Discovery Center
Located in the south end of the T Barn, the Discovery Center is a valued educational area of the Fair that serves up topical seminars on foods, farming, home & garden care, and more. There are also interactive displays and demonstrations by experienced, knowledgeable experts in their respective fields.
All Day, Every Day
Ongoing educational exhibits and demonstrations in the south end of the T Barn
- CT DOT, Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is the national rail safety program that teaches everyone never to walk on train tracks and to be careful at railroad crossings. We will be handing out rail safety information and promotional items and conducting a presentation if requested. - Coginchaug, Mercy and Xavier Robotics
Local high schools demonstrate a variety of self-built robots, small to large. - CT DEEP Wildlife Division
Meet the Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Our mission is to advance the conservation, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s wildlife resources. - The American Chestnut Foundation, Connecticut Chapter
Conservation efforts to bring back the American chestnut from the brink of ecological extinction using advances in plant breeding, genetic marking, and hypovirulence research being done in Connecticut. - Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Our chapter takes on local issues like stream restoration and hydropower relicensing, and organizes youth education events. - CT Rock Hounds
A walk through the fossil history of the Earth, one specimen at a time, from the earliest traces of life onward. Alongside it: meteorites that fell from space, and how metal detecting can assist in finding them. - Kat Owens: Entangled and Ingested
The Entangled and Ingested project traces the ways film plastics inundate our lives, linking these creatures to our consumption and us to their survival. Dr. Kat Owens is a plastic pollution researcher, artist, and activist, a National Geographic Explorer, a Fulbright Nehru fellow, and a Professor at the University of Hartford. - Wesleyan Potters
Wesleyan Potters will be offering hands-on demos of pottery, weaving, and jewelry. Try your hand at a potter’s wheel or a loom. We offer adult and teen classes in pottery, jewelry, and weaving in Middletown. - UConn Extension Master Gardeners, Middlesex County
Master Gardeners share gardening advice and information about programs, insects, composting, and other garden topics. Present Thursday 4 to 8, Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday 9 to 6. - Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA).
Revolutionary Connecticut and historical archaeology. The Office of State Archaeology poster series examines sites and artifacts of Connecticut’s Revolutionary period, providing engaging new perspectives and interpretations. - Middlesex Health EMS
Middlesex Health EMS will offer free hands-only CPR, Stop the Bleed, and naloxone training throughout the event. Visitors can also learn about EMT and paramedic education programs and American Heart Association certification courses. - Harmony Farms
Stop by for a hands-on activity straight from the farm. Tara and her family run farm tours, chick hatching, alpaca walks, sewing classes and goat snuggles at their farm and on the road, bringing animals and projects to schools, senior centers and events across the state. - MAD STEAM Lab
Science, technology, engineering, art and math, all of it hands-on. Based in Madison, MAD STEAM Lab runs classes and activities for children ages 2 through 12, and Katie Anderson is bringing a taste of it to the Discovery Center.
Discovery Center Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| All Day | Hartford Wolf Pack Hartford Wolf pack will have a mini hockey net, balls, and sticks to demonstrate (and let you practice!) hockey safety and techniques. |
| 5–9 PM | Nature Fun with Everyone Outside and COEC Come look at cool nature items and try to solve nature mysteries. Vote for your favorite scent among several native plants and trees. Everyone Outside is a local non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people of all ages to spend time outside learning about and appreciating their natural environment. They focus on connecting people, especially children, with nature near where they live. Everyone Outside staff lead the Outdoor Education programs for District 13 grades K-5. COEC is an organization dedicated to environmental education and community building. Their mission is to inspire outdoor and nature related experiences that will foster appreciation and stewardship of the Earth. |
| 5 PM | Officer Elise Bouthillier — Connecticut’s Environmental Conservation Police From poaching patrols to search and rescue, EnCon Police officers wear many hats. Come hear the story of how Connecticut’s original conservation force has evolved, and what we do every day to protect the state’s natural resources. Officer Elise Bouthillier has served with Connecticut’s Environmental Conservation Police for over sixteen years, protecting the state’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut, where she earned degrees in Wildlife Management and Animal Science, and now teaches courses in conservation law enforcement. In addition to her field work, she handles public communications for the department. |
