‘Vanished Port’ series to continue on Feb. 22

MIDDLETOWN >> Perched high above Washington Street is Middletown’s finest example of Georgian Colonial architecture, the Judge Seth Wetmore House. The painted parlor was of such high quality that it was dismantled and is now on display at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford. But the house began on a less elevated and sobering note: the foundation was dug by Judge Wetmore’s three enslaved workers, Milt, Cuff, and Will.

In the fourth installment of the “Vanished Port” speakers’ series to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, Bill Hosley will discuss 18th-century Middletown architecture with an emphasis on the Wetmore House. Famous visitors to the house included Aaron Burr, the Marquis de Lafayette, and noted theologians Jonathan Edwards and Timothy Dwight. They would have enjoyed lively conversations in the parlor with its “corner shell cupboard with sun-burst decoration; marbleized fluted pilasters at either side of the fireplace opening, and its fine overmantel painting,” as described by the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust.

Hosley, the principal of Terra Firma Northeast, is a cultural resource consultant, writer, historian, preservationist, exhibition developer, and material culture scholar. He was the director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks. Major exhibitions he curated at the Wadsworth Atheneum include The Great River: Art & Society of the Connecticut Valley and Sam & Elizabeth: Legend and Legacy of Colt’s Empire.

“A Vanished Port: Middletown and the Caribbean, 17501824” is a recently opened exhibit at the Middlesex County Historical Society, 151 Main Street, Middletown, that illuminates the culture of prosperity that grew from Middletown’s trade relationships with the slave-worked sugar plantations of the English Caribbean.

Russell Library is located at 123 Broad Street in Middletown and is handicap accessible. For more information on this presentation or on “A Vanished Port,” call 860-346-0746 or see https://mchsct.org

Lamb to speak at benefit luncheon

ANDOVER >> Channel 3 Kids Camp is holding its ninth annual WRAP (Women Raising Awareness Philanthropically) Luncheon on May 21 at the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford.

The event was created to help build positive networking opportunities while honoring the work of a woman for notable philanthropic contributions in her field and community.

Channel 3 Kids Camp will honor Chief of the Mohegan Tribal Nation, Lynn Malerba. Her name, Mutáwi Mutáhash translated means “Many Hearts.” This name reflects her life’s works and her belief is that it is a form of spirituality to work for the good of others.

This year’s keynote speaker is award-winning, New York Times best-selling author and Connecticut native, Wally Lamb.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the luncheon will include a variety of area boutiques and artisans for shopping before the luncheon program begins at 12:15 featuring a delicious seasonal menu.

Following the luncheon program, copies of Mr. Lamb’s books will be available for purchase and autographs.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Channel 3 Kids Camp.

Channel 3 Kids Camp believes that all children deserve a camp experience. Its mission is to provide fun yearround opportunities to children of all abilities, families, and communities through recreational and educational programs that promote diversity, acceptance, and environmental appreciation.

The nonprofit organization provides these opportunities through, traditional overnight and day camp summer programs, respite weekends, vacation camps, a teen leadership program, a year-round childcare center and visiting weekend groups.

Channel 3 Kids Camp is in Andover and Coventry Connecticut on 150 wooded acres alongside the Skungamaug River. The setting lends itself to welcoming nature, learning, and each other.

Please visit www.channel3kidscamp.org or call 860742-2267 to learn more about these opportunities or to purchase tickets.

Scholarship forms available

MIDDLETOWN >> Artist Doris Banks Henries grew up in Middletown and died in 1981. Pursuant to her will, a trust was established in 2003 to educate young adults in Middlesex County, particularly those who are under served or underrepresented in institutions of higher education.

The A. Doris Banks Henries Scholarship Committee intends to award a scholarship of $1,000 or more a year for up to four years.

Any high school senior who is a permanent resident of Middlesex County is eligible to apply.

The scholarship must be applied toward tuition or expenses at any certified postsecondary school.

To be considered for this year’s scholarship, the application together with the necessary documents must be submitted to the high school’s guidance office by March 15.