Valley Falls Heritage Center Opens June 14

The Valley Falls Farm and Heritage Center opens for the season June 14, from 1-4 pm. Following opening day, hours are 1-4 pm every other Sunday through October: June 29, July 13, July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, and Oct. 19.
Six historic buildings, including an elegant stable, three-room root cellar, piggery and ice house, are open for self tours, while a guided tour is offered from 2-3 pm. Each building is filled with items found on the property and interpretive panels telling the story of Valley Falls and the people who lived there. Located at 345 Valley Falls Road; park at the Red Barn Welcome Center. Free admission.
NEW THIS YEAR: A special exhibit about Christian Sharps, who invented the rifle that is often credited for helping the Union Army win the war. The Friends have partnered with the New England Civil War Museum to tell the story of Sharps: his work in developing the advanced breech-loading rifle and his efforts after the war to build a trout hatchery at Valley Falls Park. The exhibit includes the Model 1859 Sharps Rifle carried by soldiers from six Connecticut units.