| 6 PM | Kevin Burns: Basic Rail Safety The CT DOT administers the Operation Lifesaver program in Connecticut. Operation Lifesaver is the national rail safety education program that teaches everyone about the dangers of going on railroad tracks and to be careful at railroad crossings. Kevin Burns works for the CT DOT and is the State Coordinator for Operation Lifesaver. He serves on the Operation Lifesaver National Advisory Committee and conducts rail safety outreach throughout Connecticut. He has been the coordinator for nine years. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| All Day | Middlesex Health Cancer Center Connect with members of the Middlesex Health Cancer Center team, learn about cancer prevention and early detection, and explore 12-foot inflatable lungs, an interactive exhibit designed to raise awareness about lung cancer screening. Sited outside the Discovery Center. |
| 9 AM | Alex Kraus — Storytime at the Durham Fair Visit for a relaxing, fun storytime with Miss Alex from the Durham Public Library, great for all ages. Next, hang out and explore the Discovery Center while you complete a scavenger hunt. Will you find all the images hidden in the barn? Turn in your completed sheet for a small reward. Alex is the Head of Youth Services at the Durham Public Library. She selects the materials for kids and teens at the library and runs the kids’ events. |
| 9 AM–3 PM | Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo: Wildlife, Conservation and America’s Natural Heritage Join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo as we celebrate America 250 and explore the remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes that are part of our nation’s heritage. Stop by our interactive table to meet Zoo Educators and get up close with fascinating animal artifacts from species in our care. Discover the stories of iconic North American wildlife and learn how conservation efforts have helped protect species and habitats across the country. From restoring populations of majestic animals like bison, bald eagles, and wolves to protecting local ecosystems right here in Connecticut, conservation is an important part of preserving America’s natural legacy. Learn about the critical role accredited zoos play in wildlife conservation, education, and species recovery efforts, and find out how simple actions can make a difference for animals both locally and around the world. Whether you’re a curious child, an animal enthusiast, or a lifelong conservation advocate, there is something for everyone at the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo table as we celebrate 250 years of America’s history and the wildlife that helps define our nation. |
| 10 AM | Peter and Barbara Rzasa — Build a Mini-Bog in Your Front Yard Learn how to build your own do-it-yourself mini-bog measuring less than four square feet and plant several easily observable wetland plants such as pitcher plants, sundews, cranberries and orchids. The mini-bog is easy to set up and requires little maintenance. Barbara and Peter Rzasa are local historians and nature photographers who provide presentations on subjects including 19th century lime kilns and charcoal production, the Old Woodbury Path and other hidden histories of southern Connecticut. They also present on tree identification, lichens, native wildflowers, building a bog with carnivorous plants and plant intelligence, with the goal of encouraging people, especially children, to look more closely at the wonders of our natural world. Barbara holds a B.S. in art from Southern Connecticut State University and is a retired graphic designer who creates nature-based watercolor paintings. Peter earned his B.S. in Forest Chemistry from S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry. |
| 11 AM | Bob Reynolds of CT Rock Hounds — Fossil History of the Earth Bob Reynolds of the CT Rock Hounds walks through the story of life on Earth as it was written into stone. From the earliest traces of living things to the creatures that vanished before anyone was here to see them, each chapter comes with the evidence: prominent specimens from Bob’s own collection, on the table and close enough to look at properly. Come find out what a few hundred million years looks like when you can hold a piece of it. |
| 12 PM | The Darnells — Egyptology |
| 1 PM | Peter and Barbara Rzasa — Charcoal: The Fuel That Forged Connecticut Much of Connecticut’s forests were cut down in the mid-18th to early 19th century, and the wood was burned by colliers on 40-foot wide heaths to produce charcoal that powered our iron, brass, and metal industries. The remains of charcoal hearths can still be found in our forests and are considered archaeological artifacts of past agricultural, industrial and forestry history. Learn how the hearths were constructed, who built them, and how they can be found today. |
