820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Phone: 203-331-1104.

On Sunday, July 25 David Millen of North Haven CT and a member of the Society of Connecticut Sculptors (SCS) and the New Haven paint and Clay, will open an exhibition at The Barnum Museum entitled, “Celebrating the Spirit of P.T. Barnum! Energy, Balance, Vitality.” There will be nearly 20 of Millen’s cirque themed creations on display, and most of them have been created in the past three years.  The exhibition will be up through January 2, 2011 with the free open house running from 1 to 4 p.m. on July 25. “This fabulous array of Millen’s sculptures is most suitable for the 200th anniversary year celebration of P.T. Barnum’s birth,” declared Kathy Maher, executive director and curator of the Barnum Museum.  “We had a few of his pieces on display two summers ago and determined back then that in 2010 a complete Millen sculpture exhibit would fit the cirque theme in honor of one of Bridgeport’s most eccentric citizens.” “My work is a celebration of the human spirit and the body in action,” remarked Millen, “it is a timeless combination of old and new, routed in classical structure, yet stylized in its simplicity of form. My biggest inspirations for this series of sculptures were the dance troupe Pilobolus® and the acrobats of Cirque du Soleil®.”

820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Phone: 203-331-1104.

An Exhibition by sculptor David Millen opens July 25. Open House: Sunday, July 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit will be free during this time when the core exhibitions are closed due to damage from the June 24 tornado, but donations of any amount are truly appreciated. Regular museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. Last admission at 3:45 p.m

1508 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203-329-1183.

Every Thursday, & Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.mn from September 2010 to February 2011  at The Stamford Historical Society come and explore the toys, clothes, and favorite things of childhoods past. From antique rocking horses to early children's games, you'll get a glimps of how children lived and played well before the age of video game, play dates, and shopping malls.  For more information call 203-329-1183 or visit the website.

39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203.322.1646.

Join SM&NC education staff every Sunday (excluding festival and special event days) for a hands-on, interactive exploration of the Museum’s many favorite features. Each week will focus on a different topic and will include self-guided and staff-led activities. Activities will run throughout the time period, so stop in at any time to join us.  Whether we are learning about llamas, trekking on trails or searching for salamanders, this is a great way to extend or enhance your SM&NC visit.  All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit our website for more information on upcoming themes!  Members: FREE / Non-Members: Free with gate admission. 322-1646 ext. 6521 or www.stamfordmuseum.org  9/6-12/26 Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity through exhibitions, educational programs and special events.

39 Strickland Rd. , Cos Cob, CT 06807. Phone: 203-869-6889.

Guest Curator: Kathleen Craughwell Varda Coordinator: Kathleen Motes Bennewitz. American weddings and wedding traditions from the time of the American Revolution to the present day will be examined in this unique exhibition of artifacts, textiles and art related to weddings. The show will focus on the wedding day and how the ceremony has changed, how society's perception of weddings has evolved, how men and women perceived this event, what outside forces influenced the manner in which weddings were celebrated and how wedding traditions emerged and evolved. Supported by a grant from the New Alliance Foundation.

39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203.322.1646.

Sundays (excluding festival and special event days) - Join SM&NC education staff every Sunday for a hands-on, interactive exploration of the Museum’s many favorite features. Each week will focus on a different topic and will include self-guided and staff-led activities. Activities will run throughout the time period, so stop in at any time to join us.  Whether we are learning about llamas, trekking on trails or searching for salamanders, this is a great way to extend or enhance your SM&NC visit.  All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit our website for more information on upcoming themes!  Members: FREE / Non-Members: Free with gate admission. 322-1646 ext. 6521 or www.stamfordmuseum.org  9/5-12/26

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity through exhibitions, educational programs and special events.

900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604. Phone: 203-332-5052.

The Housatonic Museum of Art is located within the Housatonic Community College.  Works are on display throughout the building and outoor spaces. Sculpture by William King and Auguste Renoir on display in Beacon Hall, Housatonic Comunity College.  The public is invited to visit the college and view the collection free.  Guided tours will be available at noon on Wed., October 20th, November 17th, December 1, and December 15th.  Tours are open to the public Free.  Participants should meet at the Lafayette Hall Information Desk at 11:45 a.m.

49 Walnut Hill Rd., Bethel, CT 06801. Phone: 203-748-1610.

The Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association, Inc. suggest the following Grown In CT Tree Farms in the Fairfield County area to enjoy cutting your own Christmas Tree: Bethel-- Staib Tree Farm, 203-748-1610.  Bob's Tree Farm, 203-241-3450; Brookfield--Caesar's Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm, 203-775-2944; Easton--Everett's Corner Tree Farm, 203-268-2508, Maple Row Tree Farm, 203-261-9577; Newtown--Paproskii's Family Tree Farm, 203-426-5487; Redding--Paradise Tree Farm, 203-938-2490; Sandy Hook--Medridge Tree Farm, Julia Wassserman, 203-426-9178; Shelton--Bare Plain Farm, 203-929-3966, Jones Family Farms, 203-929-8425, Fairview Tree Farm, 203-944-9090 and Westport--CT Audubon Society,203-623-0646.

39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203-322-1646.

Join the Stamford Museum and Nature Center for the second annual display of unique and amazing gingerbread creations constructed by area chefs.  These sweet treats can be yours to take home, as they will be put up on the silent auction block, with proceeds going to the Museum's educational programs.  These creative confections, completely consisting of edible materials, will be revealed for the first time at our Members' Preview and awarded First, Second and Third prize by a panel of judges.  Visritors may vote for Fan Favorite through paper ballot or online poll.  Silent auction closes on December 5. Members Free/Non-members: Free with gate admission.

39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203-322-1646 Ext. 6521.

The Museum's now annual holiday exhibition pays homage to the toys of our parents and grandparents, featuring dolls, toys and teddy bears dating from the late 1800s through the 1950s.  The exhibition is curated by Debora Fratino of Westport, who has reached into numerous private collections to present an exceptional array of the finest toys.  Additionally, several of the Museum's pedal cars will also be featured, together with automobiie toys from the 1930s and 1940s.  The exhiibition will set the mood for the holiday season.  Members: Free/Non-Members: Free with gate admission.