BLOOMFIELD. 4-H Education Center at Auer Farm of the Connecticut 4-H Development Fund, Inc., 158 Auer Farm Rd., 06002. Tel., (860) 242-7144; FAX, (860) 243-0005. Website: www.auerfarm.net. E-mail: 4hcenter@comcast.net. Science Education Elementary Middle School, Inquiry Science Preschool, Agriculture, Natural Science and Horticulture Education High School. Education Dir., Marlene Mayes; Head Teacher, Cathy Welles; Teachers for Academic Lessons, Preschool and Family Programs, Erika Brush, Kendra Hammond, Judith Klein, Margaret Saska; Production and Animal Care, Justin Whitehouse; Chair/Pres./Bd. of Dirs., Anthony Drapelick; Chair of Finance, Sam Ahilan; Chair of Production, Lynn Brown; Chair of Marketing, Jane Beup; Chair of Facilities, Dan Pellino; Chair of Fund Development, Nick Miller; Chair of Bd. Development, Earl Gardner; Chair, Volunteers, Beth Salsedo. The 4H Education Center is on historical Auerbach Farm, complete with demonstration gardens, farm animals, nature trails, exhibits, pastures, fields, elementary and middle school programs, pre-school programs, public programs, summer science programs, volunteer and service learning opportunities, special events, family celebrations, maple syrup and apple cider making in season. Open to the public year round, 7 days a week for self-guided tours. Office open 8:30 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Mon.-Fri.

BRIDGEPORT. The Discovery Museum and Planetarium, 4450 Park Ave., 06604. One mile south of Merritt Parkway (Rte. 15), Exit 47. Tel., (203) 372-3521; FAX, (203) 374-1929. Website: http://www.discoverymuseum.org. A hands-on science museum. Daily full-dome digital planetarium shows included in the cost of admission. Traveling exhibits change three times a year. Permanent exhibits include electricty, sound, light and space galleries. MoonBase Discovery Play Area. CT's only Challenger Learning Center (school groups only) and education programs and demos for school groups aligned to CT Science and Math Standards. Museum open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Sat.; Noon-5:00 P.M., Sun.; open Mon., July-Aug. and for selected school holidays. Live demos during most school vacation weeks and holidays. Admission: $8.50 adults; $7.00 children (5+), senior citizens, and students with ID cards. Acting Exec. Dir., Jeffrey Bishop.

BRISTOL. The American Clock and Watch Museum, Inc., 100 Maple St., 06010. Tel., (860) 583-6070; FAX, (860) 583-1862. Website: www.clockandwatchmuseum.org. E-mail: info@clockmuseum.org. Hours: Daily 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Apr. 1 to Nov. 30 (closed Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving). Admission: $5.00 adults; $4.00 seniors/AAA members; $2.00 children (8-15); please contact the museum for group rates. Pres., Gary Plonski; Treas., Arthur Shahverdian; Exec. Dir., Donald Muller; Curator, Chris H. Bailey.

BROOKFIELD. Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd. (at the intersection of Rte. 25 and Rte. 133 in Brookfield), P.O. Box 5231, 06804. Website: www.brookfieldcthistory.org. E-mail: brookfieldhistsoc@snet.net. Local history museum and library in the center of Brookfield's National Register Historic District, Civil War library, genealogy library, museum store. The Museum building is Brookfield's 1876 former town hall. Historic formal colonial garden adjacent to museum. Exhibits open every Sat. and the first Sun. of each month from Noon-4:00 P.M. and by special appointment by calling the Museum at Tel., (203) 740-8140.

CANTON. Roaring Brook Nature Center, off Rte. 44, 70 Gracey Rd., 06019. Tel., (860) 693-0263; FAX, (860) 693-0264. E-mail: rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org. Part of The Children's Museum, Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton welcomes visitors to a unique interpretive center that features exhibits and touchscreen information about Connecticut's woodlands and wetlands, Native American history, and live animals including birds of prey, as well as an outside native plant and butterfly garden, and vernal pool observation deck. The store is stocked with books and nature-related items. The grounds include over five miles of trails for hiking and winter cross-country skiing through adjoining Werner's Woods where visitors explore the forest, swamp, streams, ponds and fields. Programming throughout the year includes concerts, school and scout groups, birthday parties, after-school classes for children and adults, evening and weekend activities, school vacation and summer camp, special events and rentals, as well as extensive natural science outreach programs in schools. Roaring Brook Nature Center is Open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Sat.; 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M., Sun.; Closed Mon. except during Jul. and Aug., 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hiking trails open daily, dawn until dusk. Admission: $5.00 adults and youth (12+), $4.00 seniors (62+), $3.00 children (2-12), children under 2 free.

