The West Haven Historical Society will celebrate Kid’s Day at the Annual Open House Day, Saturday, June 11. As part of the statewide Open House Day for historical societies and museums, the local organization is planning a free program of activities for age groups 6-12 and is aimed to increase awareness of West Haven history among the young school age children of the city. Admission is free.
Particular emphasis will be given to the culture and handcrafts of Native Americans, who inhabited the local area, along with several games of chance similar to those featured at West Haven’s Savin Rock Amusement Park. In addition, there will be learning activities focused on famous citizens of the city who made special contributions to West Haven and Connecticut history.
Hands- on-activities will provide kids with opportunities to make wigwams, learn basket weaving. and making objects with wampum beads, which were common tasks for tribal members. Highlighting this section will be a display of Native American artifacts such as projectile points and arrow heads found nearby at Peterson Farm on Bull Hill Lane.
There will also be a geography section which will include a series of old maps for the youngsters to see where the early settlements were located, how the growth of West Farms (West Haven) developed into neighborhoods and the community familiar to people today,
The Historical Society is located at the Poli House, 686 Savin Ave., across from the Green. The Open House activities will take place in the backyard garden at the corner of Main Street and Savin Avenue. Hours are 10-11:30 a.m, and 1-2:30 p.m., on Saturday, June 11. No rain date is planned.