Family Friendly ‘Third Thursday’ community nights will be held at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, featuring mini tours, games, food, and fun.

Guests enjoy a food truck night at the Noah Webster House in July 2020. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is bringing back community nights this summer, with “third Thursday” events that offer a chance for fun and entertaining interaction with family and friends in an outdoor setting.

“Discover history and play games while you eat or sip from participating food and beverage trucks and shop from local vendors,” the Noah Webster House said in an announcement about community nights. “Summer fun is waiting for you at the museum!”

Third Thursday community nights are scheduled for June 16, July 21, and Aug. 18, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street, West Hartford.

Courtesy image

A mini tour of the museum or historic highlight will be a feature at each community night. West Hartford is participating in a national online exhibit called “Unvarnished,” exploring the legacy of exclusionary housing practices and sundown town regulations. The town’s participation in the project, which is a collaboration with organizations from five other municipalities, will be discussed by museum staff.

“Discuss freedom and power on July 21 through Page’s story,” the description of the July 21 historical highlight states. “Page was one of over 70 people enslaved in West Hartford whose stories are now being rediscovered through the Witness Stones West Hartford Project and the museum. Page was constrained in his options, but was still able to carve out his own unique position in society as a tailor.”

The Aug. 18 community night will include a discussion of the history of the land on which the Noah Webster House stands. “In 1636, the Sicaog deeded the land ‘from the Great River on the East the whole breadth to run into the Wilderness towards the West full Six Miles,'” the description states.

Guests enjoy playing games at the Noah Webster House. Courtesy photo

Giant versions of Scrabble, Jenga, and Connect 4, as well as colonial games, will be available for play at community nights.

Food and beverage vendors at each third Thursday include:

• Iron & Grain (June 16)
• East West Grille (June 16)
• Skyscraper Sandwiches (July 21)
• Hot Taco Street Kitchen (July 21 and Aug. 18)
• Nothing Bundt Cakes (July 21 and Aug. 18)
• Whimsically Tipsy (July 21 and Aug. 18)
• Mama Nena (Aug. 18)

Iron and Grain food truck at the Noah Webster House. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Each event will also feature local businesses offering exhibits and merchandise for sale. Businesses interested in participating as a vendor can contact Sheila Daley at [email protected].

Admission to community nights is $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. The events are free for children 5 and under as well as museum members.

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