Check out these Norwich attractions that will be free for Connecticut Open House Day

Connor Linskey, Norwich Bulletin
·2 min read

Five Norwich locations will participate in Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 8.

This year is the 20th anniversary of Connecticut Open House Day, which celebrates tourist attractions across the state. Participating attractions will welcome visitors with free or discounted admission or special offers.

Overall, more than 200 tourist attractions, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms and restaurants, will participate in this year’s open house. Play children’s games from the 1800s at the Old Farm School in Bloomfield or interact with alpacas, goats, sheep and more at the Nellie McKnight Museum in Ellington.

Here’s what the Norwich establishments will offer on Connecticut Open House Day.

Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop

Enjoy a free self-guided tour of the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop located at 71 East Town St., Norwich. See the circa 1772 silversmith forge in the museum and learn about life on the Norwichtown Green from Kesia Cleveland Jones who lived there. All of these events will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

The circa 1772 silversmith forge located in the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop in Norwich.
The circa 1772 silversmith forge located in the Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop in Norwich.

Artreach, Inc.

Artreach, Inc. will have an art exhibit and jazz music at its newly renovated gallery and workshop space, located on the Uncas on Thames campus at 401 W. Thames St. in Norwich. The open house will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and is free.

Dr. Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse

The Lathrop Schoolhouse, located at 69 East Town St. in Norwich, will be free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a reenactor on site portraying a late-18th century schoolmaster.

Built in 1783, the newly updated educational space features hands-on activities for children and informational panels about the history of Norwich.

The Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich.
The Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich.

Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington St., Norwich

Guests can enjoy a free self-guided tour of the main floor of the museum and displays. There will also be a display of historic flags as well as a visit with reenactors from Brown’s Company of Artillery. A full house tour is available for $8. Each of these events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Slater Museum Director Dayne Rugh talks about a painting of Uncas Leap by Jonathan Trumbull. The museum is participating in Connecticut Open House Day on June 8.
Slater Museum Director Dayne Rugh talks about a painting of Uncas Leap by Jonathan Trumbull. The museum is participating in Connecticut Open House Day on June 8.

Slater Memorial Museum

Slater Memorial Museum, located at 108 Crescent St. in Norwich, will offer free admission to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Free tours will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additionally, family-friendly activities including eye spies, a code-breaker challenge and sketching in the galleries will be available.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich museums, historical sites part of Connecticut Open House Day

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