The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem.
Courtesy of Olivia Grella
Free museum passes available in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM — Connecticut Landmarks’ Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St. North, is providing an opportunity for Bethlehem residents to check out the grounds for free starting in May.
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Free passes are available for use from May 1 to Nov. 1. Residents will be able to freely explore the grounds and the garden. The passes do not include admission to guided museum and garden tours or public programs.
The 10-acre site is made up of the grounds, a formal parterre garden and the 18th century residence built by the Rev. Joseph Bellamy. The museum provides an opportunity to learn about the life of Caroline Ferriday, a 20th-century philanthropist who championed human rights and social justice causes.
Connecticut Landmarks’ Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem will be opening for the season in May and is providing Bethlehem residents with free passes to visit the grounds.
Courtesy of Olivia Grella
“For nearly three centuries, the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden has sat at the north end of Bethlehem’s green as a local landmark, member of the community, witness to history, and a place to draw inspiration,” said site administrator Peg Shimer. “As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary this year, we are excited to welcome residents of Bethlehem to enjoy the beauty of this beloved property with free grounds passes.”
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Passes can be acquired at the museum’s visitor center by showing ID with a Bethlehem address.
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The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from May to September from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays in October from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit ctlandmarks.org.
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Elsie Whitmore Southwick Clark’s portrait of Jane Peterson, circa 1914, is a part of the “About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits” on display at the Mattatuck Museum through Aug. 16.
Courtesy of Mattatuck Museum
May events at Mattatuck Museum
WATERBURY — The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St., has an array of events taking place in May from hands-on art workshops, family-friendly activities, and lectures, which coincide with the opening of the new “About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits” exhibition this month.
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“Sculpting the Human Hand,” Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is an adult workshop, led by educators from Mystic Museum of Art, will show attendees form and technique.
Blooming hand totes, Saturday, noon to 1 p.m. This kid-friendly event lets attendees create personalized floral tote bags for Mother’s Day.
Ceramic egg trays, Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m. This intermediate youth workshop allows attendees to design decorative and functional clay pieces.
“Project Unsheltered Art,” Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. This event provides the unhoused community in the Waterbury area an opportunity to showcase their artwork to museum members.
Teen Time, May 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Teens are welcome for art-making and summer-themed activities.
“Lunch and Learn: Hands in Art,” May 6, lecture from noon to 1 p.m. and workshop from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. Attendees will explore the symbolism of hands in art history, along with a sculpting session.
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum trip, May 8. This special outing for museum members will provide an opportunity to check out the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield. Transportation via museum van is available.
“Ask a Curator,” May 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guest will get an in-depth look at the exhibition “Ascendancy: The Self in Contemporary Art” and have the opportunity to ask question as they meet up with curator Camilo Alvarez.
History hike at Southford Falls, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees will get a guided outdoor experience along with some local history and nature. Transportation is provided. Registration is required.
Free admission day, May 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All those who stop by the museum will get in free of charge due to the support from the Art Bridges Foundation.
“About Face” opening celebration and Waterbury America 250 kickoff, May 15, 5 to 7 p.m. The event will celebrate the opening of the new “About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits” exhibition and the nation’s 250th anniversary. There will be light refreshments available. Open to all, but registration is encouraged.
“Cocktails and Conversations: Reflections on 250 Years in American Art,” May 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A panel will talk about the connection between the museum’s “About Face: 250 Years of American Portraits” exhibition with related works at Yale University Art Gallery.
“Food for Life: Food and Fitness,” May 31 noon to 2 p.m. This free wellness program, which includes a cooking demonstration, will dive into plant-based nutrition for performance and recovery. Pre-registration is required.
For full program details and registration, visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden in Woodbury.
Courtesy of the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Woodbury museum seeks volunteers
WOODBURY — The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, which will begin its 2026 season Friday, is seeking volunteers.
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Those looking to learn about and share the stories of the families who lived at the historical site can attend the new volunteer meet and greet Saturday at 10 a.m.
The volunteer position provides the opportunity to become tour guides and shopkeepers, and assist with youth and educational programs and special events.
The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden in Woodbury will be hosting a new volunteer meet and greet event on May 2, 2026.
Courtesy of the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Volunteers can also become a part of Gertrude’s Gardeners, which maintains the only existing American garden planned by English designer Gertrude Jekyll.
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The event also includes a short tour around the premises and light refreshments.
There will be monthly meetings of the Friends of the Glebe House, which provides volunteers with the chance to get to know each other, participate in group activities, and take field trips. Training and educational materials will be provided.
Those interested in submitting an application can call/email the museum director for more information at 203-263-2855 or email office@glebehousemuseum.org.
The museum is located at 49 Hollow Road. For more information, visit glebehousemuseum.org.
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Harwinton library to host May events
HARWINTON — Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive, will host several events in May, including film screenings, musicals, and Mother’s Day crafts.
Free screening for the musical “1776,” Friday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees may bring a box lunch or snack.
“From Liberty to Legacy, ‘1776’ and ‘Hamilton’: Two American Musicals,” Saturday, 11 a.m. During this free program, presenter and theater director Michael Langlois will utilize video clips and compare the musicals and their opposing visions of an America society at a crossroads. It is part of Harwinton’s America 250 celebration. Registration is required.
Mother’s Day craft, May 9, 10:30 a.m. The Harwinton Women’s Club will assist kids ages 4 to 10 in making pop-up cards and tissue paper flowers. Registration is required.
Teen watercolor book tracker, May 13, 6 p.m. Children ages 11 and older will collage using watercolors to create a book tracker for the summer. Registration is required.
Afternoon book discussion, May 14, 2 p.m. This month’s discussion will be on “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. Copies are the book are available at the library.
Evening book discussion, May 18, 6 p.m. This month’s discussion will be on “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” Copies are the book are available at the library.
“SAVED: Equine Rescues of Connecticut,” May 20, 6 p.m. Andrea Steele, author of “SAVED: Equine Rescues of Connecticut,” will use personal stories and photos to help illustrate the story for attendees ages 10 and older. She will be joined by Jennifer Smith, founder of Operation Hold Your Horses, which is featured in the book. Registration is required.
Craft and Chat, May 22, 3 to 5 p.m. attendees can bring a project and supplies and utilize the time to working on it. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Bubble science, May 30, 10:30 a.m. The program, for those ages 6 to 12, will be led by Coolology, a hands-on, inquiry-based STEM/STEAM program designed to get kids excited about science, engineering, and the world around them. Registration is required.
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For more information or to register, visit harwintonlibrary.org.
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