DANBURY. Danbury Museum and Historical Society Authority, 43 Main St., 06810. Tel., (203) 743-5200. Website: www.danburyhistorical.org. E-mail: dmhs@danburyhistorical.org. (History Museum, Historic Buildings, Reference Library, Exhibition Hall.) Museum and Library, please call for information concerning hours of operation. The Charles Ives Birthplace, 5 Mountainville Ave., open by appointment.

EAST GRANBY. Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine, 115 Newgate Rd., 06026; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 254, 06026-0254. National Historic Landmark/State Archaeological Preserve administered by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Tunnels left behind by miners burrowing deep underground in search of copper ore became Connecticut's first prison in 1773. Political prisoners were confined here during the Revolutionary War and women began to be committed in 1824. The prison closed in 1827. The museum is open to the public seasonally. For information on hours and admission fees, visit www.cultureandtourism.org or call (860) 653-3563 or (860) 256-2800 (weekdays or off-season).

EAST HAVEN. Shoreline Trolley Museum, 17 River St., 06512-2519. Tel., (203) 467-6927; 467-7635 (group sales). Website: www.bera.org. Transportation museum: street, railway and rapid transit cars in operation and on display; rides and guided tours; educational programs for children and adults; special events; artifact display at visitors center; library and research materials available. The museum is enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Dept. of the Interior. Special features include: world's first electric freight locomotive, world's oldest rapid transit car, and a rare operational trolley parlor car. Open daily, 10:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M., Memorial Day-Labor Day; weekends, May, Sept., Oct.; Open Nov. 27-Dec. 19, Sat.-Sun. Fares: $8.00 adults; $6.00 seniors (62+); $4.00 children (2-15); children under 2, free. Note: Higher fares apply during certain special event days. Special rates for charters, parties and groups.

EAST WINDSOR. Connecticut Fire Museum, P.O. Box 297, 58 North Rd., Rte. 140, I-91 Exit 45, 06088-0360. Website: www.ceraweb.org/Firemuseum/index.html . On the same grounds as the Connecticut Trolley Museum. The Connecticut Fire Museum, also known as the Trolley Museum Fire Department, is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of antique fire apparatus and associated equipment. A non-profit and historical association, Connecticut Antique Fire Apparatus Association, Inc., the parent organization of the Connecticut Fire Museum, was organized in 1968, incorporated in 1971, and opened its current facilities to the public in 1975. Special events held throughout the year. Group tour reservations welcome. Restrooms, visitors center. For further information and group tour rates, Tel., (860) 627-6540.

EAST WINDSOR. Connecticut Trolley Museum, P.O. Box 360, 58 North Rd., Rte. 140, I-91 Exit 45, 06088-0360. Website: www.ct-trolley.org. E-mail: office@ceraweb.org. Transportation Museum. Visitors ride 3.0 miles round trip on antique trolley cars through scenic Conn. countryside. Some of our more than 50 trolley cars, vintage 1894 to 1949, are on display in our visitors center. Special events held throughout the year. Group tour reservations welcome. Restrooms, visitors center, fire museum, snack bar. For further information and group tour rates, Tel., (860) 627-6540.

FARMINGTON. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd., 06032-2304. Website: www.hillstead.org. Established as a museum in 1946 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991, this outstanding example of Colonial Revival domestic architecture is set on 152 acres of park-like fields and woodlands. The museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums in 2003, houses masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Manet, Cassatt and Whistler, exhibited with Japanese woodblock prints, original furnishings and decorative arts from when the Pope and Riddle families were in residence. The 1901 house is complemented by walking trails, nine historic buildings, miles of stone walls and a circa 1920 Beatrix Farrand-designed Sunken Garden, today the site of an acclaimed poetry and music festival. The museum is open Tues.-Sun. for house tours; 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., May-Oct.; 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M., Nov.-Apr. Grounds open daily 7:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: $10.00 adults; $9.00 seniors; $8.00 students; $5.00 children ages 6-12; children under 6 and members, free. For more information, volunteer opportunities or a calendar of events, call (860) 677-4787 or visit website.

