‘Are We There Yet?’ — Special Programs At CHS

HARTFORD — Like the rides in a back seat while on a roadtrip with your parents (“Are we there yet?”), the pursuit of cleanliness also seems unending.

Over the past two centuries, cleanliness has been essential to our well-being. Countless techniques and products have been developed for keeping homes and bodies clean. Technology has supposedly developed “easier-to-use” and “better” products, but have we really improved our ability to keep clean?

“Are We Clean Yet? A Light-Hearted Look at The Pursuit of Cleanliness Over Two Centuries,” on view at Connecticut Historical Society until June 5, explores Connecticut’s contribution to the American pursuit of cleanliness.

Visitors will see artifacts like early 20th Century washing machines, floor sweepers and bathroom “ingenuities” next to their modern counterparts. Seen next to the modern Roomba™ Robotic Floorvac, the Leader Suction Cleaner (made in Hartford in 1910) seems quirky and funny.

Interactives for the whole family are supplemented with vintage videos that highlight the humorous and innovative ways keeping clean has been sold to the public.

Special programs are being offered in conjunction with the exhibition, including “History’s Urban Pack Rats: The Collyer Brothers” on Tuesday, January 11, at 7 pm.

In his one-hour program, author Franz Lidz (Ghosty Men: The Strange But True Story of The Collyer Brothers, New York’s Greatest Hoarders) will discuss the legendary “Hermits of Harlem” who filled their four-story mansion with 180 tons of “stuff,” from newspapers to a dismantled Model T.

On Tuesday, February 1, professional organizer Faith Manierre will present “Getting Out From Under the Clutter,” also a one-hour program beginning at 7 pm.

Ms Manierre, the president of the Connecticut chapter of The National Association of Professional Organizers, will introduce techniques designed to simplify and reduce growing piles of clutter.

On Thursday, February 17, Katina Manko will present “Door-To-Door: The Fuller Brush Men & Their Followers” beginning at 6:30 pm. Ms Manko will offer a program on the iconoclastic American company started by a 21-year-old entrepreneur in Hartford.

Cost for any of these programs is $6, and reservations are requested; call 860-236-5621.

Regular museum admission is $6 for adults, or $3 for senior citizens, college students and visitors ages 6 to 17 (children ages five and under are admitted for free). Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

Connecticut Historical Society is at One Elizabeth Street, at the corner of Asylum Avenue.