown’s Russell Library on Thursday, July 20 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Brocksom will discuss her platform and ways in which the public can help her achieve her goals as Connecticut’s Kid Governor. These goals include learning about and supporting tougher animal protection laws, promoting collection drives for local pounds and shelters, and creating an educational presentation which will be shown in schools across Connecticut. Each of these speaking engagements will also be broadcast live on the Connecticut’s Kid Governor Facebook page.

The 2017 CKG Library Circuit continues a busy summer of promoting the humane treatment of animals for CKG Jessica. In early June, Brocksom headlined a media briefing with local officials and state leaders where they announced a new “Heat Kills” initiative in her hometown of Milford. The program helps to educate the community on the dangers of leaving animals in parked cars during the warm months. The Kid Governor also visited Washington, D.C. in late June where she met with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and staff from both The Humane Society of the U.S. & the Humane Society Legislative Fund to discuss federal legislation regarding animal protection.

The Hartford Public Library’s Main Branch is located at 500 Main Street in Hartford and Russell Library is located at 123 Broad Street in Middletown. The engagements are free and open to the public. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring children of all ages to learn about how they can help protect animals, get involved in their community or take part in the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN). CKG is sponsored by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and the Connecticut State Department of Education. The free program teaches fifth graders across the state about government, elections, and the importance of civics engagement through a real-life election that’s timed to coincide with Election Day in November. Winner of a 2017 Medallion Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and a 2016 Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program inspires students to be lifelong agents of change, active participants in our government, and registered voters when they turn 18. For more information on CKG - both the program and the student - follow Connecticut’s Kid Governor on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit the program’s website at CT.KidGovernor.org.

Connecticut’s Old State House Switching to Summer Hours: Museum will be open to the public Tuesday - Saturday after the July Fourth Holiday

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
June 29, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

 

Hartford, CT – Connecticut’s Old State House in downtown Hartford will be switching to its Summer Hours starting Wednesday, July 5. Following the July Fourth holiday, the Old State House will be open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. The building will be closed on Sundays and Mondays and remain on its Summer Schedule until the Columbus Day holiday in October. The building will also be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Information on Connecticut’s Old State House hours, admission prices, upcoming events, Tuesday & Friday Farmers Market, tours and directions to the building can be found at the museum’s website, www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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 etc., located in the nearby State House Square, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase Connecticut, Hartford and Old State House-themed gifts, products and apparel. For more information on admission prices, school programs, upcoming events and hours visit www.ctoldstatehouse.org and follow Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor Visits Washington, D.C. to Raise Awareness for the Humane Treatment of Animals

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

Washington, D.C./Hartford, CT – Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) Jessica Brocksom of Milford visited Washington, D.C. this past week to discuss her platform Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice as she met with elected officials and national organizations that focus on protecting animals.

CKG Jessica’s tour of the nation’s capital included meetings with both of Connecticut’s U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal & Christopher Murphy, Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and staff from both The Humane Society of the United States & the Humane Society Legislative Fund. During her constructive meetings she discussed animal protection legislation and the goals she set for herself during her one-year term as Connecticut’s Kid Governor. These goals include learning about and supporting tougher animal protection laws, promoting collection drives for local pounds and shelters, and creating an educational presentation to be shown in schools across Connecticut.

Photos and videos from CKG Jessica’s trip to Washington, D.C. can be found on the Connecticut’s Kid Governor Facebook and Twitter pages. Brocksom, formerly a fifth grader in Mrs. Donna Stuart’s class at JFK School in Milford, ran as a candidate promoting the humane treatment of animals during the annual CKG Statewide Election in November 2016 and garnered enough votes from her peers to be elected as the 2017 Connecticut’s Kid Governor.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN). CKG is sponsored by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and the Connecticut State Department of Education. The free program teaches fifth graders across the state about government, elections, and the importance of civics engagement through a real-life election that’s timed to coincide with Election Day in November. Winner of a 2017 Medallion Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and a 2016 Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program inspires students to be lifelong agents of change, active participants in our government, and registered voters when they turn 18. For more information on CKG - both the program and the student - follow Connecticut’s Kid Governor on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit the program’s website at CT.KidGovernor.org.