FARMINGTON. The Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St., 06032. Tel., (860) 677-9222. FAX, (860) 677-7758. Website: www.stanleywhitman.org/. Early New England FRAME house built by John Stanley in 1720, opened as a museum in 1935, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Historic house features period furnishings and guided tours to represent the lives of Farmington families in the 18th century. The grounds reflect the utilitarian uses of a colonial dooryard with its culinary, medicinal and herbal plantings. Research library and exhibit gallery open to the public. Office, library and gallery open 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Fri. Historic house tours and gallery open Noon-4:00 P.M., Sat. and Sun., from Nov.-Apr. and Noon-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Sun., from May-Oct. Closed major holidays. Group tours by appointment. Admission: $7.00 adults; $4.00 seniors/AAA members; $2.00 children (6-18); children under 6 and members free. Exec. Dir./Curator, Lisa Fern Johnson.

GREENWICH. National Audubon Society, 613 Riversville Rd., 06831. Tel., (203) 869-5272; FAX, (203) 869-4437. Website: ct.audubon.org. E-mail: ct@audubon.org. Nature Centers in Greenwich, Sharon and Southbury, with interpretive buildings, and 4,500 acres of sanctuary land. Centers open daily 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.; interpretive buildings are closed major holidays. Admission: $3.00 adults; $1.50 children and senior citizens; National Audubon Society members free. State Dir., Tom Baptist.

GUILFORD. Henry Whitfield State Museum (Old Stone House), 248 Old Whitfield St., 06437-3459. National Historic Landmark/State Archaeological Preserve administered by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. The oldest house in Connecticut and the oldest stone dwelling in New England (1639), featuring rare 17th- to 19th-century furnishings, as well as exhibits, visitor center, museum shop, research library and landscaped grounds. Tel., (203) 453-2457; FAX, (203) 453-7544. Curator, Michael A. McBride. For information on hours and admission fees, visit www.cultureandtourism.org or call (203) 453-2457 or (860) 256-2760.

HARTFORD. Arts at Trinity, Trinity College, 300 Summit St., 06106-3100. Box office Tel.: (860) 297-2199. Website: www.trincoll.edu/artsattrinity/. Performing and Visual Arts. Goodwin Theater, Garmany Hall, Widener Gallery.

Open year-round 11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Fri.; 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Sat., Sun.; 11:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M., first Thurs. Closed Mon., and most major holidays. Group tours by appointment, (860) 838-4046. Lectures, seminars, films, theater events, educational programs for children and adults, including the visually impaired, are offered. Auerbach Library of 30,000 volumes. General admission: $10.00 adults; $8.00 seniors (62+); $5.00 students (ages 13-college students with ID); members and children 12 and under, free. Additional charges apply to the annual fundraisers "Fine Art & Flowers" (spring) and "Festival of Trees & Traditions" (early December).

The Museum Cafe: 11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Tues.-Sun. The Museum Shop, 11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Fri.; 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Sat.-Sun.; 11:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M., first Thurs. Information, Tel., (860) 278-2670.

KENT. The Sloane-Stanley Museum, 31 Kent-Cornwall Rd., 06757; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 917, 06757-0917. Administered by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Museum showcases the collection of Early-American hand tools and implements assembled by artist and author Eric Sloane. Examples of his artwork and his re-created artist's studio are also on display. Ruins of Kent Iron Furnace on grounds. Open mid-May thru Oct., 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Sun. Admission: $4.00 adults, $3.00 seniors and college students with ID, $2.50 youth 6-17, children under 6, free. For group tour and other information, call 860-927-3849 or 860-256-2800 (weekdays off-season) or visit Website: http://www.cultureandtourism.org.

LEBANON. Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House Museum, 780 Trumbull Hwy. (Rte. 87), 06249. Website: www.lebanontownhall.org/trumbulljuniormuseum.htm. Owned and operated by Town of Lebanon. Built circa 1769, this Georgian-style house features beautifully carved woodwork by Isaac Fitch. Jonathan Trumbull Jr. was military secretary to General George Washington during the American Revolution and governor of Connecticut from 1797-1809. General Washington spent the night here March 4-5, 1781. Reproduction period furnishings are usable by visitors. Hands-on house tours illustrate architectural, social and cultural change over a 240-year period. Heritage gardens and ancient Ginkgo tree enhance the grounds. Located on mile-long historic Lebanon Green. Open mid-May to mid-Oct., Noon-4:00 P.M., Sat.-Sun., and year-round by appointment. For information, contact First Selectman, 579 Exeter Rd., Lebanon. Tel., (860) 642-6100 weekdays or visit Website: www.cultureandtourism.org.

