Florence Griswold Museum Presents 

Scarecrows at the Museum: A Harvestime Adventure

 

October 1-31, 2010

 

August 27, 2010, Old Lyme, CT: Building upon the success of last fall’s Wee Faerie Village, the grounds and gardens of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme will once again become an enchanted site for fanciful creatures. As with the faerie houses, the creativity and craftsmanship behind Scarecrows at the Museum: A Harvestime Adventure, are sure to delight all ages. From October 1 through 31, over 30 artists will transform the Museum’s eleven acres into a magical land featuring scarecrows based on famous artists or works of art.  Visitors to the month-long event will find the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and others along the self-guided tour. Children will delight in the creatively conceived and handcrafted works of art while adults marvel in the clever connections to the history of art. “We find that, in the fall, people are looking for fun and creative outdoor activities,” states David D.J. Rau, the Museum’s Director of Education and Outreach and the organizer of Scarecrows at the Museum. “We think the artist-designed scarecrows and special activities surrounding the event provide the perfect combination for families and adults alike.” The Museum has planted a small field of Indian corn for the festival. Visitors can try on a fun assortment of costumes provided and pretend to be a scarecrow. Photo opportunities abound!

The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95 and is open year round Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm. The Museum will also be open Columbus Day, Monday, October 11 from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $12 for students, $5 for members. Children 12 and under are free thanks to an anonymous grant. Admission includes the Museum’s gardens and grounds, the Florence Griswold House, Chadwick Studio, Rafal Landscape Center and Krieble Gallery featuring the special exhibition With Needle and Brush: Schoolgirl Embroidery from the Connecticut River Valley.


Special events help in conjunction with Scarecrows at the Museum.

 

Free Hands-On Activities

Sundays in October
1-5pm
Making Hay: Scarecrow Crafts
Included with Museum Admission
Visit the Museum on a Sunday and join in the hands-on fun in the Hartman Education Center. A different project each week!

 

Hot Air Club Event

Thursday, October 14
6:30pm
Harvestime Film Night: The Curse of Micah Rood
$35 (members $25)
Register online or call 860-434-5542 x 111.


Based on a 18th-century legend from Norwich, CT, the film tells of Micah Rood, a recluse who cherishes his privacy and his precious apple orchard. When a wily peddler stays the night, Rood accuses him of stealing his apples and commits a violent deed that soon taints the fruit of his orchard with the blood of guilt. Come and meet the filmmaker Alec Asten before screening this award-winning film. Orchard fresh apples from Hayward Farms in New Hartford will set the stage for delectable cocktails and seasonal treats. Sponsored by Centerbrook Architects and Planners & Reynolds’ Garage and Marine, Inc.

 

Not-So-Very-Scary Nighttime Tours

Fridays and Saturdays, October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30
Timed Tours Beginning at 6pm
A Theatrical Exploration of Scarecrows at the Museum
$20 per person (members $15), $15 for children (up to 18)
Please call the Museum for information or to register
860-434-5542 x 111 
Tour Scarecrows at the Museum at night with a guide in small groups to solve the mystery of the spellbound scarecrow. Aided by lanterns and flashlights participants will be led through the grounds on a harvestime quest. A night of dark thrills and fun scarecrow antics for all! Flashlights recommended.

 

Heirloom Apple Day

Saturday, October 16
11am-3pm
Included with Museum Admission
Meet apple farmer Peter Hayward of Hayward Farms in New Hartford, to learn about all things apples! See the variety of apples grown in Connecticut and taste fresh cider from the apples of his orchards.

 

Film Screening

Saturday, October 16
11am & 2pm
Screenings of the Short Film The Curse of Micah Rood
Film Tickets: Additional $7 (members $5)
Register online or call 860-434-5542 x 111


Based on a 18th-century legend from Norwich, CT, the film tells of Micah Rood, a recluse who cherishes his privacy and his precious apple orchard. When a wily peddler stays the night, Rood accuses him of stealing his apples and commits a violent deed that soon taints the fruit of his orchard with the blood of guilt. Come and meet the filmmaker Alec Asten before screening this award-winning film.

 

 

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Monday, October 18, 11am & 2pm
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Teddy Bear Tea Party
$14 per child/adult pair (members $12); extra guests $7 (members $6)
Register online or call 860-434-5542 x 111


Share the enchantment of the Scarecrow event with your little ones at this Wizard of Oz-themed tea party. Come enjoy edible haystacks, a scarecrow story, and a short walk to see some of the scarecrows. Wizard of Oz costumes or scarecrow attire encouraged.

 

Author Book Signing

Saturday, October 23 
11am & 2pm
Seasons of Connecticut
Diane Smith, Author
Join Diane Smith, a veteran television and radio reporter, for a lively introduction to her newest publication Seasons of Connecticut, a beautiful celebration of the Nutmeg state. She will sign copies of her book afterwards in the Museum Shop.

 

Halloween Party and Costume Parade

Saturday, October 30
10am-5pm
Included with Museum Admission 
The party lasts all day in the Hartman Education Center with yummy treats and fun hands-on crafts. Be a part of our Halloween Costume parade and march through the Scarecrows at the Museum event. The parade will begin at 11am. Costume prizes awarded for Best Scarecrow, Very Very Scary, and Laugh-Out-Loud Funny. Candy, cider and doughnuts for all!