‘Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America’ set for Wednesday

TORRINGTON » The Torrington Historical Society will host “Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Presented by Velya JanczUrban and her daughter Ehris Urban, this program explores the lives of children between the late 16th and late 18th centuries. The discussion will explore birthing and childrearing practices, parenting, children’s health and education, naming, gender, play, and rites of passage.

“Pudd’nheads” provides fresh historical perspectives on key aspects of children’s lives and shares compelling information about colonial children, including Native American and slave children, who are too often left out of conventional coverage.

Velya Jancz-Urban is a teacher, author of a number of books on a variety of topics, former Brazilian dairy farm owner, and an expert on New England’s colonial women. Her daughter, Ehris Urban, is an herbalist. Velya and Ehris present holistic programs and workshops at their 1770 farmhouse in Woodbury.

Velya is also the creator of the popular program “The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife”. For the “Pudd’nheads” program, Velya has partnered with her daughter Ehris. “Pudd’nheads: Childhood in Colonial America” is similar to “The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife” in that it is funny, sad, sweet, and shocking.

The program will take place in the Torrington Historical Society Carriage House, 192 Main Street, Torrington. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Admission is $3; free to Torrington Historical Society members. For information on becoming a member, visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org