MANCHESTER. Lutz Children's Museum, 247 So. Main St., 06040. Tel., (860) 643-0949. Website: www.lutzmuseum.org. Live animals, hands-on exhibits, classes, collection of artifacts, trips, concerts, special events, Nature Center. Open 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Fri.; Noon-5:00 P.M., Sat.-Sun.; closed Mon. Admission: $5.00 adults and children (over one year old); members free. Group Tours by appointment. Exec. Dir., Robert Eckert.

MANSFIELD. The William Benton Museum of Art, Connecticut's State Art Museum. The University of Connecticut, 245 Glenbrook Rd., Unit 2140, Storrs 06269-2140. Tel., (860) 486-4520; FAX, (860) 486-0234. Website: http://www.benton.uconn.edu/. E-mail: benton@uconn.edu. Located at the heart of the University of Connecticut's campus, the Benton Museum has a collection of more than 6,000 works of art, dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including works by Käthe Kollwitz, Reginald Marsh, Mary Cassatt, Rembrandt Peale and Romare Beardon. The Museum presents 12-15 historical, contemporary and traveling exhibitions each year, as well as lectures, musical programs, poetry readings and literature discussions, all open to the public. Museum Hours: (during exhibit periods) 10:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M., Thurs.-Fri.; 1:00 P.M.-4:30 P.M., Sat.-Sun. No admission charge; donations are appreciated. Museum Dir., Thomas Bruhn, Ph.D.

MANSFIELD. Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Connecticut Archaeology Center, The University of Connecticut, 2019 Hillside Rd., Storrs 06269-1023. Tel., (860) 486-4460; FAX, (860) 486-0827. Website: http://www.cac.uconn.edu. E-mail: sue.broneill@uconn.edu. The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History's permanent exhibit, Human's Nature: Looking Closer at the Relationships between People and the Environment, explores how the natural history of Southern New England has shaped the lives of the people who live here and how people, in turn, have shaped the environment. The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Connecticut. This story will be told through the lenses of many different academic disciplines at the University of Connecticut, and will introduce visitors to a group of fascinating scholars and their work here in New England. The museum's fully renovated second floor also includes two classrooms for the museum's multidisciplinary programs. Field learning activities, labs and workshops, notable guest lecturers, camps and family programs are some of the museum's education programs for children and adults. Exhibit Hours: 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Fri. Administration office hours: 9:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M., Mon.-Fri. No admission charge; donations are appreciated. State Archaeologist, Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni; Dir., Leanne Kennedy Harty.

MASHANTUCKET. Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, P.O. Box 3180, CT 06338-3180. Tel., (800) 411-9671. Website: www.pequotmuseum.org/. The center houses 85,000 sq. feet of permanent exhibits on the natural and Native history of southern New England and beyond, including multi-sensory dioramas, films, videos, and 3D computer interactive programs. A walk through the 16th-century Pequot village features 13 wigwams and 51 lifelike figures posed in activities from daily life. Another highlight is the caribou hunt diorama, a scene depicting life in southeastern Connecticut 11,000 years ago. Historical artifacts and original Native artwork are also on display. The library, archives, and special collections serve as resources on the histories and cultures of all Native peoples of the United States and Canada. Restaurant and gift shop. On-site parking; regular shuttles from Foxwoods Resort Casino, one mile away. Take I-395, Exit 79A or I-95, Exit 92 and follow signs to the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation and the museum. Open 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. (last admission at 3:00 P.M.), Wed.-Sat.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission: $15.00 adults, $13.00 seniors (55+), $10.00 youth (6-15), children 6 and under, free.

MYSTIC. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Blvd., (Exit 90, off I-95) 06355-1997. Tel., (860) 572-5955. Website: www.mysticaquarium.org. E-mail: info@mysticaquarium.org. Encounter ocean animals in an exciting new way. Reach in and touch a ray or take part in a special Ray Feeding Program. Sign up to do a beluga or penguin encounter program and get closer to these animals than you ever thought possible (reservations recommended). Come visit a wonderful variety of animals from beluga whales to Steller sea lions, African penguins and more. Take a ride on the new XD Motion Theater Deep Sea 3D. Dive into the deep with the world's only exhibits based on Dr. Robert Ballard's expeditions. Come see Dr. Ballard's new exhibit, "Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries," which takes you live into some of our National Marine Sanctuaries where you will discover shipwrecks and see colorful corals without having to leave the aquarium. Open daily Mar.-Nov., 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.; Dec.-Feb., 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Mon.-Fri.; 9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M., Sat.-Sun., and holidays. Admission gates close one hour prior to closing. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: $26.00 adults, $23.00 seniors, $19.00 children (3-17). Children 2 and under, free. For group reservations, please call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.

