Tending the Story: The Fabric of Our Lives
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Growing the Story: The Legacy of '76
Presented in period clothing and grounded in historical research, Growing the Story: The Legacy of '76 explores how the ideals, sacrifices, and contradictions of the American Revolution continued to shape life in Connecticut long after the war had ended. Through engaging storytelling and first-person historical interpretation, visitors will encounter the experiences of ordinary men and women whose lives were influenced by the struggle for independence and the nation's early years.
This immersive presentation examines how the legacy of 1776 affected communities, families, and individuals across generations, revealing both the promises and challenges of a young republic. Through audience participation and thought-provoking discussion, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the people who lived through this transformative period and the ways their stories continue to resonate today.
A suggested donation will be accepted at the door. The program takes place at Brookside Farm Museum, 33 Society Road (right next to the Community Center) and is suitable for adults, families, and anyone interested in Connecticut history, maritime heritage, and the stories that connect us across generations.
About The Dirty Blue Shirts
The Dirty Blue Shirts are a Connecticut-based collective of museum professionals, historians, researchers, and living history educators dedicated to bringing the past to life through immersive, museum-quality programming. Drawing on extensive historical research, they combine scholarship, storytelling, period dress, demonstrations, and hands-on interpretation to create engaging experiences for audiences of all ages. Their programs have been featured at museums, libraries, historical societies, and educational institutions throughout New England. Their mission is to make history accessible, engaging, and relevant through authentic interpretation and interactive learning.
Future Fridays at the Farm programs will explore other fascinating chapters of Connecticut history through immersive storytelling, period dress, and engaging historical interpretation. Together, this four-part series offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, places, and experiences that shaped our region while bringing history to life in a memorable and meaningful way. Visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for three additional Dirty Blue Shorts presentations at Brookside Farm Museum this summer:
Growing the Story: The Legacy of '76
Friday, July 17
As a young matron with three little girls in 1876, Lockie Avery was the target audience for the Centennial fever that brought the Colonial kitchen, bustles, and Martha Washington tea parties into high style for the first time in American history.
Tending the Story: The Fabric of Our Lives
August 21, 5:30-8:30
19th-century New England frothing over with cloth, from the madness for merino sheep to King Cotton spinning & weaving through manufacturers like the Stinett Mill on Pattagansett Lake.
Reaping the Story: Harvest at the Farm
September 18, 5:30-8:30
The busiest time of the farm family's year is upon us, with a bounty that needs preserving in both the short term, looking towards Thanksgiving, and the long term, looking towards next Spring.
The Friends of Brookside Farm Museum supports the preservation, interpretation, and active use of Brookside as a place where history, landscape, and community life are cared for together. The Friends strengthen the site through volunteer service, fundraising, and collaborative programs that expand public access, deepen educational opportunities, and help ensure the site’s long-term stability. To donate to the Friends and help continue their work, please visit https://givebutter.com/friendsgive2026, and thank you!
Presented in period clothing and grounded in historical research, Growing the Story: The Legacy of '76 explores how the ideals, sacrifices, and contradictions of the American Revolution continued to shape life in Connecticut long after the war had ended. Through engaging storytelling and first-person historical interpretation, visitors will encounter the experiences of ordinary men and women whose lives were influenced by the struggle for independence and the nation's early years.
This immersive presentation examines how the legacy of 1776 affected communities, families, and individuals across generations, revealing both the promises and challenges of a young republic. Through audience participation and thought-provoking discussion, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the people who lived through this transformative period and the ways their stories continue to resonate today.
A suggested donation will be accepted at the door. The program takes place at Brookside Farm Museum, 33 Society Road (right next to the Community Center) and is suitable for adults, families, and anyone interested in Connecticut history, maritime heritage, and the stories that connect us across generations.
About The Dirty Blue Shirts
The Dirty Blue Shirts are a Connecticut-based collective of museum professionals, historians, researchers, and living history educators dedicated to bringing the past to life through immersive, museum-quality programming. Drawing on extensive historical research, they combine scholarship, storytelling, period dress, demonstrations, and hands-on interpretation to create engaging experiences for audiences of all ages. Their programs have been featured at museums, libraries, historical societies, and educational institutions throughout New England. Their mission is to make history accessible, engaging, and relevant through authentic interpretation and interactive learning.
Future Fridays at the Farm programs will explore other fascinating chapters of Connecticut history through immersive storytelling, period dress, and engaging historical interpretation. Together, this four-part series offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, places, and experiences that shaped our region while bringing history to life in a memorable and meaningful way. Visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for three additional Dirty Blue Shorts presentations at Brookside Farm Museum this summer:
Growing the Story: The Legacy of '76
Friday, July 17
As a young matron with three little girls in 1876, Lockie Avery was the target audience for the Centennial fever that brought the Colonial kitchen, bustles, and Martha Washington tea parties into high style for the first time in American history.
Tending the Story: The Fabric of Our Lives
August 21, 5:30-8:30
19th-century New England frothing over with cloth, from the madness for merino sheep to King Cotton spinning & weaving through manufacturers like the Stinett Mill on Pattagansett Lake.
Reaping the Story: Harvest at the Farm
September 18, 5:30-8:30
The busiest time of the farm family's year is upon us, with a bounty that needs preserving in both the short term, looking towards Thanksgiving, and the long term, looking towards next Spring.
The Friends of Brookside Farm Museum supports the preservation, interpretation, and active use of Brookside as a place where history, landscape, and community life are cared for together. The Friends strengthen the site through volunteer service, fundraising, and collaborative programs that expand public access, deepen educational opportunities, and help ensure the site’s long-term stability. To donate to the Friends and help continue their work, please visit https://givebutter.com/friendsgive2026, and thank you!
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Where is it happening?
33 Society Road, Niantic, CT, United States, Connecticut 06357
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherBrookside Farm Museum