Connecticut Students Take a Stand in History on the National Stage: Results from 2017 National History Day Contest at University of Maryland

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
June 19, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

College Park, MD – Taking a stand for women’s rights, saving the environment and the end of communism were among the topics Connecticut students researched and presented at the prestigious 2017 National History Day® Contest at the University of Maryland this past week. This year’s theme Taking A Stand In History inspired high school and middle school historians to write papers, produce documentaries and stage performances that included titles such as Game of Phones: How Lorena Weeks Stood Up to AT&T for Job Equality, John Muir: A Voice for the Wild and Tearing Down the Berlin Wall: Taking a Stand to Break the Iron Curtain.

Claire Faulkner

Topics ranged from hyper local to international and, for some, the history was personal. Claire Faulkner, a resident of Coventry and student at the Journalism & Media Academy Magnet School in Hartford, focused her documentary on a distant relative that stood up to the Nazis. Her project Helmuth James von Moltke: A Leader of Resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Party won her both the Special Prize in World War II History and the Outstanding Connecticut Senior Entry Award at the 2017 National History Day®  Contest.

Samantha Renzulli, a student at The Unquowa School in Fairfield, won the Outstanding Connecticut Junior Entry Award at the national contest with her individual performance One Child’s Stand: The Children’s March to Victory 1963. Renzulli’s project won first place at the Connecticut History Day Contest in April.

Samantha Renzulli

All 68 members of the Connecticut Delegation won awards at the 2017 Connecticut History Day (CHD) State Contest this past April. They competed against nearly 3.000 students from across the country.

The five day contest was kicked off by renowned historian and filmmaker Ken Burns - a longtime fan of the National History Day Contest. Throughout the week participants presented their work to teams of judges, met with Connecticut’s U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and interacted with fellow student historians from around the country and overseas.

"Connecticut History Day workshops, resources and coaching have helped students create high quality projects based on sound research”, said Sally Whipple, Executive Director of Connecticut’s Old State House.  “Students develop critical thinking, writing and research skills, along with increased confidence, curiosity and the ability to ask and find answers to compelling questions. The Connecticut Public Affairs Network staff at the Old State House strives to do this every day through all of its programming. It’s great to see student work that we’ve helped nurture receive the highest National History Day honors."

Over five thousand middle and high school students participate in Connecticut History Day, one of 57 affiliate programs of National History Day.  Connecticut History Day is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN), with support from the Connecticut League of History Organizations, ConnecticutHistory.org, and Connecticut Explored Magazine. CHD is also supported by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and the Connecticut State Department of Education. To learn more about Connecticut History Day, visit the program’s website at www.historydayct.org and follow the program on Facebook & Twitter.

 

Connecticut History Day students at the 2017 National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland and Washington, D.C.

 

NASS Medallion Award Presented to Connecticut’s Kid Governor Program

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
June 15, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

Hartford, CT – On Wednesday, June 14 the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award was presented to the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) for its Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) program. The NASS Medallion Award, which was presented by Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, recognizes outstanding service and dedication to furthering the mission of the National Association of Secretaries of State within the states. It was created to honor individuals, groups and organizations with an established record of promoting the goals of NASS in elections, civic education, service to state government and commitment to giving.

CPAN President & CEO Paul Giguere, V.P. of Administration & Communications William Bevacqua, Connecticut’s Old State House Executive Director Sally Whipple, and Head of Education & Connecticut’s Kid Governor Brian Cofrancesco accepted the award during a ceremony in Secretary Merrill’s office at the State Capitol.

“On behalf of the Connecticut Public Affairs Network, I would like to thank Secretary Merrill and the NASS for this incredible award honoring the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program,” stated CPAN President & CEO Paul Giguere. “Since 1997, our mission at CPAN has been to educate residents - both young and old - on the importance of civic engagement. The response to CKG from teachers, parents, students and now the NASS has been nothing short of amazing over the program’s short two year run. We very much look forward to continuing to educate the fifth graders of Connecticut on state government and elections as CKG heads into an exciting third year and another statewide election this fall.”

Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN). CKG is sponsored by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and the Connecticut State Department of Education. The free program teaches fifth graders across the state about government, elections, and the importance of civics engagement through a real-life election that’s timed to coincide with Election Day in November. Winner of a 2016 Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program inspires students to be lifelong agents of change, active participants in our government, and registered voters when they turn 18. For more information on CKG - both the program and the student - follow Connecticut’s Kid Governor on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit the program’s website at CT.KidGovernor.org.

The Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) is a non-profit company based in Hartford, Connecticut that is committed to strengthening civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics and citizenship since 1997. CPAN manages the Connecticut Network (CT-N), a 24-hour media service providing C-SPAN-style, gavel-to-gavel coverage of state government and Connecticut’s Old State House’s (Downtown Hartford, CT) educational and community programming.

Connecticut's Old State House to Remember Fmr. Executive Director Bill Faude: Conversations at Noon Tuesday, June 27 at Noon

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
Contact Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

Hartford, CT - On Tuesday, June 27 Connecticut’s Old State House’s next installment of
Conversations at Noon will reflect on the work and legacy of historian, preservationist, author and one of Hartford’s most devoted, visionary and engaging champions – the late Wilson (Bill) H. Faude.

 

Known for his creative and enthusiastic promotion of Hartford’s history, Mr. Faude oversaw the restoration of two iconic Hartford landmarks - the Mark Twain House and Connecticut’s Old State House. He also authored numerous books relating to Connecticut history, including The Hidden History of Connecticut and The Renaissance of Mark Twain’s House.

The Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith will lead a conversation about Faude’s work, impact on our capital city’s landscape, and the enormous passion and civic pride he felt for Hartford, its historic gems and its stories. Smith will be joined by Architectural Historian Jared Edwards, who worked on restoration projects with Mr. Faude, Historian Bill Hosley, and Columnist Tom Condon.

This program is free to attend 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 Old State House Shop etc., located in the nearby State House Square, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase Connecticut, Hartford and Old State House-themed gifts, products and apparel. For more information on admission prices, school programs, upcoming events and hours visit www.ctoldstatehouse.org and follow Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  

2017 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Jessica Brocksom to Promote “Heat Kills” Program: Thursday, June 8 at 4:15 p.m. at John F. Kennedy School in Milford

View as PDF

 

Milford – On Thursday, June 8 at 4:15 p.m. 2017 Connecticut’s Kid Governor^SM (CKG) Jessica Brocksom will join State Representatives Pam Staneski (R-119), Charlie Ferraro (R-117) & Kim Rose (D-118), Milford Mayor Ben Blake, Milford Animal Control Officer Scott Ellingson, and Milford City Clerk Joanne Rohrig at her school, JFK School in Milford, to kick off a city-wide “Heat Kills” awareness program.

“Heat Kills” is designed to remind people about the dangers of leaving dogs and other domestic animals in cars during the warmer months. Promoting this program falls in line with CKG Brocksom’s platform Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice – a platform that she has been promoting throughout the state since her inauguration as CKG in January. Last November Brocksom was elected as the 2017 Connecticut’s Kid Governor by the state’s fifth graders after running a successful campaign promoting the humane treatment of animals.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor (CKG) is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN). CKG is sponsored by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and the Connecticut State Department of Education. The free program teaches fifth graders across the state about government, elections, and the importance of civics engagement through a real-life election that’s timed to coincide with Election Day in November. Winner of a 2016 Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the Connecticut’s Kid Governor program inspires students to be lifelong agents of change, active participants in our government, and registered voters when they turn 18. For more information on CKG - both the program and the student - follow Connecticut’s Kid Governor on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit the program’s website at CT.KidGovernor.org.