MYSTIC. Mystic Seaport-The Museum of America and the Sea. 75 Greenmanville Ave., P.O. Box 6000, 06355-0990. Tel., (860) 572-5315 or toll-free, (888) 973-2767. Website: www.mysticseaport.org. E-mail: info@mysticseaport.org. Nation's leading maritime museum featuring historic tall ships, planetarium, exhibits and educational programs focused on the stories of America and the sea. Also, library, collections research center and a working preservation shipyard. Operated by Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc. Tel., (888) 973-2767. Open daily, Mar. 27th-Nov. Open Thurs.-Sun., Dec.-Mar. 2011, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Apr.-Oct., 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.; Nov.-Mar., 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Admission: $24.00 adults; $22.00 seniors (65+), active duty military and college students (with ID); $15.00 children (6-17); children 5 and under, free.

NAUGATUCK. Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, 195 Water St., 06770. Tel., (203) 729-9039. Website: www.naugatuckhistory.com/museum.htm. E-mail: naugatuckhistory@sbcglobal.net. Dedicated to the history of Naugatuck and the local area. It is located in the former train station in Naugatuck.

NEW CANAAN. New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, 06840. Tel., (203) 966-9577; FAX, (203) 966-6536. Website: www.newcanaannature.org. Natural Science and Horticulture Education. Nature trails, exhibits, visitors center, flight cages with raptors, greenhouse, gardens, arboretum, school programs, public programs, nursery school, summer camp, volunteer programs, special events, maple syrup and apple cider making in season. Buildings open 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Mon.-Sat. Grounds open dawn-dusk daily. Dir., Summer Camp, Lisa Monachelli; Dir., School Programs, vacancy; Dir., Finance and Bus. Operations, Kevin Kelly; Dir., Youth and Family Programs, Lisa Monachelli; Dir., Animal Care, Melanie Pearson; Dir., Horticulture Education, Alan Gorkin; Dir. of Education, Keith Marshall; Dir. of Development, vacancy; Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Gamerman; Dir., Early Childhood Programs, Priscilla Woyke; Buildings and Grounds Mgr., Felix Andreoni; Dir. of Marketing, Hilary Wittmann; Office Mgr., Catherine Lucenti; Pres., Bd. of Trustees, Thomas B. Lewis, Jr.; Exec. Dir., Laura Heckman.

NEW HAVEN. Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St., P.O. Box 208280, 06520-8280. Tel., (203) 432-2800; Toll free in U.S., (877) BRITART; FAX, (203) 432-9628. Website: www.yale.edu/ycba. Masterpieces of British art from the 16th century to the present. Extensive collections of paintings, sculpture, watercolors, drawings, prints, and rare books. Admission free. Open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Tues.-Sat.; Noon-5:00 P.M., Sun. Dir., Amy Meyers; Public Relations Mgr., Amy McDonald.

NEW HAVEN. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, 170 Whitney Ave., P.O. Box 208118, 06520-8118. Tel., (203) 432-5050; Groups, (203) 432-3775. Website: www.peabody.yale.edu. E-mail: melanie.brigockas@yale.edu. One of the top natural history museums in the Western world, the museum combines intimate size with world-class collections. Over 12 million specimens and artifacts ranging from minute marine organisms to birds, mammals, primates, Egyptian mummies and giant dinosaur skeletons span 4 billion years of Earth history. The vertebrate paleontology collection, begun by O.C. Marsh, is the third largest in the nation and its meteorite collection the oldest. The Hall of Minerals, Earth and Space features a wide array of exhibits with themes ranging from Connecticut geology to earthquakes and other geologic phenomena. Live feed from NASA highlights the section on the solar system. Other exhibits on Ancient Egypt, Connecticut Birds, and Native American Cultures. Discovery Room and Museum Store. Open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Mon.-Sat.; Noon-5:00 P.M., Sun. Open Memorial Day and Labor Day; closed other major holidays. Admission: Adults $7.00, senior citizens (65 and over) $6.00; children ages 3-18 and college students with ID $5.00, group admissions $3.00 with advance reservations; free Thurs. Sept.-June from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Wheelchair accessible. Dir., Derek Briggs; Public Relations, Melanie Brigockas.