| 2 PM | Carol Ansel of the Godfrey Memorial Library — Finding Your Family Founded in 1947, the Godfrey Memorial Library holds the American Genealogical Biographical Index, a 227-volume work conceived in the 1930s as a who’s who of Americans before the 20th century, alongside town and county histories, city directories, military muster rolls, family Bible records, and the Ed Laput Cemetery Collection, which photographs 99 percent of the gravestones in Middlesex County. Carol Ansel introduces what is there and how to start looking. Carol Ansel is the Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown. She has over 35 years of experience in Connecticut libraries and serves on the board of the Connecticut Library Consortium. She holds a BA from Connecticut College, an MLIS from the University of Rhode Island, and a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. She was a school librarian for many years before her family elected her its archivist, which turned into a second career. |
| 3 PM | Sarah Atwell of the Durham Historical Society and America250 — The Town Behind the Fair: Exploring Durham’s Contributions to Our American Story Sarah Atwell is the president of the Durham Historical Society and chair of Durham’s America250 committee. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History with interests in textiles, cemetery conservation, and collections management. She works full time as a hospice and palliative homecare nurse and enjoys volunteering and adventures with her husband and six year old son. |
| 4 PM | Buster Scranton: Maple Syrup Join Buster Scranton from the Maple Syrup Producers Association of CT as he demonstrates the fascinating process of maple syruping and walks you through how sap becomes syrup. Experience this sweet science up close as Buster shares the secrets of Connecticut’s sugarhouses and shows you the tools and techniques that transform maple sap into liquid gold. |
| 5 PM | Kevin Burns: Basic Rail Safety The CT DOT administers the Operation Lifesaver program in Connecticut. Operation Lifesaver is the national rail safety education program that teaches everyone about the dangers of going on railroad tracks and to be careful at railroad crossings. |
| 5:30–8:00 PM | Children’s Museum of CT Get the whole family learning in an engaging Family STEAM event. In this center-style program, participants engage in activities covering a wide variety of STEAM topics that may include hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, live animal demonstrations, and more, with live animals from the Roaring Brook Nature Center wildlife sanctuary. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| All Day | American Distilling American Distilling will have a mock distillation set up, witch hazel harvesting information, and sign up for interested land owners. There will also be product samples for you to take home. Come listen to their talk at 10:00 am about how witch hazel is rooted in not only Connecticut history, but indigenous history as well. |
| 9 AM | John Benton, CT Rock Hounds: Metal Detecting John Benton of the CT Rock Hounds demonstrates his metal detector, explains how a detector actually works, what the sounds mean, and what has come out of Connecticut ground over the years. |
| 9 AM–3 PM | The Beardsley Zoo Join Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo as we celebrate America 250 and explore the remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes that are part of our nation’s heritage. Stop by our interactive table to meet Zoo Educators and get up close with fascinating animal artifacts from species in our care. Discover the stories of iconic North American wildlife and learn how conservation efforts have helped protect species and habitats across the country. From restoring populations of majestic animals like bison, bald eagles, and wolves to protecting local ecosystems right here in Connecticut, conservation is an important part of preserving America’s natural legacy. Learn about the critical role accredited zoos play in wildlife conservation, education, and species recovery efforts, and find out how simple actions can make a difference for animals both locally and around the world. |
| 10 AM | Chris Hanson and Kate Mulligan — American Distilling: Witch Hazel in Connecticut A historical review of witch hazel production in Connecticut, since indigenous people first used the plant for medicinal purposes. With commercial production starting in the 1800s, witch hazel is rooted in Connecticut history. We will explore current sustainable harvesting practices, manufacturing processes, and products made from witch hazel distillate. Chris Hanson is the Director of Operations and Production at American Distilling, Inc. He oversees all manufacturing activities including witch hazel harvesting, distillation, and packaging. Kate Mulligan is the Quality and Regulatory Manager at American Distilling, Inc. She has been responsible for handling the organic certification process for the last eight harvest seasons. Together, they have been working on fostering a stronger relationship between American Distilling and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, state foresters, and local landowners. |
| 11 AM | Pam Roman — Pollinator Pathway A pollinator pathway is a corridor of pesticide-free native plantings that connects one piece of habitat to the next, so bees, butterflies and birds can move across a landscape instead of getting stranded in it. Pam Roman explains how the pathways work, how towns across Connecticut have built them, and how to add your own property to the map. Four steps do most of the work: rethink your lawn, plant natives, remove invasives, and skip the pesticides. And the smallest green spaces count, including flower boxes and curb strips. |
