Connecticut Open House Day is June 11

Connecticut Open House Day is set for Saturday, June 11. Sites throughout Connecticut will be open to the public, including attractions in Litchfield County.

More than 200 tourism attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms and restaurants, will welcome visitors with free or discounted admission or special offers.

Now in its 18th year, Connecticut Open House Day celebrates the state's diverse array of history, art, culture, nature and adventure experiences. Learn more at ctvisit.com.

Litchfield County locations: Abrash Galleries, Woodbury: Specials on selected oriental rugs and antiques will be offered that day. A presentation on the care and restoration of rugs will be given and all those who would like to bring any of their oriental rugs in for identification that day, verbal identification will be done for free, limit two rugs per customer. Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Connecticut Museum of Mining Annual Gem and Mineral Show, Kent: The Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science is one of 11 displays of the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum. The free admission gives entry to all of the association's exhibits plus the gem and mineral Show.

Eric Sloane Museum, Kent: Enjoy free admission on CT Open House Day and experience the Eric Sloane Museum like never before! See original works of art and the early Americana collection of Eric Sloane. Explore what life was like in the early 19th century at the new Noah Blake Cabin. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the picturesque Housatonic River Valley and the history of Kent Ironworks. The museum offers something for everyone.

First Congregational Church of Litchfield, Litchfield: We are offering tours of our historic meetinghouse beginning at 1 p.m. The church bookstore will be open.

Gallery 25 & Creative Arts Studio, New Milford: Gallery 25 will be offering free critique to any artist or artisan who would like to have their work reviewed. We will also be holding an Art Scavenger Hunt for our younger visitors throughout the day. Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, Woodbury: The Glebe House Museum will present an open house with free

admission. The main floor of the historic site will be open for guests to view. Docents will be available to share history and answer questions about the historic site. The Gertrude Jekyll Garden will be open for self-guided viewing.

Gunn Memorial Museum, Washington: Free one-hour guided tours of the national award-winning exhibit, Washington Connecticut - An American Story, given on the top of every hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors can also stop by any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to explore the exhibit on their own. The exhibit shares the story of the unique people, places, and events that have shaped Washington's history.

Harry C. Barnes Nature Center, Bristol: See live reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds of prey. Enjoy hiking trails and a gift shop.

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington: Welcomes visitors for complimentary tours of the farm from noon until 3 p.m. The tack shop will be open for browsing. Learn about the farm's mission, meet the horses and find out about adoption and sponsorships of the many rescued horses.

Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington: Visit the museum to learn about the more than 10,000-year history of Connecticut's Native American inhabitants. Museum educators and docents will be stationed throughout the museum and in our Outdoor Replicated Algonkian village, along with self-guided educational activities. Learn about immersive activities and programs for all ages throughout the year. Museum capacity is limited; for information call 860-868-0518, events@iaismuseum.org

Kent Art Association, Kent: The Kent Art Association is presenting its annual President's Show with works in all mediums by local artists. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Members will have refreshments on the day of the CT Open House event.

KidsPlay Children's Museum, Torrington: Half-price admission for Connecticut Open House Day, at KidsPlay's 11,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits designed and built on the research-supported belief that hands-on multisensory play is a natural mechanism for learning. Reserve tickets online.

Leroy Anderson House, Woodbury: Leroy Anderson, the composer of Sleigh Ride and many other popular light concert compositions, lived in Woodbury from 1949 to 1975. His former home is a historic house museum on the National Register of Historic Places. This mid-century modern house is one of a small number of composer's homes in the USA that is open to the public.

Litchfield Historical Society, Litchfield: To celebrate CT Open House Day, The Litchfield Historical Society will offer free walking tours. At 10 a.m., Head of Education, Kate Zullo, leads a special themed tour "Sold, Made, and Grown in Litchfield" During the tour, visitors will discover how the community's economy has grown and changed over time. At 1 p.m., Museum Interpreter, Sue Weston, will be leading a tour of Litchfield's Historic District, introducing visitors to the town's stories, buildings, and people. Tours begin at the Litchfield History Museum, 7 South Street, Litchfield, and last approximately 1 hour.

Lock Museum of America, Terryville: When visiting the museum, see the finest builders and hardware ever made, designed, patented, and manufactured in Connecticut. Open from noon until 4 p.m.

Merwinsville Hotel Restoration, Gaylordsville: Join us for a free tour of one of the last-standing trackside station hotels east of the Mississippi. The Merwinsville Hotel is a national historic landmark located in Gaylordsville. Opened in 1843, it was a meal and station stop for the Housatonic Railroad that ran from Bridgeport to Springfield. The second-floor features rooms with period furniture and decor reminiscent of the hotel's earliest years. 1 Browns Forge Rd, Gaylordsville.

New Milford Barn Quilt Trail, New Milford: The first barn quilt trail in Connecticut consists of 19 colorful hand painted patterns on vintage barns and historical buildings.

Norfolk Farmers Market, Norfolk: The market is located at 19 Maple Avenue. Hours are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Local farmers have meats, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, maple syrup, baked goods and prepared foods. Artisan wares include wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, hand woven goods. Live music. Register to win a $25 gift card at the manager's tent. Say "I'm here for Open House" to enter.

Plymouth Historical Society, Plymouth: Town-wide scavenger hunt to historic sites in Plymouth. On June 12 at 10 a.m., pick up the Passport to Plymouth at the Historical Society, 572 Main Street, Plymouth. Visit the sites, return the Passport by 3 p.m., and get gift certificates for ice cream cones at Cleveland's Country Store in Plymouth.

Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston: The Railroad

Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad are partnering up with Fascia's Chocolates to offer round trip excursions this CT Open House Day. Tickets can be purchased for departures from both Thomaston Station and Fascia's Chocolates, and are available at ridethenaugy.com.

Susan Rood Studio, New Hartford: Art in the Barn, an exhibition of area artists of paintings, linocuts, drawings, photography, ceramics and weaving. Exhibiting artists include Katie Atkinson, Sheila and Will Cummings, Merrill French, Lisa Gustafson, Leslie Landau, Howard and Susan Rood, Sunny Torres, Jan Wright. Demonstrations throughout the day and open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

T.A. Hungerford Memorial Museum, Harwinton: The Hungerford Memorial Museum is identified as a memorial because Mr. Theodore Hungerford is thought to be buried somewhere on the property. For many years no one knew of his final resting place, until now. Come visit to find out why this was such a mystery for so long.

Watertown History Museum, Watertown: Come take your picture with "The Leatherman," and enjoy interactive activities in every exhibit. There will be a "Wheel of Fun" with prizes to be won. Weather permitting guests can enjoy our Farming Photo Booth and learning how to make butter! Lastly, enjoy our "Mile in History" Walking Tour with complimenting scavenger hunts for children.

Winsted Fire Department, Winsted: The Winsted Fire Department will have an open house from 10 a.m. until noon, and provide tours of the fire department and apparatus, and there will be firefighters available to answer any questions. Applications will be available to volunteer to be a firefighter, fire police or support person. Located at 27 Elm Street.