Madison Remembers: The Construction of the Connecticut Turnpike
September 26, 2008
Friday 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Lee Academy

The MHS's new oral history project begins in the fall of 2008 with two opportunities for Madison citizens to share their personal experiences on selected topics. The construction and opening of the Connecticut Turnpike will be the first topic for exploration. MHS moderators will lead the discussion and record the memories of anyone who worked on the construction of the highway, who lived on land in its path, or who has any other memories to share about the turnpike's impact on life in Madison at mid-twentieth century.

There is no fee for this program, either to participate or to attend. All stories will be recorded, and all will become part of an audio archive dedicated to preserving the voices of Madison as its citizens recall the important events in town history.

In Their Own Words: Tales from West Cemetery
October 5, 2008
Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This self-guided interactive tour of Madison's historic West Cemetery features eight costumed reenactors playing the roles of prominent former citizens of Madison. Hear such notables as Madison patriot Captain Frederick Lee and abolitionist Chloe Scranton Bushnell share their tales of their lives in the early days of Madison, as they stand at their own gravesites. Along with them, meet tavernkeeper Sarah Bartlett Dudley, sea captain and shipbuilder Deacon Abel Hoyt, Hungarian immigrant Paul Pavelka Sr., and three others, whose lives spanned nearly two hundred years of history in East Guilford and Madison. Tours around the cemetery wil also highlight the history of stone-carving, monument styles, decorative symbols, and interesting gravesites (like the husband buried next to his three wives).

Tours will begin at the Lee Academy (14 Meeting House Lane on the Madison Town Green), from which tour buses will transport participants to and from the West Cemetery, off the Boston Post Road. No public parking is available at West Cemetery. Appropriate footgear for walking in grassy areas and on gravel paths is recommended.

Tickets will be sold in advance at various retail locations in Madison (R.J. Julia Booksellers at 768 Boston Post Road; Spot-Lite Cleaners at 120 Bradley Road; and Dial M for Movies at 154 Sampson Rock Road). Advance tickets may be purchased by personal check only. Tickets can also be purchased at the Lee Academy on the day of the event.

Single tickets: $10 (members, $8)
Family tickets: $25 (member families, $20)
This entertaining and intriguing tour is appropriate for ages 8 and older.

Rain date: Sunday, October 19

Bauer Farm Harvest Festival
October 18, 2008
Saturday 11:00 to 3:00 pm.
Bauer Farm, 257 Copse Road, Madison
Annual outdoor festival with varied craft booths, exhibits, food, live music, and harvest-related activities for all ages.
The MHS Booth features old-style children's toys and games and exhibits. A hay maze, hay rides, and a special presentation on wolves, featuring Atka, a six-year-old Arctic gray wolf, are highlights of the festival.

Field Trip
October 25, 2008
Saturday 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The "After" Tour of c. 1720 David Field House at 623 Green Hill Road
Come for a guided tour of the finished restoration of this rescued historic home. Before-and-after displays, information on the Field family, and details on the restoration can be explored. A wine-and-cheese reception and a guided house tour is open to both MHS members and to the public. On-site parking is available; and a donation of $10 per adult is suggested.
Rain or shine.
From the Boston Post Road (US Route 1), take Durham Road (CT Route 79) north for 1.7 miles to Green Hill Road. Take a right on Green Hill Road and travel .6 mile to the house, which is on the left side of the road. Call (203) 245-4567 for other information.

Madison Remembers: The Voices of Veterans
November 14, 2008
Friday 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Lee Academy

The MHS's new oral history project continues with the second of two opportunities in the fall of 2008 for Madison citizens to share their personal experiences on selected topics. The stories of Madison veterans--from World War I to the war in Iraq--is our second topic for exploration. MHS moderators will lead the discussion and record the memories of any veterans who wish to share their stories of service in any of the conflicts of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

There is no fee for this program, either to participate or to attend. All stories will be recorded, and all will become part of an audio archive dedicated to preserving the voices of Madison as its citizens recall the important events in town history.

Members' Holiday Party
December 6, 2008
Allis-Bushnell House
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Members of the MHS are invited to partake in a bit of holiday cheer at the Allis-Bushnell House, which will be festively decorated in the manner of holidays past. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided.