New Haven Middlesex REALTORS® Foundation Opens Family-Friendly StoryWalk® at Henry Whitfield State Museum

The New Haven Middlesex Association of REALTORS® Foundation (NHMR) is pleased to announce the successful opening of its new StoryWalk® located on the grounds of the historic Henry Whitfield State Museum. The installation, made possible through a Placemaking Grant from the National Association of REALTORS®, is now officially open for the public to enjoy.

The community gathered on Friday, December 12, for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the debut of this interactive literacy and recreation project. Museum Curator Michelle Parrish, Economic Development Commissioner John Tarutis, several New Haven Middlesex REALTORS® and NHMR Foundation Directors and museum staff attended the event. A classroom from Kiddie Kollege Nursery School, located just across the street, also attended and was among the first to walk the path and experience the StoryWalk®.

The StoryWalk® invites families to explore the museum’s scenic grounds while reading pages of a children’s book displayed along a walkable outdoor path. The first featured story, Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan, guides readers through a forest preparing for winter, celebrating the beauty and wonder of the season.

To go along with the theme of the book, visitors at the celebration also enjoyed a special educational demonstration by Blue Moon Raptors, a Guilford-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds of prey. Children and adults alike were captivated by the appearance of a Great Horned Owl as educators shared the important role raptors play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

“This project reflects the NHMR Foundation’s mission of Improving Lives in Our Communities by enhancing community livability and creating a space where families can learn, play, and connect,” said Dawn Calvo, CEO of NHMR. “Through NAR’s Placemaking Grant program—which helps REALTOR® associations transform underused spaces into vibrant community places—the StoryWalk® supports literacy, wellness, and encourages visitors to explore Guilford’s cultural treasures and nearby local businesses.”

Developed in partnership with the Henry Whitfield State Museum, the StoryWalk® will be maintained by museum staff. The NHMR Foundation will continue to support the project by funding new books, which will be rotated several times a year to encourage repeat visits and fresh storytelling experiences. Additional support for the project was provided by the Guilford Public Library.

Visit the StoryWalk®

The StoryWalk® is now open to all visitors. It is located outside on the museum grounds, so visitors can stop by any time. Families, school groups, and community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the featured story, and explore the museum’s historic grounds.

Location:

Henry Whitfield State Museum

248 Old Whitfield Street

Guilford, CT

REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. The New Haven Middlesex Association of REALTORS is "The Voice for Real Estate" for New Haven and Middlesex counties. The Association is comprised of over 3,000 members and is the second largest Realtor association in the state. NHMR provides professional development, education, programs and resources for Realtors and appraisers. NHMR is an advocate for issues whose purpose is to preserve the free enterprise system and to protect the rights of private property owners.