Press Release from the Henry Whitfield State Museum

The Henry Whitfield State Museum will celebrate Welcoming Week with the second annual WelcomeFest on Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. on the museum grounds.

According to Museum Curator Michelle Parish, Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants and refugees. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.

WelcomeFest events include a UNITY: Interactive public art project, storytelling by Sara deBeer, and drumming with Mark Zarrillo.

A Community Expo features booths from Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS), Connecticut Freedom Trail, Connecticut Minority & Women’s History, Ethnic Heritage Center, Witness Stones Project, Dudley Farm Museum, Hyland House Museum, Guilford Social Services, and Guilford Human Rights Commission.

Participants will also be invited to create kindness rocks to keep, share with someone who needs some inspiration, or leave somewhere to brighten the finder’s day. All supplies are provided.

The event will also feature a food and supplies drive. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food and supplies to benefit the Guilford Food Bank. For the most up-to-date list of the food bank’s current needs, visit www.guilfordfoodbank.org.

MexItaly Kitchen will be on hand to serve delicious food inspired by both Mexican and Italian cultures.

The museum’s Whitfield House, Visitor Center, and Education Building will be open for self-guided tours.

WelcomeFest takes place rain or shine. Check the museum’s Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date notices. For more information, call 203-453-2457, e-mail whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov, or visit https://portal.ct.gov/ECD-HenryWhitfieldStateMuseum.

Admission and parking are free. The Henry Whitfield State Museum is located at 248 Old Whitfield Street.