Postponing our annual dinner!

Due to the coronavirus, we are postponing the April 17 annual dinner and history program about antiques. If you already bought tickets, we'll return your money. We hope to reschedule in the fall, so keep thinking about wearing your antique finery -- jewelry, clothes, shoes -- or maybe due some online shopping in the next few months. Remember there's a prize for best antique-dressed and accessorized guest, but also a prize for vintage fashion we are GLAD is no longer in vogue.

Also postponing a Swing Dance that was being planned for April 18!

BUT -- our smaller gatherings, such as the Cheney Homestead open houses, genealogy group, movie night, and various work parties, will continue.

The History Center, pictured on the left, will be open as usual, Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We'll keep you informed via this e-blast. If you have questions, reply to this email , or phone 860-647-9983.

Third Thursday movies --

Thursday, March 19, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., Movie Night at the History Center, 175 Pine Street, third of our three-movie series -- "Winter Classics: Frank Capra's Enduring Legacy," following the format of classic movie and discussion. March will bring the 1938 "You Can't Take it With You," with Jimmy Stuart and Jean Arthur. Hosts David Garnes and Peter Millett.

Suggested donation $2 per person; $5 per family of 3 or more. Refreshments available for purchase.

Maps, maps, more maps

Check out various Manchester maps on our website.

On the right, a snippet from the 1902 "Bowers" map of Manchester -- the map was included with the Bowers town directory. Click the snippet to see the whole map.

Open house --

At the Homestead, on Sunday, April 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 106 Hartford Road. Note that this is the FIRST Sunday, rather than the (usual) SECOND Sunday, due to the Easter holiday. Also note that in May, with Mother's Day on May 10, our open house will be on May 3. Keep an eye on our Events page.

Each monthly open house at the Homestead has activities and themes, including during various months, gardening, crafts, readings of vintage books, and demonstrations.

Above, painting of the Homestead by Russell Cheney (1881-1945).

These tours support our mission of educating the public about the history of Manchester. QUESTIONS? or to RSVP for the April 16 meeting, email School Tour Committee with "School tour volunteer" in the subject line. Thanks in advance!

Pictured above , children at the entrance to the Old Manchester Museum on Cedar Street, part of the walking tour.

Can you help with the school tours?

Seeking volunteers for this VIP (Very Important Project!) helping with the Walking Through History tours for school children. Is this the year you volunteer for this fun and sociable project? Find out more --

Thursday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m., meeting of school-tour volunteers, at 175 Pine Street. The tours are for 600+ third-grade schoolchildren. Come find out more and sign-up for a gig or two. Tours will be held from May 5 to May 21 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 to 12:00 and 12:00 to 1:30. Volunteers can sign up for one day or several days. We need both docents (guides who describe the property -- Homestead, Schoolhouse, and Old Manchester Museum) and helpers. No experience necessary.

The Genealogy Group will host round-table discussions in April and May -- bring ideas, tips, successes, challenges! Tuesdays, April 14 and May 12 at 10:00 a.m., at the Manchester History Center, 175 Pine Street. The Historical Society's Genealogy Group is for both amateur and more experienced genealogists. We we explore topics in genealogy, helping each other with research and in overcoming roadblocks. The Genealogy Group consists of Historical Society members, but non-members are also welcome ($3.00 fee for non-members). The group usually meets on the second Tuesday of the month, except December, July, August. Visit Genealogy Page to find out more about the group, contact the coordinator, or read information about previous meetings and presentations.

March TV show --

"The Four Chaplains" a 30-minute television show recorded on February 3, 2020. A ceremony honowas conducted by members of the American Legion as well as musicians from East Catholic High School and the University of Connecticut. The true story of the death at sea and the sacrifice of the four chaplains was told and each chaplain's biography was read. The show airs at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m. on Cox cable channel 15 on Saturdays, and runs on all the Saturdays of the month. The show changes each month. This Channel 15 broadcasts in Manchester, Glastonbury, South Windsor, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Newington. You can watch this month's show on the Public Access website right from your computer by clicking "Four Chaplains" TV Show on Public Access TV.

Pictured above, brochure for the February 3, 2020 event.

Pictured below, bench at the American Legion honoring "All POWs and MIAs. Gone but not forgotten."

Art classes for all levels including beginners; start at any time!

Classical drawing in the new "mill studio" at the History Center -- enter at 199 Forest Street; parking along the side of the building. Learn to draw accurately and realistically using the sight-size method. Learn important concepts of line accuracy, quality, and value structure by drawing from the lithographic plates of Charles Bargue, a 19th-century master artist and printmaker. Info and to register classical drawing, Cheney Homestead arts. Instructor Trudy Mitchell, who can answer questions and describe the program.

New, the March 6-8, 2020, painting wi th Christina Grace Mastrangelo. Dates, details, instructor bios: Art at the Homestead .

More info, including award criteria, nomination form, and past winners: on the Commission's page of the Town's website

Time for preservation-award nominations!

The Historical Society and the Cheney National Historic Landmark District Commission encourage nominations from the public for awards, given during Preservation Month (May) to property owners "who have improved their property in a manner that preserves its historic value and character. Through their example these owners show we can enhance the present and future of Manchester without discarding its past. The Commission and the Society wish to recognize property owners who have actively maintained or rehabilitated a building in a manner that respects and preserves that building’s historic architectural integrity and character." Deadline for nominations is April 6.

Crossword puzzles --

Test your knowledge of Manchester history! If you missed a puzzle, you can find them at history puzzles .

Remember, the puzzle editor welcomes your ideas for Manchester-history clues.

"Reply" to this email with your not-too-hard puzzle clues.

Membership for yourself or --

Consider a gift membership for a friend or loved one. Why join a local historical society, even if you don't live in that town? Some reasons: • support education about the history of the town • support preservation of artifacts and vintage photos • join in advocating for preservation of historic buildings and parks that make Manchester charming.

Print this online donation form and mail to 175 Pine Street. Or drop by the History Center, Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 to 2:00. Direct questions to 860-647-9983.

Additional ways to donate: Employer matching gifts! Direct United Way donations to the Society. Sign in to Amazon via Amazon Smile and have a percentage of your purchases go to the Society. .