In 1841, Farmington was home to the African Mende captives who had rebelled and overtaken the slave ship La Amistad. On several dates this summer, the Farmington Historical Society will host a presentation and guided walking tour of these Freedon Trail sites that played a role during their stay in Farmington. The lecture and tour will be led by Connecticut storyteller Andre LePelle Keitt. Mr. Keitt serves as Consultant for Education and Programming for the Farmington Historical Society. The walking tour will also feature other sites in Farmington village which are part of Connecticut’s Freedom Trail and the Underground Railroad. 

The 53 captives of La Amistad, mostly Mende from what is now Sierra Leone, were being shipped to Cuba to work on plantations. While at sea, they rebelled and the 44 survivors sailed the ship ending up in Long Island, New York. They were then taken into custody aboard the USS Washington, sent to New Haven and jailed to start trials in Hartford and later in Washington, D.C. The trials lasted 18 months. In February 1841, their case was argued by former President John Quincy Adams before the U.S. Supreme Court. On March 9, 1841, the decision was made declaring the Africans to be free people with permission to return to their homeland. Nine days later, they arrived in Farmington where abolitionists provided housing, schooling, and the fundraising necessary for the Mende passage back to their homeland. 

The event will be presented on most Saturdays at 10 a.m., meeting at First Church of Christ, Congregational,1652 at 75 Main Street, Farmington, CT. Dates are: June 7, 14, 21; July 12, 19, 26; and August 2, 9, 16, 23; September 6, 13, 27. Cost for the lecture and tour is $20 per person (19 and up), $15 for seniors, and $10 for those under 18. Free for children 5 years old and under. The event will take place rain or shine. If the walking portion of the tour is not possible due to extreme weather, the event will continue in the church with a special presentation. Tickets must be purchased prior to the tour at https://bit.ly/4iD4qrK.

Valuable Discoveries Found In Unexpected Places - get yours appraised for free!

We've all made some unexpected discoveries before. Maybe you found a $20 bill in an old coat pocket or stumbled upon a surprise family heirloom while cleaning your basement.

Discoveries range from weird to invaluable and everything in-between. Hopefully, this posting inspires you to keep your eyes open and indulge your curiosity. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something of value as well.

Bring your “discoveries” to ANTIQ’S - the only antique shop in Farmington, CT - where “every” Saturday is FREE antique appraisal day.

ANTIQ'S Voted the BEST antique shop in Farmington for 30+ years!

Just 3.3 miles off of I-84, Farmington, CT. Accepting all major credit cards and cash.

AND OF COURSE ~ BROWSERS WELCOME AND BUYERS ADORED

ANTIQ’S LLC – FARMINGTON, CT - Estd. 1990

Located on Hyde Rd., Farmington, CT at the corner of New Britain Avenue

Open every weekend Sat/Sun 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

#antiques #antiqueappraisal #appraisalofantiques #freeappraisal #freeantiqueappraisal #appraisalday #farmingtonct #farmingtonantiques #antiquesinfarmington #ctbucketlist #antiquetreasures #ct #connecticut #nyc #farmingtonct #farmingtonantiques #missporters #music #ctindooractivities #newhaven #newengland #ctantiques #art #cttravel #artist #cttourism

Raise a glass and step back in time at the Unionville Museum's exhibit, "Unionville Bars, Taverns & Spirits," running May 18th - July 27th. This special exhibit highlights the nostalgic history of Unionville's favorite gathering spots and watering holes, from past to present, showcasing historical artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia of the Unionville's favorite past and present gathering spots. Learn about Prohibition, view a stunning collection of vintage 20th-century cocktail shakers and barware, and learn stories from the former Hotel Worthy, Unionville tavern and more.  The museum is located at 15 School Street, Unionville and open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Please note there is no class June-August

Confluence

Ready to find your people? 

Let's cultivate a space for a new way of being

With Julieanne Palmer, Shaman and Spiritual Mentor.

Fourth Saturdays starting March 22, 2025. 3:00-5:00 PM

This will be an open forum where

everyone belongs, any idea is welcome, and where your

words can be spoken and heard in a safe and open

environment. We will create a tapestry of ideas, dreams and

connection. We will openly discuss those areas of wisdom

that you have but no one to share them with. A place where

you can just be and listen to thoughts and ideas you never

would have envisioned and weave them into your own life’s

tapestry.

What participants should bring:

Water, snacks to share, a stone/crystal, journal.

Event Fee: Donation of $10 would be appreciated

Payment link: Venmo: jpmoonpath

Contact Info: ctshaman@gmail.com

About Julieanne: Julieanne lives in Barkhamsted where she has been

practicing her shamanism for thirty years. Her twenty-five

years as a Mesa carrier, studying with the Peruvian Q’eros,

working with people of diverse Medicine Ways, she brings a

vast amount of wisdom and energy to all she offers.

Julieanne would like to create a community of open minded,

creative thinkers, people who lead with the heart and can

envision a new way of being.

Join us for Outdoor Yoga Every Sunday During the Summer

It's that time of year again - starting June 1, join Sarah every Sunday on the beautiful Mountain Spring Nature Trail Farmington Land Trust property for an all-levels yoga practice bathed in sunlight, nature, and birdsong. 

9am, $10, Weather Permitting.

16 Mountain Spring Rd, Farmington, CT

Thank you to the @farmingtonlandtrust for sponsoring & supporting this amazing experience!

