Wordies will spar over words – for a cause.

Peter Sokolowski, Editor at Large at Merriam-Webster, Inc. Submitted image (we-ha.com file photo)

Submitted

On Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 7 p.m. the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society brings you a virtual, word-based game show hosted by Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s Editor at Large, Peter Sokolowski.

The museum’s signature fundraiser, Webster’s War of the Words, features two teams of celebrity contestants engaged in an entertaining battle of words and wit. You will have chances to play along for prizes and the opportunity to bid on fabulous auction items. Tickets start at $25 at fundraiser.support/warofthewords2022.

This fast-paced and entertaining game show will challenge contestants’ knowledge of language, literature, and culture. Join the fun and compete virtually against celebrity “logophiles” (i.e. word-lovers), such as Ben Zimmer, linguist, lexicographer, and language columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Categories will explore everything from trending words to palindromes and portmanteaus, all while allowing the contestants ample opportunity to show off their wit and wisdom.

In 2021, the audience members convened virtually from points across the United States and international locations like London and Saskatchewan. While the celebrity contestants compete for bragging rights, you can compete for prizes when you enter your answers in the “chat” function. As always, this hour-long battle of wits will be refereed by the incomparable Peter Sokolowski.

This event would not be possible without the support of gold sponsors Reid & Riege, P.C. and Tsunami Tsolutions, and silver sponsors Merriam-Webster Inc. and Accounting Resources Inc. For several years, Reid & Riege has supported this event and the museum’s historic cemetery tours. Carrie Samperi, Reid & Riege marketing manager, said, “We appreciate the work that the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society does for the community and we are grateful to be able to contribute to those efforts. Reid and Riege’s founders felt a strong community commitment that we proudly retain today, which allows us to continue our yearly support of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.”

The virtual event on Saturday, May 7, 2022, beginning at 7 p.m., will benefit the not-for-profit museum. Tickets are available here.

Webster’s War of the Words Virtual Game Show will be hosted using Zoom Webinar. There are several ticket levels to choose from starting with a basic login for just $25 that gives you full access to the virtual game show and auction. Want to make it a party? Upgrade to “Pregame Party Box for 2” for $100, and you’ll receive login to the game show and goodies curated especially for you like custom stemless “drink”ware glasses; cocktails (either the Blue Back Spiller featuring Waypoint Spirits vodka or a demi bottle of Prosecco); a selection of savory items for your charcuterie board; and a bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cake, which will be opening a West Hartford location in June. If you really want to show your support, purchase a “Collections Conservator” ticket for $250 and your donation will support the preservation of one collection item for a year while you also receive the perks of the Pregame Party Box for 2 and access to the game show.

One of the auction prizes is a week at this Nantucket home.

The Webster’s War of the Words fundraiser also features an online auction with fabulous items such as a trip to Nantucket, a South African safari, Connecticut staycations, event tickets, art, services, and more.

You do not have to attend to bid. Bidding opens April 20, 2022 and closes the evening of the event.

Whether you attend the event, purchase an item in the auction, or make a donation, your contribution will help the museum preserve the 300-year-old National Historic Landmark birthplace of founding father Noah Webster, care for collections related to Noah Webster and West Hartford history, interpret and champion Webster’s legacy of language and literacy, and host engaging events that educate and enrich the lives of many.

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is a cultural destination where citizens can learn to understand and appreciate the past. The museum preserves the birthplace of Noah Webster, the founding father, educator, author, and lexicographer who taught generations of Americans what it means to be American. This National Historic Landmark is also a repository for the history of West Hartford, the community that molded Noah Webster’s future and is still thriving over 250 years later. The historic house and exhibit spaces are open Monday through Saturday 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. For information on the museum’s extensive school and public programs, please visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org or call (860) 521-5362.

The museum would like to thank the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for their continued support.

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