NEW LONDON. Connecticut College Arboretum, 270 Mohegan Ave., Connecticut College, 06320. Website: http://arboretum.conncoll.edu. Privately owned and open to the public. The 750 acres, which encompass all college property, include the college campus landscape, an extensive native tree and shrub collection, wildflower gardens, native azalea garden, naturalistic landscape demonstration areas, two large natural areas for ecological research. Trail system throughout. Open daily dawn-dusk. Free to public. The Arboretum offers free Sun. afternoon tours at 2:00 P.M. from the first Sun. in May to the last Sun. in Oct. Call (860) 439-5020 or E-mail: ktdam@conncoll.edu for further information.

NORWICH. Leffingwell Historic Museum, 348 Washington St., 06360. Tel., (860) 889-9440 for hours, admission fees, or private tours. Website: www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org/. The house incorporates 17th-and 18th-century architectures, developing from a 17th-century farmhouse to a mid-18th-century townhouse. It was moved in 1956 from its original site, the home lot of a founding father of Norwich, Stephen Backus, to its present location, as it was in the path of a proposed super highway. George Washington visited Christopher Leffingwell at the house during the Revolutionary War, seeking provisions and supplies. Utensils, tools, furnishings, silver and china of the period are displayed. An ongoing search for additional pieces and continuing restoration are the purposes of The Society of the Founders of Norwich. Open Noon-4 P.M., Sat., Apr. 15-Oct. 15 or by appointment. Donations: $5.00 adults; $3.00 seniors and youth (12+); $2.00 children; members free. Pres., Austin Jay Deming.

NORWICH. Slater Memorial Museum, located in the Slater Memorial Building and the adjacent Converse Art Gallery on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy, 108 Crescent St., 06360. Tel., (860) 887-2506; FAX, (860) 885-0379. Website: www.slatermuseum.org. Open year-round 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Tues.-Fri.; 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M., Sat.-Sun.; closed Mon. and most major holidays. Admission: $3.00 adults; $2.00 seniors; $1.00 students with I.D.; Friends of Slater Museum and children under 12 free; guided group tours available. Dir., Vivian F. Zoë.

OLD LYME. Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Historical Society, Inc., 96 Lyme St., 06371. Website: www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org. Pres., Robert Webster; 1st Vice Pres., David W. Dangremond; 2nd Vice Pres., Erica Semple; Secy., Barbara Preston; Treas., Karen Horn; Dir., Jeffrey W. Andersen.

ROCKY HILL. Academy Hall Museum, 785 Old Main St., P.O. Box 185, 06067-0185. Tel., (860) 563-6704. Website: www.rockyhillhistory.org/about.htm. Open year-round 10:00 A.M.-Noon, Tues., or by appointment; 12:30 P.M.-3:00 P.M, Sat.; fourth Thurs. of June-Sept., 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Pres., Michael Martino.

STRATFORD. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum, Main St. Putney, (Exit 53 off Rte. 15) P.O. Box 902, 06615-0902. Tel., (203) 381-2046. A 32-acre former homestead of the Boothe family 1663-1949, with picnic facilities, playgrounds, and museum buildings. A National Register of Historic Places site featuring carriage barn, an 1820 homestead, blacksmith shop, trolley station, Merritt Parkway Toll Booth Plaza, windmill, clocktower museum, rock and mineral museum and ice house. An award-winning wedding rose garden and sunken garden are open year-round. Park open daily 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.; museum tours, June 1-Oct. 1, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M., Tues.-Fri.; 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M., Sun. Free, and handicapped accessible.

STRATFORD. National Helicopter Museum, Inc., 2480 Main St., P.O. Box 775, 06615-0775. Tel., (203) 375-8857. Website: www.nationalhelicoptermuseum.org. Location: Eastbound Railroad station in Stratford. Open Memorial Day to the 2^nd week of Oct., 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Sun. Special tours can also be arranged, in advance. Free admission and free parking.

