We invite valentine lovers of all ages (although the program works best for ages 7 and up)  to join us at the Windsor Historical Society on Saturday, February 14th at 2:00 p.m. when Director Christine Ermenc presents a slide program on valentines of the past and how the holiday started.  Participants will also be able to make Victorian-style valentines of their own to take home.  Valentines often reflect the times in which they were made; see hand-made valentines from the 18th century, Civil War and World War I period valentines, cupids proudly driving Model-T Fords, and 20th century postcard valentines illustrating the many new immigrant groups populating the nation.  Learn more about the language of the flowers, where every flower included on a Valentine card or bouquet carried a coded message for the recipient.

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 Faces of Windsor 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 since the valentine kits must be made up beforehand; contact the Windsor Historical Society at (860)688-3813, or info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org by February 13th to reserve your spot. Parking is available around Palisado Green and in the Windsor Discovery Center parking lot.