Dear Friends of the Weston History & Culture Center,
October has long been my favorite month of the year. The light changes, the air turns crisp, and the world slows down just enough to invite thoughtful reflection. It all feels perfectly suited to the work we do at WHCC, and this October did not disappoint!
I am excited to share what our community — and yours — helped make happen this month, including events, WHCC developments, and a brief look ahead.
On October 4th, WHCC hosted “Loyalty & Zeal: Algonkians of the Revolution”, in partnership with Weston250. Re-enactor and historian Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brought to life the often-overlooked story of the Algonkian people during the American Revolution. It was a powerful, moving program that reminded us that history is rarely as simple as the stories we inherit. Our thanks to Weston250 for making this collaboration possible.
On October 10th, longtime Weston resident Karin Giannitti, her daughter Wendy, and Easton high school senior and Eagle Scout Eddie Chiaramonte led a remarkable walking tour of Coley Cemetery, one of Weston's oldest burial grounds. Attendees heard the “first-person” stories behind the names carved in gravestones, and also had the honor of learning how Eddie Chiaramonte is restoring headstones in Coley Cemetery via his ongoing, exemplary volunteer efforts. The tour was fun, fascinating, and a little bit magical — exactly what a perfect October morning should be. Thanks to Jennifer Daniel and Weston250 for making this event possible.
On Founders Day, WHCC and Nancy Klein, one of our Trustees, were honored with Certificates of Appreciation from First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, in recognition of our contributions to Weston250 events and celebrations. It was a meaningful acknowledgment of the role history plays in a community's sense of itself, and a reminder of why the work we do matters.
On Oct. 18, author Nona Footz captivated a full room at the Weston Library with the extraordinary story of Alice Delamar — a reclusive heiress, arts patron, and one of Weston's most intriguing residents, whose remarkable life has been hiding in plain sight for decades. This event, presented in partnership with the Weston Library, was exactly the kind of collaboration we hope to do more of, bringing local history to life through the people who know it best.
On a purely fun note, our friend and former Executive Director, Samantha Fargione, made a spirited appearance — quite literally — in "Dinner with the Dead," a dinner theater production at the Norwalk Inn on Oct. 16 that brought the area’s rumored “ghosts” to life. Sam was wonderful as both an actor and lead writer for the event, and it was a delight for fellow Trustee Skip Shaeffer and me to cheer her on in her new chapter!
Just in time for spooky season, on Oct. 28 WHCC held a talk on Witches in Connecticut, the inaugural event in our new Backstories & Breakfast speaker series. Rebecca Gavin of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History brilliantly shared the history of witch trials in Connecticut — a chapter of New England history that predates Salem and is far more complex and fascinating than most people know.
A few other things we are very excited about:
🌐 New Website!
You may have noticed that we have a new, more robust home on the web at www.westoncthistory.org. It's faster, easier to navigate, and has a lot more to explore — including a full events calendar, more in-depth exhibit information, and our archive. Take a look and let us know what you think!
🗓 2027 Programming
The WHCC board is hard at work developing an expanded program calendar for 2027, with offerings for all ages. We have some fun and interesting things in the works — including events we think will bring some new faces through our doors. Stay tuned!
🔍 New Executive Director
We are in the final phases of our Executive Director search and hope to make an announcement soon. We are grateful for your patience and can't wait to introduce this person to you.
Lastly, a warm heads up that our annual appeal letter will arrive soon. Everything we do, from our programs and partnerships to our campus upkeep and accessibility, is made possible by you, our members, supporters, and donors. Your support inspires us to keep providing meaningful community engagement.
October has been a potent reminder of how special Weston is, from its glorious natural landscapes to its deep history and its people who are exceptionally dedicated to serving our town. Thank you for being part of this community and supporting WHCC’s expanding efforts to serve the Weston community and beyond. We simply couldn’t do it without you.
Wishing you the cozy, colorful warmth of the season,
Stacey Youell
President, Board of Trustees
Weston History & Culture Center
president@westoncthistory.org
