Upcoming Programs At Osborne Museum & Kellogg Center

DERBY — The Osborne Homestead Museum and Kellogg Environmental Center have plans for a number of interactive and educational activities. Unless specified, programs are free and suitable for all ages.

Volunteer Peter Rzasa will lead a hike called “Reading The Forested Landscape” on Saturday, August 25, through the grounds of the Kellogg Estate and Osbornedale State Park. Participants will examine the forest landscape and reconstruct its history, using various clues found along the way. They will also develop new observational skills and knowledge of the kinds of clues to look for when interpreting forest history. The hike will begin at 10 am and continue until noon; participants should meet in the front lobby of the Kellogg Environmental Center at 10 am.

On Saturday, September 15, enjoy a guided walk through the historic gardens of the Osborne Homestead museum. Learn about Colonial Revival Gardens and then take time to sketch an arbor, sundial, house or garden. This program will take from 10:30 am until noon and is geared for ages 12 and older.

Also on September 15, “Bird Feeding for Beginners” will be offered. Learn to attract birds with bird feeders and natural landscaping. Participants will learn to make their own simple backyard feeders and also find out about the national Project FeederWatch program, which is great for homeschoolers, students, and all interested birders. This program will take place from 10 to 11:30 am at Kellogg Environmental Center.

At the Osborne Homestead Museum on Friday, September 21, from 12:30 to 2 pm, relive a bit of the 1940s and learn how Frances Kellogg fared during World War II during “The Farm and The Home Front in the 1940s.”

Recently discovered letters provide insight into her lifestyle during the war years and the difficulties on Osbornedale Farm. Included in the program is a display of actual artifacts and some re-created items form the era. Big Band music of the 1940s will be playing and visitors will be invited to try their hand at knitting for the troops using special Red Cross patterns.

For those who enjoy watching birds, volunteer Maria Stockmal will lead a relaxing Saturday morning walk in search of local birds at Kellogg Environment Center. During the September 29 program, experience the joy of observing birds in the wild, sharpen your bird identification skills, or just enjoy a Saturday morning hike through the grounds of the environmental center and Osbornedale State Park.

The walk will begin at 8 am and last up to two hours, depending on conditions. Meet in the parking lot of the environmental center to begin. All levels of birders are encouraged to participate.

Finally, a reminder that The Osborne Homestead Museum is regularly open for free guided tours on Thursday and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. There is no admission cost; donations are gratefully accepted.

The Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum are part of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental Education. Both facilities are located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue off Route 34 in Derby (watch for signs). For registration or for more information on these activities, 734-2513.