Connecticut Museums

Not The Usual Fare

By Nancy K. Crevier

High airfares and the upwardly creeping prices of gasoline may combine to make “Staycationing” in Connecticut more appealing this summer than it was when the program was introduced last year. But when the stack of books next to the backyard hammock grows dull and the kids tire of running through the sprinkler, families may need to look beyond the picket fence for entertainment — particularly if the early summer rainstorms continue through the months of July and August.

Along with the usual historic homes, nature centers, educational and children’s museums that are fun to visit, Connecticut is also home to some more unusual museums that make for a fun outing, many of which are part of the official Connecticut Staycation plan, offering special discounts and promotions for Connecticut residents.

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Newtown, off of I-84 Exit 16, at 1101 Southford Road in Middlebury. The museum boasts over 40 antique trucks, cars, carriages and boats, and features free cruise nights this summer on Tuesdays, July 28 and August 18, at 5:30 pm. Complimentary refreshments are available to visitors.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children, and has a $20 family cap on admission prices. For more information call 577-2181 or visit goldenagetruckmuseum.com.

Mention “Staycation” at the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and get 10 percent off in the gift shop. Situated on six acres at 314 Unquowa Road in Fairfield, the National Historical Landmark designated bird sanctuary is a great place to introduce young and old to bird watching on the many trails or through interactive exhibits in the museum. More information can be found at ctaudubon.org or by calling 259-0416.

After extensive renovations, The Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum in Cheshire recently reopened after renovations. The museum, a collection of over 80,000 items used or played with by children from 1873 to present times offers something to amuse family member of all ages.

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday in the summer, from noon to 4 pm, and at 1188 Highland Avenue. Connecticut residents mentioning “Staycation” at this museum receive a free souvenir. Call 203-699-3822 or visit BarkerMuseum.com for more information.

Who doesn’t love a merry-go-round? In Bristol, make time this summer to visit the New England Carousel Museum, where one of the country’s largest collections of antique carousel pieces is housed. The building also is home to the Museum of Fire History, so it is a two for one bonus.

Receive a 10 percent admission discount by mentioning “Staycation” between now and September 7. More information on the museums can be found at TheCarouselMuseum.org or by calling 860-585-5411.

No “time” for that? Visit the American Clock and Watch Museum, also in Bristol, at 100 Maple Avenue. Just $5 gains admission to this one-of-a-kind museum, if you blurt out “Staycation.” Find out more at ClockAndWatchMuseum.org, or call 860-583-6070.

Eleven buildings are filled with industrial and agricultural history at the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum in Kent, located at 31Kent-Cornwall Road. This museum offers the ultimate bargain: no admission fee, and a free guided tour upon request. Call 860-927-0050 to find out more.

Two unusual Connecticut museums operated by the Connecticut Resources Recovery Association (CRRA) are good places for families to “talk trash.” The Connecticut Garbage Museum in Stratford showcases Trash-o-saurus, a dinosaur made from a ton of trash, the amount of trash thrown away every year by Connecticut residents. Visitors can also get a close up look at what happens during the sorting cycle for recycled materials.

The Temple of Trash at the CRRA Trash Museum, 211 Murphy Road in Hartford, is an “eye-spy” sort of place for discovering items that could be recycled, and getting a good look at the workings of a recycling plant. Both museums offer children’s activities. Admission is $2 at the Garbage Museum, free for Connecticut residents at the Trash Museum. Information for the Trash Museum is by calling 860-757-7765; the Garbage Museum at 381-9571.

Museums in Connecticut dedicated to the preservation of the trolley car era of the early 1900s are The Shore Line Trolley Museum at 17 River Street in East Haven and the Connecticut Trolley Museum at 58 North Road in East Windsor. The Shore Line has a Staycation shout-out offer of $1 off each fare up to $6; the Connecticut Trolley Museum Staycation mention gets you one free child admission with a paid adult admission.

Both museums are a haven for vintage trolley vehicle aficionados. Visit bera.org or call 203-467-6927 for Shore Line Trolley Museum information; ct-trolley.org or 860-627-6540 for Connecticut Trolley Museum information.

There is a free gift for visitors who mention “Staycation” at the Blue Slope Country Museum in Franklin. It is a bit more of a drive, but remember, Connecticut is not that large of a state. The working dairy farm at 138 Blue Hill Road offers educational programs and wagon rides pulled by work horses through 380 acres of farm and woods, as well as other seasonal activities.

Blue Slope Farm is the perfect place to indulge the inner farmer. Call 860-642-6413 or visit BlueSlope.com for information.

If the rain has you feeling like locking everyone up and throwing the key away, maybe a visit to the 19th century stone jail at Old Tolland Country Jail & Museum will make family members toe the line. The museum visit, admission by donation, also provides a look at an 1893 jailer’s house, early American lighting, and farm tools of that era. Call 860-870-9599 or visit TollAndHistorical.org for information. A free history booklet goes to the first 100 Staycation visitors this summer.

Not too far down the road is the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry will tickle the fancy of those who love marionette lore. “Punch and Judy: Hand Puppets, Politics and Humor” is this summer’s featured exhibit. More information can be found at bimp.uconn.edu, or call 860-486-4605.

The Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is in East Granby, and offers a 20 percent gift shop discount with the mention of Staycation. The National Historic Landmark was Connecticut’s first prison, where prisoners labored in the copper mines located there during the first half of the 18th Century. Visitors can view the prison yard, ruins, and access the underground tunnels. Call 860-653-3563 for information.

Nearby in Windsor, radio buffs will have a field day at the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut. “Staycationers” receive $4 off the $7 admission price with a valid Connecticut ID.

Hands-on exhibits, classes and 3,000 square feet of communications displays will amaze youngsters who cannot remember a time without advanced technology. The museum is at 115 Person Land in Windsor. Information is at vrcmct.org or by calling 860-683-2903.

Lighthouses always evoke a feeling of summer, so head down to the shore where the Old Lighthouse Museum and Captain Palmer House in Stonington welcome visitors. Bring along an out-of-state visitor and the $8 admission fee on Fridays is free to the accompanying Connecticut resident.

The Lighthouse Museum is located at 7 Water Street in Stonington, the Captain Palmer House at 40 Palmer Street. Call 860-535-8445 or visit StoningtonHistory.org for information.

If the rain holds off, The Sculpture Miles at Madison in Ivoryton is a free outside museum with more than 40 sculptures by famous living artists on display along Main Street. More information is available at 860-767-2624 or at hollycroft.org.

Explore Connecticut, save money, and have fun. The off-the-beaten-track museums of the state are just a few of the ways to Staycation with a purpose this summer. For a full list of Staycation opportunities, visit ctvisit.com.