CT Historical Society Set To Open ‘She Shoots...

She Scores! Women’s Basketball In Connecticut’

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) will celebrate the opening of a new exhibit, “She Shoots… She Scores! Women’s Basketball in Connecticut.”

Opening January 27, 2009, and running until January 27, 2010, the exhibit will highlight the history of Connecticut’s favorite sport. Included in the exhibit will be teams including the All American Red Heads, UConn Huskies, Connecticut Sun and the New England Blizzard, as well as Connecticut corporate teams sponsored by companies like Aetna, Travelers and others.

Throughout the year a selection of pubic programs will be offered by CHS to accompany the exhibition, including a March 12 panel discussion entitled “Title IX: On the Court and Off,” offered in partnership with WNPR.

With the UConn Huskies capturing the hearts of many fans in Connecticut, women’s basketball is at the forefront of sports today. But the “basket ball” story dates back to 1892, when girls enthusiastically embraced the game originally developed for boys. “She Shoots... She Scores” traces how the game has changed since its inception and show the correlation between how women’s changing social and political roles have been paralleled in the game and how the passion to play basketball continues to grow today.

The exhibit will feature memorabilia from throughout the last century and footage from some of the most exciting moments in the sport. Adding to the exhibit will be a new feature for CHS, Guide by Cell, which will allow visitors to listen via cellphone to players and coaches including Rebecca Lobo, Mike Thibault, Tamika Raymond, Geno Auriemma and others as they describe their personal experiences with the sport.

“She Shoots... She Scores” will feature rare, never-before-seen sports memorabilia including an official 1901 Spaulding rule book, Rebecca Lobo’s National Team uniform worn in the Olympics tournament in 1996, Jennifer Rizzoti’s New England Blizzard jersey, and more. Displayed in the exhibit will be footage of exciting moments and highlights from the game including the 1995 UConn Championship Season.

“She Shoots... She Scores” will kick-off with special opening festivities on Tuesday, January 27, starting at 5:30 pm. The exhibit will be open for viewing, CHS Director Kate Steinway will offer opening remarks, and Chris Sienko, general manager of the Connecticut Sun, will speak as well. Mr Sienko will be joined by other members of the Sun front office and Blaze, the teams’ official mascot, will be present to greet guests.

Plus, at 7 pm, the exhibit design team will offer a special gallery talk that will provide a first-hand account of how the exhibition came to be. Guests will learn how they went about researching the topic with the help of some of the most respected names in the sport. Light refreshments will be served.

Those interested in attending are asked to contact Sue Gallagher at 860-236-5621, extension 223.

For more information about the exhibit or opening night, visit CHS.org.