Hey this is Erika Panzarino! I've been volunteering at the Homestead for five years. Most of my blog posts will be about the things we're working on there. Leading me to my first entry:

Independence Day!!

During the Independence Day celebration we had the house open for tours, and each of us became experts on a specific room to discuss. We met with many community leaders and long-time Somers residents, some of whom remembered the house from field trips when they were younger, and others visiting for the first time! After a long week of preparation it was so wonderful to show everyone the exciting things we've been working on. 

Thank you to all who came to visit the Homestead and a special thanks to those who generously donated to the Adopt An Artifact program!

For those of you who couldn't visit us yesterday, here is some more information:

Our Student Historians have identified to be in need of preservaton or restoration. We invite you to read the stories behind these discoveries and find an item that inspires you. By “adopting” them, you will help us to preserve and share these incredible pieces of history. Once restoration is completed, each item will be displayed with the names of its benefactors. Many of these artifacts are from Caroline’s family and friends, and we encourage you to honor your loved ones in this unique way. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.

The items we are currently hoping to restore are:
Portrait of Samuel Wright

Kitchen Lights

The Grey Seymour dress
The Saddle
The Caroline Wright-Reis blackboard
the Workbench table
and the William H.Wright reunion picture (Photos to come!)