VERNON. The New England Civil War Museum, 14 Park Pl., 06066. Tel., (860) 870-3563. Website: www.necwm.org. E-mail: necwm@hotmail.com. Located in Rockville's historic Memorial Hall, the New England Civil War Museum has one of the most-identified collections of Civil War artifacts in the region, including items belonging to local soldiers such as Col. Thomas Burpee and the Hirst brothers. In addition, the museum contains a Civil War history library. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall housing the museum remains in its late 1800s decor and is operated by Alden Skinner Camp #45, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Open 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, Noon-3:00 P.M.; 1^st Thurs., 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. and by appointment. E-mail for weekly hours and openings by appointment. Admission: free; donations accepted. Handicapped accessible. Exec. Dir., Matthew Reardon; Librarian/Curator, Jerry Caroon; Librarian/Curator, Alex Oliphant.

WASHINGTON. The Gunn Memorial Museum, affiliated with the Gunn Memorial Library, 5 Wykeham Rd., Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1273, 06793-0273. Tel., (860) 868-7756; FAX: (860) 868-7247. Website: www.gunnlibrary.org. E-mail: gunnmuseum@sbcglobal.net. The museum was founded in 1899 and is housed in a circa 1780 residence overlooking the historic Washington Green. Our mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret objects and documents which illuminate the lives and concerns of people who have lived in the town of Washington. There are seasonally changing exhibits and a research library with photographs, documents and genealogical materials available to the public. Directions: Located at the intersection of Rte. 47 and Wykeham Road. Open 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Thurs.-Sat., all year; Noon.-4:00 P.M., Sun., May-Oct., and by appointment. Free admission. Curator, Stephen Bartkus.

WASHINGTON. The Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd., P.O. Box 1260, 06793-1260. Tel., (860) 868-0518; FAX, (860) 868-1649. Website: www.birdstone.org. E-mail: iais@charter.net. Museum and Education Center. Open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Mon.-Sat.; Noon-5:00 P.M., Sun. Admission: $5.00 adults; $4.50 senior citizens; $3.00 children. Dir., Elizabeth McCormick.

WEST HARTFORD. The Children's Museum, Exit 43 off I-84, 950 Trout Brook Dr., 06119-1437. Tel., (860) 231-2824. E-mail: www.thechildrensmuseumct.org. Serving over 210,000 children and families annually, New England's largest children's museum offers hands-on science and fun focused on children under age 12. Visitors are greeted by "Conny," a full-size sperm whale that spouts. The Museum's state-of-the art digital planetarium theater is the largest in New England. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide variety of rescued animals that includes snakes, turtles, owls and exotic cats from Africa. Other exhibit areas have life-like dinosaurs at a fossil dig site, a working TV weather forecast set, a Lego raceway and a giant bubble machine. The Museum is popular for its Explore Store, school trips, birthday parties, overnights, vacation camps, rentals and special events as well as providing extensive science outreach programs in schools. The Museum also operates a Preschool on site and Roaring Brook Nature Center in nearby Canton. The Children's Museum is open 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Tues.-Sat. as well as Mon. during summer and school vacations; 11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Sun.; closed Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. General Admission (includes planetarium show): $11.00 adults and children; $1.00 discount seniors (63+); children under 2, free.

WESTPORT. Earthplace-The Nature Discovery Center, Inc., 10 Woodside La., P.O. Box 165, 06881-0165. Tel., (203) 227-7253. Website: www.earthplace.org. Nature Discovery Museum, Live Animal Hall, Preschool, Summer Camp, 62-acre sanctuary with nature trails including Wheels in the Woods 4 - a universal access trail, Connecticut Birds of Prey exhibit area, gardens, playgrounds and gift shop. Open 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., Mon.-Sat.; 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M., Sun. Grounds open daily 7:00 A.M. to dusk. Admission: $7.00 adult and youth (12-17); $5.00 seniors (62+) and children (1-12); children under 1, free. Exec. Dir., John D. Horkel.

WETHERSFIELD. The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main St., 06109. Tel., (860) 529-0612. Website: www.webb-deane-stevens.org. E-mail: info@webb-deane-stevens.org. Located in Connecticut's largest Historic District, the museum offers guided tours of four 18th-century houses that explore history and daily life from the early Colonial era to the Colonial Revival. The Webb and Deane houses are National Historic Landmarks and the Stevens House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum is also in charge of tours at the Buttolph-Williams House, a property of Connecticut Landmarks that is also a National Historic Landmark. The recreated Webb House Colonial Revival Garden, designed in 1921, is open to the public free of charge during regular museum hours. The Museum offers special family programs, lectures, seasonally changing exhibits, group tours and Museum School programs throughout the year. Open 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Wed.-Mon., except Sun. when hours are 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M, May-Oct.; Sat., Sun., Nov.-Apr. Open daily in Dec. for holiday tours. Closed Jan.-Mar. Check our website for more information. Admission: $8.00 adults; $7.00 seniors (60+); $4.00 children; Friends and children under 5, free. Discounts available to AAA members, active military and students. Dir./Curator, Charles T. Lyle. 

