“Thanks to the generosity of Bristol’s Mayor Ken Cockayne, the City of Bristol is offering “Museum Magic” for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11th. There will be FREE admission to six of the City’s Museums. Participating are the American Clock & Watch Museum, Barnes Nature Center, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, Memorial Military Museum, the Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum and the New England Carousel Museum.
In celebration of the Bristol Museums, we hope to bring in many visitors from far and wide to our City to visit the participating museums and also hope that Bristol comes out to see what the City has to offer. This is an opportunity to bring the entire family to experience the Magic of the Museums in your own community.
The Museum Magic event has been created by the Bristol’s Museum Director’s Collaborative working together to bring exceptional programming, at affordable prices, to the Greater Bristol community.
The American Clock & Watch Museum – The Magic of Clockmaking
Join us at the American Clock & Watch Museum at 100 Maple Street in Bristol on June 11 the from 10-5 for The Magic of Clockmaking! in celebration of Bristol’s Museum Magic and Connecticut’s Open House Day.
Watch as some talented clock repairers work on different types of clock movements and learn just what it is that makes clocks tick! In the Barnes Wing, make clock crafts as you listen to the chiming and striking of our grandfather clocks! Step out into our Sundial Garden and play some “Minute to Win It” style games.
At 4pm, enjoy an open-air jazz concert! Bring a picnic, visit the museum free of charge, enjoy some activities for all ages, and everyone dresses in white! This annual White Night event is not only a fun celebration but a great way to kick off the start of the summer! This event is sponsored by Stanley Black & Decker. For more information about our free day of activities and events, visit clockandwatchmuseum.org.
The Barnes Nature Center – The Magic of Nature
Join the staff and volunteers of the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center on 175 Shrub Road, Bristol on June 11 the from 11-3 for The Magic of Nature! in celebration of Bristol’s Museum Magic and Connecticut’s Open House Day.
The event will feature live animals, crafts, activities, and nature walks ongoing throughout the day. Nature is full of “magical” qualities. Did you know that an owl can fly silently through the air, that hawks can see a mouse from up to a mile away and that many animals can become “invisible” and blend right into their surroundings? Come to Barnes Nature Center on June 11 from 11-3 to learn more about the Magic of Nature!
This event is free thanks to the generous support of the City of Bristol.
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center – Wonders of Light
Join us on Saturday, June 11th as Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center located at One Pleasant Street in Bristol celebrates Bristol’s Museum Magic and Connecticut Open House Day, 9:30am-5:00pm. We will be highlighting the Wonders Of Light with the magic of light, color, and reflection and the GRAND opening of our Kaleidoscope Lab funded by the Smith Family Charitable Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation. Free admission for the first 100 guests; generously sponsored by the City of Bristol. For further information visit www.imaginenation.org. (860) 314-1400.
Memorial Military Museum – Vietnam Wall That Heals – The Magic of Healing
The public is invited to visit the Vietnam Traveling Wall That Heals which will be returning to Memorial Boulevard in Bristol for the first time in 18 years. From June 9 through June 12, thousands of visitors are expected to visit the wall to remember our brothers who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. The public is also invited to the American Legion Post hall on Hooker Court, a short walk from the Wall That Heals. A special exhibit honoring the 13 Bristol men who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War will be presented.
Showcased items from the Memorial Military Museum collection of uniforms, photographs, letters, commendations and other artifacts will illustrate some of the stories of those young men. Memorial Military Museum members will be present to explain the displays. Tables will be set up and refreshments will be available for visitors to linger and share their memories.
For more information, contact Carol Denehy, 860-583- 5466.
The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie – Museum The Magic of Movie Makeup
The Magic of Movie Make Up is hosted by Cortlandt Hull of the Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum. The evening will include a film lecture on movie makeup at the Bristol Historical Society. The lecture will include a visual presentation tracing the history of movie makeup from the silent era to the present. There will also be a display of original horror and sci-fi makeup headpieces and appliances. Don’t miss out on a behind the scenes understanding of movie makeup by Cortlandt Hull! Please note, this event is not recommended for children under 7 years old.
The New England Carousel Museum – Let the Magic Touch the Child in You
A visit to the New England Carousel Museum promises to put a smile on your face with a magical experience for both children and adults. Located at 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT the Museum is offering free admission for CT Open House Day on Saturday, June 11th from 10 am to 5 pm. Come take a ride on our working carousel and watch our artist restore the beauty of carousel art. Tours of the Museum are available all day long or wander on your own. Crafts for children will be available. On CT Open House Day submit your name to our drawing and win a one-year family membership to the New England Carousel Museum and the historic Bushnell Park Carousel. For more information, call 850 585-5411 or www.thecarouselmuseum.org.
Taken from the Press Release written by Louise DeMars
For more information about Museum Magic, contact Louise DeMars at the New England Carousel Museum at 860-585-5411.
Event Pages & Information
The Magic of Clockmaking
The Magic of Nature
The Wonders of Light
The Vietnam Wall That Heals, The Magic of Healing
The Magic of Movie Makeup
Let the Magic Touch the Child in You