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

chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

(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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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

chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

(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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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

 

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For Immediate Release

June 9, 2014

Contact: Chris Zaccaro

chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

(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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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

 

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For Immediate Release

June 3, 2014

Contact: Chris Zaccaro

chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

(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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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

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For Immediate Release

June 2, 2014

Contact: Chris Zaccaro

chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

(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 17^th 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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Conversations at Noon: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: The Labor Movement in Connecticut

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: The Labor Movement in Connecticut

Old State House, Conversations at Noon – Tues, May 20

 

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For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                          May 5, 2014

                                                                                                                          Contact: Chris Zaccaro

                                                                                                                          (860) 246-1553 ext. 116

                                                                                                                                       chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov

As Connecticut struggles to retain jobs and attract new companies, we often hear that people are moving out of the state because they can’t find work; yet not that long ago Connecticut had one of the lowest unemployment rates of any state in the nation.

Where did the jobs go? Where will new jobs come from? Discover the answers to these questions and more on Tuesday, May 20 as the Old State House welcomes featured speaker Dr. Cecelia Bucki, Professor of History at Fairfield University, for the next installment of Conversations at Noon.

During her talk, Dr. Bucki will discuss the rise of factories during the nineteenth century and the employees who formed unions to fight for better working conditions. Following her lecture, Dr. Bucki will be joined by John Olsen, President Emeritus of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, and Dan Haar, Business Columnist for The Hartford Courant, for a panel discussion moderated by the Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith. The panel will focus on the future of jobs in Connecticut and will allow the audience to share their views and ask questions.

Bring your lunch and enjoy this free program, which lasts one hour. Conversations at Noon: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: The Labor Movement in Connecticut is co-sponsored by Connecticut Explored, with major funding provided by Connecticut Humanities.

Located in Hartford, just a short walk from the Wadsworth Atheneum and Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut’s Old State House was the Constitution State’s original seat of government from 1796 to 1878 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, follow the Old State House on Facebook and Twitter or visit its website at www.ctoldstatehouse.org. Conversations at Noon is taped in front of a live audience by the Connecticut Network - past programs can be viewed On-Demand on www.CT-N.com.

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History Takes Over Connecticut: 2014 History Day State Contest

History Takes Over Connecticut:

2014 History Day State Contest

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman & National History Day Exec. Director Dr. Cathy Gorn to Attend

 

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For Immediate Release

 

April 21, 2014

Contact: Rebecca Taber-Conover

Rebecca.Taber-Conover@cga.ct.gov

(860) 522-6766

 

The History Day in Connecticut State Contest will be taking place on Saturday, April 26 at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. This year, over 400 students from across the state will participate in the annual contest that determines who will move on and represent Connecticut at this year’s National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

Last year, the Connecticut delegation made a statement at the National Contest by finishing with two second place medals, one third place medal, a George Washington Leadership in History Prize, two Outstanding Entry Awards and one four-year scholarship to the University of Maryland.

For the past several months, 4,000 Connecticut students in grades 6-12 have prepared history research projects based on this year’s National History Day theme of Rights and Responsibilities in History. Those who placed in the top three in a category at each Regional Contest were invited to compete in the State Contest. The categories for History Day include Research Paper, Website, Exhibit, Performance or Documentary. The Junior Division consists of students in grades 6-8 and the Senior Division consists of students in grades 9-12. 

Connecticut Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and the Executive Director of National History Day, Dr. Cathy Gorn, will be on hand to meet students and assist with the presentation of awards. Those students who place in the top two in each category will move on to the National Competition in June. Over twenty other special prizes sponsored by a variety of organizations will also be awarded.

This year’s State Contest will begin with a Welcoming Ceremony at 9 a.m. The presentations and judging will be taking place in the Social Sciences Building and the Constitution Room in Memorial Hall.  The day will culminate with a grand Awards Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in Welte Auditorium. The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Band will kick off the ceremony with patriotic songs.  You can view a map of the CCSU campus here.

History Day in Connecticut is one of 54 affiliate programs of National History Day. It is sponsored by Connecticut’s Old State House with support from the Connecticut Historical Society, the League of History Organizations and ConnecticutHistory.org. Major funding is provided by Connecticut Humanities. For more information on History Day in Connecticut, contact Rebecca Taber-Conover, State Coordinator for History Day in Connecticut, at Rebecca.Taber-Conover@cga.ct.gov or (860) 522-6766. For media related inquiries, contact Chris Zaccaro at Chris.Zaccaro@cga.ct.gov or (860) 246-1553 ext. 116.

Learn more about History Day in Connecticut by visiting its webpage http://historydayct.org/ or by liking its Facebook page. The National History Day website may be viewed at http://nhd.org.

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