2017 Old State House Farmers Market Opens June 13 - Concerts Series Dates Announced

View as PDF

Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116

Hartford, CT – The Farmers Market at Connecticut’s Old State House, the oldest of its kind in the state, will open for the season on Tuesday, June 13 and will remain open every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through October (with the exception of Tuesday, July 4). Located in the heart of historic downtown Hartford, the Old State House Farmers Market invites participation from local farmers who are able to provide high-quality Connecticut-grown products and artisans of original, handcrafted and self-manufactured quality goods made in Connecticut.

Summer Concert Series Dates Announced:

The Old State House Farmers Market will continue with its popular Summer Fun at the Farmers Market concert series this season. All concerts begin at noon, take place outside of the Old State House on its Main Street courtyard and are free to the public to enjoy. The artists and dates are as follows:
 
·         The Jolly Beggars – Friday, June 23*
·         Locomotive Shipwreck – Friday, June 30*

·         Goza – Friday, July 14*

·         Mass-Conn Fusion – Friday, July 21^

·         Nu Haven Kapelye – Friday, July 28*

·         Judy Handler & Mark Levesque – Friday, August 4*

·         Dixieland Stomp – Friday, August 11^

·         Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble – Friday, August 25^

·         Balkun Brothers – Friday, September 8*

·         The Sweetest Key – Friday, September 15^

·         Band of Steady Habits – Friday, September 22*

 ^Supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign

*Supported by the Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee

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 museum is currently operating on its Regular Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Old State House Shop, located near the Food Court in State House Square, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase Connecticut, Hartford and Old State House-themed gifts, products and apparel. For more information on admission prices, school programs, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby follow Connecticut's Old State House on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the museum's website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

Students Win at 2017 Connecticut History Day State Contest - Move on to Nationals in June

For Immediate Release
May 2, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

Photo Credit: Rick Harrington

New Britain – On Saturday, April 29 over 400 history-loving students competed at the 2017 Connecticut History Day State Contest for a chance to represent the state at the 2017 National History Day® Contest at the University of Maryland in June. The contest, where over 70 Connecticut schools were represented, took place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

Full results from the 2017 CHD State Contest can be found here.

Middle and high school students who placed within the top two in their category are eligible to compete at the NHD Contest – with third place finishers acting as alternates. The students were required to relate their project to this year’s national theme: Taking a Stand in History. CHD students may work individually or in groups within the five History Day categories: Papers, Documentaries, Exhibits, Websites, and Performances. At the end of the contest, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard kicked-off the Awards Ceremony with a rousing performance. CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover and Education Commissioner Dr. Dianna Wentzell were on hand to present medals and awards. Additionally over twenty special prizes, sponsored by numerous museums and non-profit organizations from across the state, were presented to students.

 

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day®. The program is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org. To learn more about CHD, visit the program’s website www.historydayct.org and follow CHD on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Connecticut History Day Students Compete for Trip to National Contest: 400 Middle & High School Students Participating | Saturday, April 29 at CCSU

View as PDF

April 19, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

New Britain – On Saturday, April 29 over 400 history-loving students will compete for a chance to represent the state at the 2017 National History Day® Contest when they present their projects at the annual Connecticut History Day (CHD) State Contest taking place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

Middle and high school students who placed within the top three in their category at one of the state’s six regional contests will be competing at the day-long event where over 70 Connecticut schools will be represented. Participants, who have spent months researching and developing projects based on an historical topic of their choice, will present their work to teams of volunteer judges consisting of museum professionals, educators, historians and history lovers.

Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to participate in Connecticut History Day (CHD) and must relate their project to this year’s national theme: Taking a Stand in History. CHD students may work individually or in groups within the five History Day categories: Papers, Documentaries, Exhibits, Websites, and Performances. Students whose projects place within the top two in their category at the CHD State Contest will be invited to represent Connecticut at the National History Day® Contest taking place at the University of Maryland in June. Additionally, over twenty special prizes sponsored by numerous museums and non-profit organizations from across the state will be presented to students at the CHD Awards Ceremony taking place 3:30 p.m. in Welte Auditorium on the CCSU campus. The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard will kick-off the ceremony with a rousing performance. CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover, Education Commissioner Dr. Dianna Wentzell and CCSU History Professor Dr. Matthew Warshauer will be on hand to present awards to students.

