Presentation and Demonstration:  Cordwaining:  Handmade Shoemaking (harking back to Woodstock CT’s shoemaking history) Woodstock’s shoe manufacturing business began in 1833.  By 1845, it employed 9,825 men and women who produced more than 5 million pairs of shoes, according to The History of Windham County, CT, 1889.   In the 1930s and ‘40s, even factory-made shoes came in different widths, but modern shoes are now sized to fit a generic foot that seldom exists.

JUNE 2009: FIELD TRIP: WOODSTOCK WATERS PHOTO EXHIBIT, GRIST MILL and WE-LIK-IT ICE CREAM

MAY 2009: REMINISCING AT ROSELAND

A day long festival that included a walking talking tour of Roseland's history by Cheryl Wakely and Lyn Cole-Smith.

Jeff Davis is one of America’s most respected collectors and interpreters of traditional music. He has traveled far to visit “source singers”--farmers and miners who remembered the old songs and tunes--and closer at hand to libraries and archives, always look for the best of the music that was once common in out towns and villages. An evening with Jeff includedNew England ballads sea songs, African-American banjo tunes, cowboy ditties, rare Yankee fiddle tunes and more.

FEBRUARY 2009: YOUR OLD HOUSE: HOW TO CONSERVE ITS HISTORIC CHARACTER

Sally Zimmerman, Preservation Specialist with Historic New England’s Historic Homeowner membership program, gave a presentation on what to preserve in an old house and why, including: conserving or recapturing stylistic integrity in an old house how appropriate paint colors work to convey architectural style and historic character tips on retaining wood windows and other character-defining features appropriate measures for enhancing energy efficiency in old houses such as insulation.

NOVEMBER 2008: WINE TALK AND TASTING

Taylor Brooke Winery owner Dick Auger presentation on winemaking, followed by a tasting with Dick and Linda Auger of their high quality vinifera and specialty wines. Adult attendees received a keepsake Taylor Brooke wine glass.

OCTOBER 2008 - EXPLORING 300 YEARS OF VILLAGE LIFE

Over the centuries, Indian trails, 19th century turnpikes and modern scenic roads have converged in the South Woodstock environs. On this history tour of the Common, and the village center, local historian Cheryl Wakely and architect Lyn Cole-Smith used stories and early photographs to convey a sense of village life over the past 300 years.

OCTOBER 2008 - WOODSTOCK VIEWS - A CURATOR'S GALLERY WALK

Historical photographs from the early 1900's of Woodstock, taken by Edward R. Rollins. Guided tour by Margaret Anderson, Rollins' granddaughter and curator of the Edward R. Rollins exhibit. At Palmer Hall in the Noren Gallery (in the back). Exhibit will remain at Palmer Hall for viewing on weekends through November 16, 2008.

Conference and exhibitions associated with it showcased barns of Woodstock in the context of New England barn history. It also explored ways of maintaining and preserving historic barns, which are vulnerable icons of our New England landscape. Presented by the Woodstock Historic Properties Commission in partnership with Historic New England and the Woodstock Historical Society. Made possible with support from the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism. Speakers: Thomas Durant Visser, Professor of Historic Preservation, University of Vermont, Burlington, author of the award-winning Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings; Glen Planka, restoration specialist, Lebanon, CT, who restored the Brunn Barn in South Woodstock; recipient of CT Trust for Historic Preservation 2007 CT Preservation Aware of Merit; and Todd Levine, Preservation Services Officer for the CT Trust for Historic Preservation; co-directs its project "Historic Barns of CT"

MAY 2008 - New England Icons: the Rise and Fall of the Elm and Other Trees

A slide show on the place of trees in New England culture before the automobile, especially the elm, compared to some other eastern states and foreign countries. By Herb Richardson, a former U.S. History and Culture professor at Rowan University in NJ.

MARCH 2008 - The Rise of the Connecticut Textile Industry: Technology, Community, and Environment

Dr. Jamie Eves of UCONN on the history of the mills, communities, and environment of industrial eastern Connecticut, using materials and artifacts from the Mill Museum of Connecticut, also known as the Windham Textile and History Museum, in Willimantic.

FEBRUARY 2007 - THE HISTORY OF THE WOODSTOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Local historian Elaine LaChapelle gave a slide presentation on the history of the Woodstock Historical Society. Charter members and past Presidents were honored.

OCTOBER 2007 and APRIL 2008 - PROMENADE IN THE PARK

Cheryl Wakely and Lyn Cole-Smith hosted a walking weekend event at Roseland Park. Roseland Park has been the site of many historic celebrations hosted by Henry C. Bowen, whose Independence Day festivities were famous; it's 9-hole golf course is one of the nation's earliest. The walk, augmented with lots of old photographs and stories, offered a glimpse into a forgotten era.

OCTOBER 2007 - CHARLOTTE'S WEB

Showing of the live action film Charlotte's Web, moderated by Larry Zimmerma.

JULY 2007 - OPEN HOUSE AT THE RED & WHITE

Open house at the Red & White, with a slide show of one room schoolhouses. Old Quasset School will also be open on that date.  Local historical Elaine LaChapelle was on hand to answer questions.  This program will be repeated in 2008.

AUGUST 2007 - Celebrating the 60's - Gala Block Party at the Woodstock Fairgrounds

A vintage car cruise, live music and dancing, DJs and food booths. Co-sponsored by the Town of Woodstock Recreation.