Then Again, It’s Fairfield’s Heritage

Our past culture, art, and community life have come back to life. The Fairfield Museum and History Center recently opened Museum Commons, where revitalized buildings and new  hands-on exhibitions allow visitors to step back into the 1700s and connect with the town’s heritage.

The three  buildings that make up the Commons include the Victorian Cottage and Barn (c. 1888) and the Sun Tavern (c. 1780). At the Victorian Cottage, children can learn about what it meant to be a good citizen and find examples of natural resources through interactive maps and family-friendly activities. Food lovers, especially, should explore the Victorian Barn, which highlights Fairfield’s agricultural roots as well as farming tools and techniques. Everyone will enjoy the immersive experience at the Sun Tavern, where visitors can sit at tavern tables, read stories from a 200-year-old newspaper, and stand trial about counterfeiting or spying in the “Seeking Justice” room.

“The Museum Commons on the historic town green will be a continually evolving cultural space,” said Fairfield Museum Executive Director Mike Jehle. “The buildings and exhibitions will engage visitors and the open spaces on the Museum Commons will serve as an outdoor venue for entertainment and the arts.”

Bring the little ones to Storytime at the Cottage on Fridays at 11 a.m.; learn about conservation at Earth Heroes Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.; or take a guided tour of the Sun Tavern on Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Museum Commons is open now until Labor Day weekend. Stop by Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-1598; fairfieldhistory.org

Special Event: Saturday, July 8, 6-8 p.m. Stop by the Sun Tavern to socialize, enjoy beer and dance to traditional music like it’s the late-1700s. Learn about local brews from Aspetuck Brew Lab of Fairfield and about local hops and ingredients used in colonial times. Performers will be in period dress and guide guests through easy dances. Registration recommended ($20-$25) at http://www.fairfieldhistory.org/event/tavern-night/.

Images are Courtesy of Fairfield Museum and History Center

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