| 12 PM | Andy Kasznay: Electric Vehicles Join Andy Kasznay, an accomplished engineer, as he discusses electric vehicles and Connecticut’s purchase programs. He also mentors the award-winning Mercy Tech Tigers robotics team. |
| 1 PM | Des Flemmings and Beardsley Zoo’s Conservation Discovery Corps Teen Volunteers ~ America 250: Beardsley Zoo Teens, Guardians of Our Wild Heritage ~ As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, join the teen volunteers of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s Conservation Discovery Corps for an inspiring look at the wildlife that has shaped America’s story. From the American bison, our national mammal, to the bald eagle, our national symbol, and the wolf, symbol of the wild, these iconic species embody America’s wild heritage and the enduring commitment to conservation. Through eco-expeditions to Yellowstone and Alaska, CDC teens work alongside biologists, gaining firsthand experience studying wildlife and ecosystems that have helped define America for 250 years. Closer to home, discover how Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is helping inspire and empower the next generation of environmental stewards through conservation education. These teens are not just learning about conservation, they are actively participating in it, serving as ambassadors for wildlife and helping ensure that America’s natural legacy endures for generations to come. Des Flemmings is a Zoo Educator at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, where he leads the Conservation Discovery Corps, an award-winning teen volunteer program celebrating 18 years of conservation impact. |
| 2 PM | Paul Benjunas of CT DEEP Wildlife Division — Black Bears Learn about Connecticut’s growing black bear population and how you can help reduce human-bear conflicts in your neighborhood. Paul Benjunas is a Wildlife Outreach Biologist for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division. His job primarily includes educating Connecticut’s public about wildlife through in-person programming, photography, social media, and electronic newsletters. |
| 3 PM | Marty Podskoch — Civilian Conservation Corps In 1933, Roosevelt’s New Deal sent young men into Connecticut’s woods to work. Over nine years, 21 camps across the state built the trails, roads, campsites and dams still in use today, maintained fire towers, stocked fish, fought fires and planted millions of trees. The program disbanded in 1942 when the men were needed for the war. Marty Podskoch has spent two decades tracking down the survivors. He has interviewed over 200 CCC veterans, and he tells their story in their own words: what the work was like, what the camps were like, and why so many of them called it the best time of their lives. Books available for purchase and signing in the commercial building. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 AM–3 PM | Connecticut Invention Convention (NextMinds) Innovation Station Innovation Stations are short, hands-on invention activities NextMinds runs at libraries, museums, schools, and community events to give kids an accessible first taste of inventing. At the Durham Fair, participants will help solve problems facing the Durham Fair community and invent new solutions along the way, sparking interest that leads into deeper engagement through Innovation Expeditions and full Invention Convention programs. |
| 12 PM | Alan Poole — Beekeeping Ever wonder what goes on inside a beehive? Alan Poole, a local beekeeper of many years, brings frames from his own hives so you can see the comb up close, no bees attached. Bring your questions. |
| 1 PM | Paul Benjunas of CT DEEP Wildlife Division — Fishers Learn about the natural history and biology of this often-misunderstood weasel and how state biologists are studying Connecticut’s declining fisher population. Paul Benjunas is a Wildlife Outreach Biologist for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division. |
| 2 PM | Annise Dobson — Invasive Jumping Worms Almost no earthworm in New England is native. The Europeans arrived first, and now a second wave has come from Asia: jumping worms, which strip the top layer of soil down to a coffee grounds texture, resulting in erosion. Some native species disappear entirely, while poison ivy tends to thrive. Dr. Annise Dobson of the Yale School of the Environment is one of the leading researchers on this invasion. She will cover how to identify them, how they are spreading, and what gardeners and homeowners can do about it. |
| 3 PM | Jo-Marie Kasinak — Project Limulus Horseshoe crabs have been around, largely unchanged, for at least 445 million years. They matter more than most people realize. Their eggs feed migrating shorebirds, and their blue blood is used to test vaccines and medical devices for bacterial contamination. If you have had a flu shot, a horseshoe crab helped make it safe. Kasinak directs Project Limulus at Sacred Heart University, a citizen science program that has tagged over 95,000 horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound. |