Raise a glass and step back in time at the Unionville Museum's exhibit, "Unionville Bars, Taverns & Spirits," running May 18th - July 27th. This special exhibit highlights the nostalgic history of Unionville's favorite gathering spots and watering holes, from past to present, showcasing historical artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia of the Unionville's favorite past and present gathering spots. Learn about Prohibition, view a stunning collection of vintage 20th-century cocktail shakers and barware, and learn stories from the former Hotel Worthy, Unionville tavern and more.  The museum is located at 15 School Street, Unionville and open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

To make a reservation:

Please call (860) 673-1441 x2 By 11:30 am Thursday

to make a reservation for BOTH Friday & Monday Congregate Lunches

Lunch is served from

12:00pm - 1:00pm

321 New Britain Ave., Unionville, CT 06085

 SUGGESTED DONATION:

$3.00 or what you can afford

All new clients must fill out a form to attend(Pick up at the H.O.P.E. Partners of Farmington office)

MONDAY 7/14

STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

WHOLE BABY POTATOES

5-WAY VEGGIE BLEND

WHEAT BREAD

FRESH FRUIT

FRIDAY 7/18

STUFFED SHELLS PARMESAN CHEESE

ITALIAN GREEN BEANS

BREAD STICK

FRESH FRUIT

MONDAY 7/21

CHICKEN STIR FRY

VEGETABLE FRIED RICE

ASIAN-STYLE VEGGIES

DINNER ROLL

FRESH FRUIT

FRIDAY 7/25

HONEY SPIRAL CUT HAM

AU GRATIN POTATOES

CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES

WHEAT BREAD

FRESH FRUIT

MONDAY 7/28

SWEET & SOUR MINI TURKEY MEATBALLS

RICE

BROCCOLI NORMANDY

WHEAT BREAD

FRESH FRUIT

Get out of the heat and join us for a special summer movie screening at the Barney Library, 71 Main Street. Feel free to bring a blanket or pillow to sit on, water to drink, and light snacks to enjoy.

Afro Dance Fitness Class

Where vibrant rhythms and energetic moves create an unforgettable workout experience  

Led by experienced instructor Jolie Cayer, owner: Avon Afro Dance Fitness

Dates and Times: 

Free demo class on Friday June 27th from 6:30-7:15PM!

Regular weekly classes:

Monday Afternoons: 1:15-2PM (starting July 7, 2025)

Saturdays: 9:30-10:45AM and 5:30-6:15PM (starting July 12, 2025)

This class combines traditional African dance moves and aerobics routine. Come try it out in the free demo class on 6/27 at 6:30PM, then join in on the Monday afternoon or Saturday morning or evening classes starting July 7. 

-Learn dynamic dance steps that engages your entire body 

-Improve cardiovascular health 

-Boost your mood

-Enhance your flexibility and build strength 

All while immersing yourself in the joyous spirit of African dance. Most importantly you'll have fun!

Come experience this unique form of exercise, you'll get a full-body workout, learn new dance moves while you're tapping into your sensuality.

Classes will start July 7th. From 1:15pm to 2pm.

Class dates are. Saturday, 12th will have two classes. Morning class, 9:30am to 10:45 am, evening class. 5:30 to 6:15pm. 

Total class per week. 3 

Class size limited! MUST Register to save your spot

Class cost: $21 per class or $89.99 for a bundle of 6 sessions.

Venmo or cash at door. Venmo @Benj-C

Questions? Contact Jolie: (860) 255-4008

Website: https://avonadf.com/

The Lewis Walpole Library's latest exhibition has been curated by Alison FitzGerald, Associate Professor in the Department of History, Maynooth University, Ireland. Open Wednesdays 2-4:30 pm and other times by appointment. On view March 5 through August 22, 2025.

This exhibition explores the range of spectacular shows that were offered to the fee-paying public in Georgian London, from exhibitions of paintings, to scientific demonstrations, to the display of wondrous animals. The exhibition primarily focuses on images drawn from the extensive collections at the Lewis Walpole Library that announce, depict and satirize what people paid to gaze at. It will consider how derogatory ideas about spectacle were expressed in caricatures and political discourse.

Details at https://walpole.library.yale.edu/programs/exhibitions#Current%20exhibit

Drop in for this freestyle craft afternoon--no instructions, no project. Join us in the Hoppin Gallery where we'll have available a variety of supplies. Bring a project you're already working on, or just let the creative juices flow. Will you sketch, paint, weave, journal? The possibilities are endless!

At Silent Book Club, there's no assigned reading. All readers are welcome it's BYOBook (or browse the library shelves!). When you arrive head upstairs to Information Services, there's a variety of seating options. Settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize—or not!

Special Tour: Hill-Stead’s Keepsakes & Curiosities.

Natural artifacts, souvenirs from faraway lands, and personal mementoes abound at Hill-Stead. These intriguing, and sometimes weird, tiny treasures illuminate a different collecting mentality than the world-renown artworks in the museum.

In this tour visitors will get an opportunity to leisurely and closely view objects that are rarely shown. Objects will rotate so that each tour is unique.

Note: To take this tour, visitors need to be comfortable with stairs.

Learn how Connecticut has changed from ecologically and how the species of animals changed dramatically as their habitat changed over the past 300 million years. As Connecticut’s ecosystems have changed over time, the state’s wildlife has also changed. Observe, first-hand, how natural phenomena and human activities have impacted animal populations.

Come enjoy an evening on the farm Fridays in August with live music, food truck, adult beverages, cut your own flowers, cornhole, sunset and more.

Free admission, free parking.

Bring your own chair.

No outside food or beverage permitted.