The City of Bristol is offering “Museum Magic” for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11.
There will be free admission to five of the city’s museums. Participating are the American Clock & Watch Museum, The Barnes Nature Center, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, Memorial Military Museum, and the New England Carousel Museum.
In celebration of the Bristol museums, the city’s institutions said in a press release it is hoped many visitors from far and wide will visit the participating museums and also hope that residents of Bristol come out to see what the city has to offer.
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.
American Clock & Watch Museum
The Magic of Clockmaking
Visit the American Clock and Watch Museum on 100 Maple St. in Bristol on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for “The Magic of Clockmaking!” in celebration of Bristol’s Museum Magic and Connecticut’s Open House Day.
Watch as 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 4 p.m., 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 the 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 Rd., Bristol on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.
This event is free.
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
“The Magic of Light”
On Saturday, June 11, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center located at One Pleasant Street in Bristol celebrates Bristol’s Museum Magic and Connecticut Open House Day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum will be highlighting the “Wonders Of Light” with the magic of light, color, and reflection and the grand opening of its Kaleidoscope Lab funded by the Smith Family Charitable Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation. There will be free admission for the first 100 guests.
For further information, visit www.imaginenation.org or call (860) 314-1400.
Memorial Military Museum
“Connecticut Open House Day Vietnam Exhibit”
“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 to 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 died 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 at (860)583-5466.
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 Ave., Bristol, the museum is offering free admission for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a ride on the working carousel and watch an 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 Connecticut Open House Day, submit your name to a drawing and win a one-year family membership to the New England Carousel Museum and the historic Bushnell Park Carousel.
For more information, call (860) 585-5411 or www.thecarouselmuseum.org.
For more information about Museum Magic, contact Louise DeMars at the New England Carousel Museum at (860)585-5411.
A Bushnell Park Carousel horse being restored at the New England Carousel Museum Restoration Workshop in Bristol.