Events

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Irish Music at Brookside Farm Museum – August 17 at 4 PM
Join us at the Brookside Farm Museum on Saturday, August 17 at 4:00 PM for a lively afternoon with the Clan O'Cleary Band, known for their spirited blend of traditional Irish folk tunes, pub favorites, and toe-tapping reels.

Enjoy the music, bring your own picnic, or grab a bite and a drink—available by donation. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets! It’s a perfect way to relax, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the joy of Irish music and community. Sláinte!

Brookside Farm Museum Book Discussion: The Nature of Oaks

Join the Brookside Farm Museum community as we explore The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Douglas Tallamy. Oaks are vital to our ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and enriching our environment in countless ways. Meeting at the museum—designated a Homegrown National Park—we’ll witness the trees in their full springtime splendor as we discuss how to foster ecological health in our own backyards.

Tallamy, an entomologist and professor, offers fascinating insights into the critical role oaks play in sustaining wildlife. His book provides a compelling call to action, making it a must-read for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Each session begins with a presentation by a local expert on nurturing biodiversity in our region. To kick off the series, we’re thrilled to host a virtual presentation by the author himself!

First Discussion: Wednesday, May 14, 5:30–7:00 PM


Additional Meetings: June 11, July 9, August 13

Books are available for checkout at the library or for purchase at the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with nature and fellow book lovers—register today by emailing brooksidefarmmuseum@gmail.com!

Brookside Farm Museum – CT Open House Day Event
📅 Saturday, June 14 | 🕙 10 AM–2 PM | 📍 Brookside Farm Museum
Join us for a special event featuring new research and exhibits honoring Black history in southeastern Connecticut.
🔎at 12:00 pm Tom Schuch will share the emerging story of Amos Watrous, a Black child listed as living in the home in the 1850 census, and how his story helps shape Brookside's future exhibits.
📚 at 12:30 pm Dr. Jennifer Rycenga, author of Schooling the Nation, will present on Prudence Crandall’s Canterbury Female Academy and the brave Black women who attended, highlighting their ties to local towns and the abolitionist movement.
Explore the newly preserved 1845 Christian Freeman newspaper, discovered in the museum walls, and help envision how this history can enrich East Lyme's story.
Free admission.
Questions? Email brooksidefarmmuseum@gmail.com or call 860-333-8793.
Books will be available for sale at the event or buy online at:
https://www.worldofbooks.com/.../schooling-the-nation...
https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p088377
https://www.amazon.com/Schooling-Nation.../dp/0252088379

🎶 Live Music at The Barn at Brookside! 🎶



Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and community as legendary local musician Steve Elci takes the stage at The Barn at Brookside! Known for his high-energy, family-friendly tunes, Steve brings a joyful, toe-tapping performance that kids and adults alike will love.

🍕 Pizza and drinks will be available for donation, so come hungry!🌧 Rain or shine – the show goes on!

💛 Donations are encouraged to support the artist and future events.
Bring a blanket, bring the family, and enjoy an afternoon of music under the sky at this beloved local venue!
www.steveelciandfriends.com

Don’t miss an afternoon of vibrant, toe-tapping tunes with Connecticut’s own Cicada String Band, bringing their unique blend of Americana, folk, and bluegrass to The Barn at Brookside! Known for their rich harmonies and high-energy performances, this is a show the whole family will enjoy.
🍕 Pizza and drinks available for donation – come hungry
!🌦 Rain or shine – the music plays on!
💛 Donations encouraged to support the band and future community events.
Grab your chairs and blankets, and join us for a night of great music, good company, and unforgettable vibes at one of CT’s most charming venues!