Participants will begin presenting their projects at 9:30 a.m. Most of the judging will take place in the Social Sciences building, with the exception of the Exhibit Competition which is taking place in Davidson Hall. The public and media are welcome to watch website, performance, and documentary presentations throughout the morning – as well as sit in on the two paper seminars taking place at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. The Exhibit Hall will open to the public at 12:30 p.m. Judging will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Central Connecticut State University will be providing campus tours to parents and students throughout the day and Hartford-based artist Tang Sauce will perform his unique sound of old school hip-hop flow with new school perspective at 2:15 p.m. near the Dance Performance Building.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day®. The program is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org. To learn more about CHD, visit the program’s website www.historydayct.org and follow CHD on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Local High School & Middle School Students to ‘Take a Stand’ at Hartford History Day Contest: March 25 at Capital Community College

***Results Now Available***

Hartford – Nearly 300 Hartford-area middle and high school students will participate in the annual Hartford Regional History Day Contest set to take place at Capital Community College on Saturday, March 25. Volunteer judges will assess original student exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites and papers and send the top three projects from each category to the State History Day Contest where they will compete against winners from the state’s five other regional contests. The public and media are invited to attend the competition and view student projects between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. At 12:45 p.m. Tammy Denease will provide a living history performance for attendees as she portrays the life of African-American aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman. An Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1:45 p.m. – State Representative Edwin Vargas will be on hand to honor student winners.

Students representing towns and cities in the Hartford area will be participating in the March 25^th contest. A list of participating towns can be found here (scroll down to Hartford).

Participants will begin presenting to teams of judges at 9:30 a.m. Signage will be displayed within the school’s halls, directing attendees where to go for particular contests. The teams of judges – consisting of local educators, historians and history lovers – will review the projects and choose the top three in each category. More information about the day’s events, including the schedule, can be found here at the program’s website. Financial support for the Hartford Regional Contest is provided by Connecticut Humanities.

Students, who have now spent months developing their projects, based their entries on this year’s National History Day® theme, Taking a Stand in History.  Participants work alone or in groups and enter their project into one of five History Day categories: exhibits, documentaries, website, paper, and performance. The State History Day Contest is scheduled to take place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday, April 29.

Results from the Hartford Regional Contest will be posted to the Connecticut History Day website, www.historydayct.org, on Monday, March 27. For more information on the contest and the program, contact CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860.522.6766 ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD)®.  It is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org.  

300 Fairfield County Students to ‘Take a Stand’ at History Day Contest: Saturday, March 18 at Sacred Heart University

***Results Now Available***

Fairfield – Nearly 300 middle and high school students will participate in the annual Fairfield Regional History Day Contest set to take place at Sacred Heart University on Saturday, March 18. Volunteer judges will assess original student exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites and papers and send the top three projects from each category to the State History Day Contest where they will compete against winners from the state’s five other regional contests. The public and media are invited to attend the competition and view student projects between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. An Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2:45 p.m., where the Coastal Chordsmen will be on hand to perform before students are honored with awards and prizes. State Representative Laura Devlin will be on hand to honor winning students.

Students representing towns and cities in the Fairfield area will be participating in March 18th contest. A list of towns being represented at this contest can be seen here.

Participants will begin presenting to teams of judges at 9:30 a.m. Signage will be displayed around the campus, directing attendees where to go for particular contests. The teams of judges – consisting of local educators, historians and history lovers – will review the projects and choose the top three in each category. The contest is being coordinated with the assistance of Sacred Heart University’s Department of History and Department of Communication and Media Arts. Financial support for the Fairfield contest has been provided by the National Veterans Service Fund and the Retired Teachers of Fairfield County.

Students, who have now spent months developing their projects, based their entries on this year’s National History Day® theme, Taking a Stand in History.  Participants work alone or in groups and enter their project into one of five History Day categories: exhibits, documentaries, website, paper, and performance. The State History Day Contest is scheduled to take place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday, April 29.

