To the Editor:

It is with sadness that I turn the calendar to see that July 13 has arrived. I am sad because this would have been the opening day for the Newtown Historical Society’s History Camp. Unfortunately, History Camp had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.

Fourteen years ago, Patty Graves and I launched our first History Camp for 8-, 9-, and 10-year-old children with the backing of the Society. Through the years we have had great fun relating some of Newtown’s history to the children, as well as playing colonial games, making marbles, churning butter, making tin lanterns, learning about colonial religion, fighting a fire with the old fashioned bucket brigade, and other activities.

The children have been cooperative and enthusiastic. Our staff, led by our excellent head teacher, Melissa Houston, has been terrific and long serving. All in all, it has been a great experience.

It is our hope that we may be able to resurrect the Camp in 2021. If you have children who might be interested or would be willing to help yourself, please contact me, Gordon Williams, at 601B Heritage Village, Southbury CT 06488 or call me at 203-405-6392.

Let us hope for better days ahead.

Sincerely,

Gordon M. Williams

Heritage Village, Southbury July 13, 2020