Wilton Historical Society: Trains, Santa, Stories, Silhouette

On the heels of Thanksgiving, Wilton Historical Society turns into a winter wonderland! The Great Train Show opens on Friday, November 23  when historic 18th and 19th-century buildings are transformed into a train-lovers delight.

With the Great Train Show comes many festive events:

Puppeteer/Singer/Storyteller Tom H. Hanford on Saturday, November 24 with a special performance from 2:00-3:00

Join Tom Hooker Hanford as he performs seasonal songs and stories in “Fiddle de Dee: Children’s Folk Songs of Old New England”. This engaging program features music of the mid-19th century, and lore about trains, Thanksgiving and holiday traditions. Tom performs in costume, combining music and storytelling with colorful painted masks and props, making for a magical hour.

In recent years Tom has taken his interactive shows for children to Old Sturbridge and The Berkshire Museum in Massachusetts, Clermont State Historic Site, The Farmers Museum, Olana, and Erie Canal Village in New York State, and many other museums, historic sites, festivals, schools and libraries.

No charge

AND EVEN MORE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24!

See the Great Trains Show on Saturday, and leave some time for the kids to enjoy an art project. From 11:00 – 1:00 they can decorate a wooden train engine, perfect for using as an ornament. Art project fee: Members – $5 per child, max $15 per family; Non-members $10 per child, max $30 per family.

Ornaments and Tree Traditions Workshop for Kids from 11:00 – 12:30 on Saturday, December 1

Today, evergreen trees decked out in a colorful array of ornaments, garlands, shiny glass balls, all topped by a star, and are a universal sign of the holiday, along with cards, wrapped gifts, wreaths, and Santa. 

Suggested for ages 6 – 12. Wilton Historical Society members $10 per child, maximum $25 per family; Non-members $15 per child, maximum $35 per family. Please register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257.

Santa visits the Wilton Historical Society on Saturday, December 8 and Silhouette Artist Deborah O'Connor will be on hand to create portraits. 

From 11:00 – 2:00 Santa will be visiting, and workshops in pomander-making and gingerbread men cookie decorating will be open for drop-in fun during the same time. Workshop charge: $5.00 per child per activity.

Enjoy some relaxed browsing at the Pop-Up Holiday Market 10 am – 4 pm, while the kids are entranced by the Train Show!