Results from the Fairfield Regional Contest will be posted to the Connecticut History Day website, www.historydayct.org, on Monday, March 20. For more information on the contest and the program, contact CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860.522.6766 ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD)®.  It is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org.  

300 Students to "Take a Stand" at Annual Torrington History Day Regional Contest: Saturday, March 11 at Torrington High School

***Results Now Available***

Torrington – Nearly 300 middle and high school students will participate in the annual Torrington Regional History Day Contest set to take place at Torrington High School on Saturday, March 11. Volunteer judges will assess original student exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites and papers and send the top three projects from each category to the State History Day Contest where they will compete against winners from the state’s five other regional contests. The public and media are invited to attend the competition and view student projects between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. An Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m. State Senator Kevin Witkos and State Representative Michelle Cook will be on hand to present students with awards and prizes.

Students representing towns and cities in the Torrington area will be participating in the March 11^th contest. A list of participating towns can be found here.

Participants will begin presenting to teams of judges at 9:30 a.m. Signage will be displayed around the school, directing attendees where to go for particular contests. The teams of judges – consisting of local educators, historians and history lovers – will review the projects and choose the top three in each category. More information about the day’s events, including the schedule, can be found here at the program’s website.

Students, who have now spent months developing their projects, based their entries on this year’s National History Day® theme, Taking a Stand in History.  Participants work alone or in groups and enter their project into one of five History Day categories: exhibits, documentaries, website, paper, and performance. The State History Day Contest is scheduled to take place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday, April 29.The Torrington Regional Contest is supported by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. Financial support is provided by the Northwestern Connecticut Community Foundation.

Results from the Torrington Regional Contest will be posted to the Connecticut History Day website, www.historydayct.org, on Monday, March 13. For more information on the contest and the program, contact CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860.522.6766 ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD)®.  It is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org.  

Connecticut’s Old State House Announces Spring 2017 Installments of Conversations at Noon

View as PDF

For Immediate Release
March 1, 2017
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

Hartford – Connecticut’s Old State House in downtown Hartford has announced the next three installments of its popular and free lunchtime lecture series Conversations at Noon. Conversations at Noon is a monthly, hour-long program that is open to the public thanks to the support of Connecticut Humanities. Each program begins with a featured speaker that discusses a historical or civic-related theme and culminates with a panel discussion moderated by the Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) award-winning journalist Diane Smith. The March, April and May installments are as follows:

A Conversation with Retired Supreme Court Justice Peter T. Zarella

Tuesday, March 21 at noon

Peter T. Zarella served on the Connecticut Supreme Court for nearly 16 years until his retirement from the bench in December. During Zarella’s time on the state’s highest court, cases came before him that have shaped our modern society including the death penalty, gay marriage and eminent domain. On Tuesday, March 21 he’ll reflect on his experiences and decisions while serving on the Supreme Court when he sits down for a one-on-one conversation with CT-N’ s Diane Smith. 

  

Play Ball: America’s Favorite Pastime in Hartford

Tuesday, April 11 at noon 

Celebrate baseball’s return to Hartford on Tuesday, April 11 as Dr. Warren Goldstein, author of Playing for Keeps: A History of Early Baseball, discusses the surprisingly modern culture of early professional baseball and Hartford’s history with America’s favorite pastime. Following Dr. Goldstein’s talk, the General Manager of the Hartford Yard Goats Tim Restall and Play-by-Play Announcer for UConn, NBC Connecticut Sports Anchor and host of Joe D and Gresh on WTIC-1080 Joe D’Ambrosio will step up to the plate to talk baseball today.

Lest They Perish: Refugee Resettlement in Connecticut

Tuesday, May 23 at noon

The debate about opening American doors to those fleeing war is nothing new. World War I was particularly traumatic for communities across the Middle East who, in addition to the human toll of the conflict, experienced widespread displacement due to forced relocation, mass migration, and targeted massacres. On Tuesday, May 23 join Yale Scholar Amy Fallas-Kerr as she highlights American efforts to alleviate these humanitarian crises and reviews the first large-scale philanthropic project in response to the plight of Armenians, Syrians and Greeks from 1915-1930. Following her talk, Fallas-Kerr will be joined by Homa Naficy from the Hartford Public Library for a discussion on the ongoing national debate and Connecticut’s efforts regarding refugees and immigration.

