An Evening with Authors Laurie Heiss and Jill Smyth at Fairfield Museum and History Center on Jan. 15

The Fairfield Museum and History Center will host Museum After Dark, a wine and cheese evening with two local authors and a new exhibit preview on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Authors Laurie Heiss and Jill Smyth will discuss their new book “The Merritt Parkway: The Road That Shaped a Region.” The book explores the fascinating history of this public works project, from its complicated beginnings to the present, that transformed Fairfield County. At the Merritt Parkway's 1934 groundbreaking ceremony, Schuyler Merritt stated, “This great highway is not being constructed primarily for rapid transit but for pleasant transit.” The Parkway remains both functional and beautiful, holding a unique place in the heart of Connecticut’s drivers.

Attendees will also enjoy a preview of the Museum's new exhibition, "Mobilizing the Home Front: Posters from World War II." Honoring the 70 anniversary of VE Day, the exhibit will feature original war-time posters from the Museum’s collection. Featured artists and illustrators include Norman Rockwell, Jean Carlu, Victor Keppler, H. Price, and others.

During WWII, U.S. government created posters to rally support for the war, urging Americans to unite to meet the challenges of wartime.  Many of the posters speak to issues we continue to face today: of sacrifice, responsibility, and the use of limited resources. The exhibit will be on view from Jan. 16 through May 10.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is located at 370 Beach Rd. in Fairfield, Conn. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information on upcoming exhibitions, programs and events, call (203) 259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org.