Winter winds maybe be blowing, but now’s the time to plan summer fun for your children or grandchildren. The Greenwich Historical Society’s History and Art Summer Camp, based at Bush-Holley Historic Site, headquarters of the Greenwich Historical Society, is just the ticket. The camp offers a highly interactive, two-week experience designed to utilize the fascinating artifacts and original art in Bush-Holley House, Greenwich’s only Registered Historic Landmark.
As a dual interpretation museum, the house illustrates two distinct time periods in history: first, the new nation era, 1790 to 1825, when a wealthy merchant owned the property; and next, the period from the late 1800s to early 1900s, when it was home to America’s first art colony and was the cradle of American Impressionism. The site, with so many stories to tell, offers campers a lively and inspiring glimpse of what it was like to live in times past.
During the first week, campers focus on Colonial life. Activities may include baking, soap- and candle making, weaving, acting and role play. During the second week, the emphasis is on fine art techniques with instruction in painting, pastels, ink drawing and sculpture.
A field trip and a Friday Parents Day are part of each week’s schedule, and performances cap off each session. The professional staff includes museum educators, working artists, musicians, re-enactors and counselors who have a special interest in art and history. Camp hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sessions for Senior Historians (Grades 4-7) run from July 10 to 21, and sessions for Junior Historians (Grades 2-4) run July 24 to Aug. 4.
Sign up as a member with camp registration before April 1, and you are eligible for a yearlong discounted $50 membership, along with early bird rates of $550 for two-week sessions and $350 for single-week sessions. Tuition for open registration (after April 1) is $700 for two-week sessions and $450 for single-week sessions. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Registration for all campers closes on June 15.
Register online at greenwichhistory.org/camp. For more information call 203-869-6899, ext. 32.