 

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 museum is currently operating on its Regular Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Old State House Shop, located near the Food Court in State House Square, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase Connecticut, Hartford and Old State House-themed gifts, products and apparel. For more information on admission prices, school programs, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby follow Connecticut's Old State House on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the museum's website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

 

200 Students to "Take a Stand" at Annual Mansfield History Day Regional Contest: Saturday, March 4 at Mansfield Middle School - RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE

***Results Now Available***

Mansfield, CT – Nearly 200 middle and high school students will participate in the annual Mansfield Regional History Day Contest set to take place at Mansfield Middle School on Saturday, March 4. Volunteer judges will assess original student exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites and papers and send the top three projects from each category to the State History Day Contest where they will compete against winners from the state’s five other regional contests. The public and media are invited to attend the competition and view student projects between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. An Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. State Senator Mae Flexer will be on hand to assist with presenting awards and prizes.

Students representing towns and cities in the Mansfield area will be participating in the March 4th contest. A list of participating towns can be found here, under the "Mansfield" category. Participants will begin presenting to teams of judges at 9:30 a.m. Signage will be displayed around the school, directing attendees where to go for particular contests. The teams of judges – consisting of local educators, historians and history lovers – will review the projects and choose the top three in each category. More information about the day’s events, including the schedule, can be found here at the program’s website.

Students, who have now spent months developing their projects, based their entries on this year’s National History Day® theme, Taking a Stand in History.  Participants work alone or in groups and enter their project into one of five History Day categories: exhibits, documentaries, website, paper, and performance. The State History Day Contest is scheduled to take place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday, April 29.

Results from the Mansfield Regional Contest will be posted to the Connecticut History Day website, www.historydayct.org, on Monday, March 6. For more information on the contest and the program, contact CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860.522.6766 ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD)®.  It is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org.  

250 New Haven-Area Students to ‘Take a Stand’ at Annual History Day Contest: Saturday, March 4 at SCSU - RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE

***Results Now Available****

New Haven Contest Schedule

New Haven – Nearly 250 New Haven area middle and high school students will participate in the annual New Haven Regional History Day Contest set to take place at Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday, March 4. Volunteer judges will assess original student exhibits, performances, documentaries, websites and papers and send the top three projects from each category to the State History Day Contest where they will compete against winners from the state’s five other regional contests. The public and media are invited to attend the competition and view student projects between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. An Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. in Engleman Hall on the SCSU campus. State Representative Roland Lemar will be on hand to honor winning students.

Students representing towns and cities in the New Haven area will be participating in the March 4^th contest. A list of towns being represented at the New Haven Contest can be found here under the "New Haven" category. Participants will begin presenting to teams of judges at 9:30 a.m. Signage will be displayed on campus, directing attendees where to go for particular contests. The teams of judges – consisting of local educators, historians and history lovers – will review the projects and choose the top three in each category. More information about the day’s events, including the schedule, can be found here at the program’s website.

Students, who have now spent months developing their projects, based their entries on this year’s National History Day® theme, Taking a Stand in History. Participants work alone or in groups and enter their project into one of five History Day categories: exhibits, documentaries, website, paper, and performance. The State History Day Contest is scheduled to take place at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain on Saturday, April 29.The New Haven contest is being coordinated by the Southern Connecticut State University History Department and the New Haven Museum.

Results from the New Haven Regional Contest will be posted to the Connecticut History Day website, www.historydayct.org, on Monday, March 6. For more information on the contest and the program, contact CHD State Coordinator Rebecca Taber-Conover at 860.522.6766 ext. 11 or rebecca.taber-conover@cga.ct.gov.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD)®.  It is led by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) with support from the Connecticut State Department of Education, Connecticut Council for the Social Studies, the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Explored Magazine, and ConnecticutHistory.org.