Historical Valentines Workshop

Join us at the Windsor Historical Society on Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 p.m. when Director Christine Ermenc presents a slide program on valentines of the past and participants make Victorian valentines of their own to take home.  Floral imagery and symbols, the sometimes amusing workings of the early U. S. Postal Service, and the life story of Esther Howland, premier American valentine-maker and one of New England’s most successful 19^th century female entrepreneurs, will be explored.  Valentines often reflect the times in which they were made; see hand-made valentines from the 18^th century and early Victorian era before establishment of large American printing houses and the U.S. Postal Service, Civil War and World War I period valentines, and postcard valentines from the turn of the twentieth century illustrating the many new immigrant groups populating the nation, and cupids proudly driving the newest Model-T Fords.

After the slide program, participants will have the chance to craft their own Victorian valentine masterpiece using a kit.  Each kit contains cardboard backing, colored paper, sequins, lace, ribbon, stickers, doilies, feathers, and a variety of valentine images.  Glue, colored pens and scissors will be supplied.  Cookies and punch will be served, and the Society’s Celebrate! Holidays in Windsor 1880-1910 exhibition will be available for viewing before and after the program.  The cost is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $4 for Windsor Historical Society members.   Reservations must be made for this program; contact the Windsor Historical Society at (860)688-3813, or info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org .  Audiences of all ages are welcome; the slides and workshop work best for singles, parents, grandparents and children ages 4 and up.  Parking is available around Palisado Green and in the Windsor Discovery Center parking lot.