Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Program: Author Talk with Gioia Diliberto, “Firebrands” –
Program date: Saturday, Mar 29, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM

A lively, illustrated talk guaranteed to change how you see Prohibition.

Set in the Jazz Age of roadsters, diamonds, and gin, Firebrands explores in novelistic detail the intertwined lives of four fascinating rebels who strove for power in the first years after women won the vote.

You’ll meet Ella Boole, the stern and ambitious leader of the Woman’s Christian Temperance
Union, who fought fiercely to keep America Dry, and Mabel Walker Willebrandt, a young lawyer
and the most powerful woman in the U.S. government, who was in charge of enforcing
Prohibition. You’ll also meet silent film star Texas Guinan, who ran New York speakeasies
backed by the mob and showed that Prohibition was absurd and unenforceable. And
you’ll get to know Pauline Sabin, a glamorous Manhattan aristocrat who belatedly recognized
the cascading evil of Prohibition and mobilized the movement to kill it.
Pauline and her followers, dubbed the “Sabines” by the press, battled the forces of Dry America
across a teeming landscape of bootleggers, gangsters, federal agents, temperance fanatics, and politicians, many of them secret drunks. Her clash with Ella Boole and the other characters of Firebrands stands as the first exercise of women’s political power since the passage of the 19th Amendment. Their influence on the American political scene wouldn’t be equaled for decades.
Don’t miss this compelling look at the colorful characters and seismic events that defined an era and forever altered the American political landscape.
Gioia Diliberto is a Woodbury-based author of eight books, five nonfiction, three novels, and a play. Her new book, Firebrands: The Untold Story of Four Women Who Made and Unmade Prohibition, debuted in October of 2024. Books can be purchased at the Hickory Stick Bookshop

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7586

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/author-talk-with-gioia-diliberto-firebrands/

The Photography of Weegee
March 20, 2024, 6:00-7:00 PM
Online event (Zoom link is provided when you register on our website)

Mallory Mortillaro returns with another captivating program, this time highlighting the remarkable work of a photographer known for capturing spontaneous moments in the lives of everyday people and witnesses to extraordinary events. Through their lens, the photographer’s legacy reveals the power and emotion of the unexpected, offering a unique glimpse into the human experience.

The photographer Weegee, born Arthur Fellig, captured some of the grittiest scenes of New York City in the middle of the 20th century. Much of Weegee’s work comes from his years trailing the city’s emergency service teams and documenting their crime scenes, fires, and day-to-day life. Weegee’s instinct to turn the camera away from the main attraction and onto the gathering crowds resulted in some of the most visceral images of the day. Weegee occupies a unique space in art history. He succeeded as a freelance news photographer yet was also taken seriously as an artist, showing his work in the most prestigious museums of the time. This lecture explores the mythology behind the photographer and how a Ukrainian-born man became one of New York City’s most important artists.

Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. She has ten years of teaching experience and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She studied at Drew University. Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughter. mallorymortillaro@gmail.com

Online Event
(Zoom link is provided when you register on our website)

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/the-photography-of-weegee-with-mallory-mortillaro/

Dive Into French Culture This Spring with Conversation and Cinema!
On Monday, March 24, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, the Gunn Memorial Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to a stimulating and immersive French Conversation Series this Spring. Over three one-hour sessions, participants will enjoy various activities designed to enrich their language skills and cultural appreciation.
What’s in Store?
Read thought-provoking French novellas at home and discuss them at the meeting.
Watch a short French film during the program and discuss it through guided conversation.
This unique program combines literary exploration, cinematic experience, and conversational practice. It provides the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles and deepen your love for the French language and culture.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the richness of French culture! Space is limited, so register soon to reserve your spot.

To Register: https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-03/

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7586

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-03/

The Gunn Library Friday Book Club is thrilled to announce our upcoming discussion of North Woods on Friday, March 14, 1:00-2:00 PM, the breathtaking new novel by Pulitzer Prize finalist Daniel Mason. A sweeping and inventive masterpiece, North Woods unravels the haunting and deeply connected lives of those who inhabit a single cabin in the New England woods over centuries.
Beginning with two young lovers fleeing a Puritan colony, Mason’s novel unfolds through the perspectives of a rich and diverse cast—an English soldier turned apple grower, spinster twins grappling with war and desire, a crime reporter uncovering an ancient mass grave, and even a stalking panther and a lusty beetle. Blending history, nature, and the supernatural, North Woods is an immersive meditation on legacy, memory, and the unseen forces that bind us to the past.
Brimming with love, madness, humor, and hope, Mason’s novel is more than just a sweeping historical epic—it explores the cycles of nature, language, and human connection. With its intricate storytelling and deep philosophical questions, North Woods promises to spark a thought-provoking and unforgettable conversation.
Join us as we delve into this extraordinary novel, exploring its themes of history, destiny, and the question at its heart: How do we live on, even after we’re gone?
Registration is required:
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-friday-book-club-north-woods-by-daniel-mason/

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7586

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-friday-book-club-north-woods-by-daniel-mason/