WILLIMANTIC. Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, 55 Bridge St., P.O. Box 665, 06226-0665. Tel., (860) 456-9999. Website: www.cteastrrmuseum.org. E-mail: info@cteastrrmuseum.org. Preservation of railroad history with emphasis on Eastern Connecticut. Located on site of former New Haven Railroad's "Columbia Junction". Restored roundhouse and turntable, buildings from Chaplin, Groton, and Willimantic, locomotives, both steam and diesel, and rolling stock. Open May-Oct., 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Sat., Sun. Admission: $5.00 adults; members and children under 8, free. Pres., Mark Granville; Vice Pres., Duke York; Secy., Bill Robinson; Treas., Jeff Laverty; NRHS Dir., Ray Axelrod.

WINDSOR. Windsor Historical Society, 96 Palisado Ave. (Rte. 159), 06095-2526. Tel., (860) 688-3813; FAX, (860) 687-1633. Website: www.windsorhistoricalsociety.org. E-mail: info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org. A museum complex with changing and permanent exhibits; a hands-on history learning center for families; a research library with Windsor photographs, documents, and genealogical materials; an 18th-century herb garden; and two historic homes: the Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee House built in 1767 and the John and Sarah Strong House built in 1758. Open 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Tues.-Sat.; closed Sun., Mon. and major holidays. Admission: $5.00 adults; $4.00 seniors and students; members and children under 12, free. Pres., John Berky; Secy., Delia Jubrey; Treas., Aubrey Loomis; Exec. Dir., Christine Ermenc.

WINDSOR LOCKS. New England Air Museum, (owned and operated by the Conn. Aeronautical Historical Assoc., Inc.) Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks 06096. Tel., (860) 623-3305; FAX, (860) 627-2820. Website: www.neam.org. Largest aviation Museum in the Northeastern United States. Three large exhibit hangars with more than 70 aircraft from all eras of aviation, many of which are one of a kind. Numerous exhibits on a variety of subjects including the history of Pratt & Whitney, the Tuskegee Airmen and the Lafayette Escadrille of WWI. Numerous special events are held during the year and space is available for corporate and social functions. The Museum's Education Department offers a variety of programs for school and non-school groups. Gift Shop, free parking, facilities for handicapped, free brochure on request. Open 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M., daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: $10.00 adults; $9.00 senior citizens; $6.00 children (4-11); children ages 3 and under, free. Guided group tours and group rates available.

WINDSOR LOCKS. Noden-Reed House and Barn Museums, 58 West St., 06096. Tel., (860) 627-9212. Operated by The Windsor Locks Historical Society, Inc., since 1976. Victorian farmhouse with period room displays and an 1826 brick barn containing a farmer's tool collection, located in a 22-acre town park with nature trails. Listed on National Register of Historical Places; considered site of Connecticut's first Christmas Tree (1777) by Hessian soldier. Gov. Ella Grasso memorabilia added to the museum. Open May-Oct., 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M., Sunday. Free admission.

WOODBURY. The Glebe House Museum and Gertrude Jekyll Garden, 49 Hollow Rd., 06798-3317; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 245, 06798-0245. Tel., (203) 263-2855. Website: www.theglebehouse.org. E-mail: ghmgjg@snet.net. Set in the picturesque Litchfield Hills in historic Woodbury's village center, the Glebe House Museum offers the visitor a glimpse of Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The simple but elegant 18th-century farmhouse is furnished as the home of the Reverend John Marshall, his wife Sarah, and their nine children who lived in the "glebe" during the turmoil of the American War for Independence. The garden was designed in 1926 by Gertrude Jekyll, England's best-known garden designer.

* Interim Dirs.

THE ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT LIBRARY BOARDS, INC.-- Office: P.O. Box 203, Rowayton 06853. Tel., (203) 853-0085. Website: www.aclb.org. E-mail: info@aclb.org. Pres., Stanley M. Siegel, Rowayton; Vice Pres./Treas., Suzanne Lee, Guilford; Secy., Lynn Norton, Colchester.