The Gunn Memorial Library is excited to present The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon on Thursday, March 27, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This gripping historical mystery tells the true story of Martha Ballard, a fearless midwife and healer in 18th-century Maine.
Set in 1789, the novel follows Martha as she is called to examine a man found entombed in the frozen Kennebec River. Months earlier, she had documented an alleged rape involving two of the town’s most powerful men—one of whom is now dead. When a local physician dismisses her findings, Martha embarks on her investigation, determined to uncover the truth despite the dangers that lurk in her close-knit, judgmental community. As whispers grow and loyalties are tested, her diary—her life’s work—becomes central to the scandal, forcing her to make choices that could change everything.
With rich historical detail, The Frozen River is a compelling blend of mystery, justice, and resilience. Ariel Lawhon masterfully introduces readers to a remarkable woman who defied societal expectations at a time when women’s voices were often silenced. This novel promises to spark meaningful discussion about truth, power, and history’s unsung heroines.
Join us as we uncover the secrets of The Frozen River and explore Martha Ballard’s extraordinary story.

Registration is required:
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-thursday-book-club-the-frozen-river-by-ariel-lawhon/

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7586

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-thursday-book-club-the-frozen-river-by-ariel-lawhon/

Get ready to be spellbound! The Gunn Library is screening Wicked on Monday, March 3, 1:00-3:40 PM, promising an enchanting experience for fans of all ages.
With mesmerizing performances, breathtaking visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack, this film reimagines a timeless tale in a spectacular new way.
The untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship – before their lives take different paths following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Wicked is an immersive, cultural celebration you’ll want to experience over and over again!
Don’t miss your chance to journey to the land of Oz like never before! Join us for this extraordinary cinematic event.
PG – 2H 40m
Registration is required:
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-03/

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
(860)v 868-7586

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-03/

Van Trip: RISD Museum and Providence, RI
March 19 @ 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Join the Mattatuck Museum to visit the RISD Museum and Providence, RI for a day! Enjoy a guided tour of the RISD Museum exhibits, followed by lunch (included). Spend the afternoon at the Electromagnetic Pinball Museum learning about the game and putting your skills to the test before returning home.

Cost
Adult: $100
Meet up: $95
Member: $90
Member Meet up: $85
Sponsored by Linford & Mildred White Charitable Fund

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/van-trip-risd-museum-and-providence-ri/

Home Away From Homeschool: Adventures in Art History
March 5 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Each week, homeschoolers will focus on a different art practice, including photography and Surrealism, by taking a tour of the galleries and then creating original artwork. Students of all ages will enjoy being artistic, social, and learning new skills!

Cost: $15 per participant

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/home-away-from-homeschool-adventures-in-art-history-3-2/

Sat., March 1, 2025 at 4 pm at Trinity Church ~ 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039

Crescendo presents two concerts with rarely performed works of two minority groups of the Renaissance era. The repertoire includes vocal and instrumental works by six female Italian composers: Isabella de’ Medici, Maddalena Casulana, Paola Massarenghi, Lucia Quinciani, Raffaella Aleotti, and Claudia Francesca Rusca, and motets and a madrigal by the Afro-Portuguese Renaissance composer Vicente Lusitano.

Isabella de’ Medici, a noble woman from the powerful Medici family in Florence, Italy and a talented singer and lutenist, was also a patron of the arts, hosting musical events and seeking out many female poets and singing groups for her performances. Maddalena Casulana was the first woman in Western music history to publish her music and consider herself a professional composer. Paola Massarenghi from Parma is credited for being the second woman ever to have a madrigal published during her lifetime. Venetian Lucia Quinciani is the earliest known published female composer of monody. Raffaella Aleotti was a nun, whose compositions were the first book of sacred music by a woman to appear in print and who not only performed, but led an ensemble of twenty-three nuns – something not usual in her times. Claudia Francesca Rusca wrote the first known preserved instrumental works by a woman. The Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano was the only published composer of African descent in 16th century Europe. His highly elaborate vocal music has only become more widely available since 2022.

Crescendo Vocal Ensemble of twenty-five singers, with soloists Jennifer Tyo and Sarah Fay, sopranos, Laura Evans, alto, and Igor Ferreira, tenor, are accompanied by Christa Patton, harp and recorder, and Juan Mesa, organ. The ensemble is directed by Crescendo Founding Artistic Director Christine Gevert.

This concert will be repeated the following day, Sun., March 2, 2025 at 4 pm at Saint James Place ~ 352 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Support for these concerts has been provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature, and NBT Bank. We also thank WMNR Fine Arts Radio for their ongoing support.

Online Tickets: https://CrescendoMusic.ludus.com/200461679

Sat., March 1, 2025 at 4 pm at Trinity Church ~ 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039
Sun., March 2, 2025 at 4 pm at Saint James Place ~ 352 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Live Performances

March 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Children aged 0-3 and their caregivers to invited to enjoy time in the Museum galleries for some art and history fun while practicing developmental, social, and mobility skills- all while the museum is closed to the public! A museum educator will facilitate storytime and 30 minutes of playtime in the galleries with an opportunity to mingle with other parents and caregivers.

Cost: $5

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702

Parking is available behind the museum.

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/museum-minis-3/