Fall 2026 Hours: Open on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am between September 8 through October 27, 2026 The Victorian Cottage is the Fairfield Museum’s early childhood education space designed for kids to create, explore, and play. Free Admission. Looking for more activities with the little ones? Sing Me a Story with Fairfield Public Library Tuesdays | September 8 – October 27 | 10 am | Free
Genealogy Research Session with the Daughters of the American Revolution & Sons of the American Revolution
Fairfield Museum · Fairfield
Enjoy a special genealogy research session hosted by the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution & the Roger Sherman Branch of the Sons of the American Revolution. Explore your family’s past, uncover ancestral connections to the Revolution, and learn how to document your lineage with expert guidance. Whether you’re starting your journey or expanding your research, this session offers hands-on support & resources to bring your family history to life. Free.
Family
Sing Me a Story with Fairfield Public Library
Fairfield Museum · Fairfield
Join us every Tuesday between September 8 and October 27 on the Museum Commons to enjoy a fun way to develop early literacy skills in young children with dancing, singing, and stories that incorporate music. For children ages 0-5 and their adult caregiver. Free admission. Registration is NOT required. It is recommended that you bring a blanket to sit on. In case of inclement weather, storytime will take place inside the Fairfield Museum. Looking for more activities with the little ones? Open Play @ Victorian Cottage | Tuesdays | September 8, 2026 – October 27, 2026 | 10:30 am to 11:30 am Explore the Fairfield Museum’s dedicated early childhood space. (Free Admission)
Up to age 5Weekly
FREE
Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century – Panel Discussion at Fairfield University
Dolan School of Business Event Hall · Fairfield
In this age of rising authoritarianism, economic inequality, political polarization, climate change, and media disruptions, it may seem that American democracy is unable to respond and adapt to the challenges that threaten its very existence. However, a reinvention of our constitutional democracy remains entirely within reach—and urgently needed. Americans across the political spectrum yearn to believe again in the American story and to feel connected to one another. As part of the Fairfield Museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, join us for a timely and vital conversation exploring practical ways we can build a new, collective commitment to democratic citizenship, using the landmark report “Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century” as a starting point. Click here to read the report. Panelists include: Stephen Heintz, President Emeritus of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Global Commission on Democracy; CT Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas; David McCullough III, cofounder & CEO of American Exchange Project, an innovative program that builds connections between young Americans from different backgrounds; and Fairfield University’s Aaron Weinstein, PhD, a scholar of the intersection of secular and religious thought in American politics. Co-presented by Fairfield University Center for Arts & Minds. Reception to follow. This program is free and open to the public. RSVP is required. Optional Donation Your donation will help support the Fairfield Museum’s exhibitions and programs. Please click here to donate. Event Details The program will take place at the Dolan School of Business Event Hall at Fairfield University, 1073 Benson Rd. Parking: There is a lot adjacent to the Dolan School of Business building. Additional parking is available at the Quick Center, which is accessible via a pathway between the two buildings. About the Speakers Stephen B. Heintz is President Emeritus of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a private family foundation with an endowment of approximately $1.2 billion that advances social change for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Heintz coined the term “acupuncture philanthropy” to describe his philanthropic approach of leveraging modest financial assets to trigger larger systemic change on critical issues. Heintz, who began his professional life in public service for the state of Connecticut, has devoted his career to strengthening democratic culture and institutions to better serve citizens. Before joining the RBF in 2001, Heintz co-founded and served as president of Dēmos, a public policy organization that works to reduce political and economic inequality and to broaden citizen engagement in American democracy. As co-chair of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences national Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship, he co-authored the report Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century (2020). In addition to his work on the international stage, Heintz is a fellow and board member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, and the Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism convened by Club de Madrid in 2025. He chairs the board of the Quincy Institute and serves on the boards of the International Crisis Group and the Rockefeller Archive Center. He is the recipient of the Council on Foundations 2018 Distinguished Service Award. David McCullough III is the cofounder and CEO of American Exchange Project, the country’s first domestic intercultural exchange program. In the summer of 2016, McCullough drove 7,100 miles across America to research the effects of poverty on education. He spent two months in three towns that were very different from the Boston suburb he grew up in: Cotulla, Texas, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and the Slavic Village of Cleveland, Ohio. The road trip was an immersive lesson in experiential civics that inspired him to found the program in 2019 with PBS NewsHour Economic Correspondent Paul Solman and the late Harvard Business School Professor Robert Glauber. Since then, American Exchange Project has sent more than 2,000 students to nearly 50 states with the mission of creating a more connected America. The organization has been featured in more than 125 media outlets, including the CBS Sunday Morning Show, Fox & Friends, the BBC, the New York Post, the Boston Globe, CNN, and Good Morning America. McCullough has a BA in American Studies from Yale and an MPhil in Economic and Social History from the University of Cambridge. In 2022, he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Education. He lives in Boston. Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s 75th Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023, making history as the first Black person elected to the office. She leads one of Connecticut’s oldest constitutional offices — established in 1639 — and one of its most wide-ranging, overseeing elections, the state’s business registry, and official public records. Since taking office, she has led a sweeping modernization of Connecticut’s elections, including the successful implementation of early in-person voting and securing a historic $20 million investment in new voting technology. Under her leadership, Connecticut has built on its strong foundation to further establish itself as a national model for running elections that are transparent, bipartisan, and grounded in public trust. Secretary Thomas has also emerged as a national voice on election administration and civic engagement. In 2025, she testified before Congress on voter access and election security and now serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State. She is frequently sought out by the media for her ability to explain complex election issues in clear, practical terms. A former small business owner and state legislator, she has also championed efforts to modernize business services, support entrepreneurs, and expand civic engagement through initiatives like the CEO (Civically Engaged Organization) program and Power of Civics. She holds a B.A. from New York University, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from The New School and resides in Norwalk. Dr. Aaron Q. Weinstein is Assistant Professor of Politics at Fairfield University, where his research and teaching interests include American Political Thought, modern political ideologies, and the intersection of religion and politics. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Brown University in 2016, and his B.A. in government and history (magna cum laude, with distinction in all subjects) from Cornell University in 2009. Dr. Weinstein is the Faculty Liaison for Fairfield University’s Center for Arts and Minds.
Family
2026 Fall Speaker Series | From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals 1776 and Hamilton
Fairfield Museum · Fairfield
1776 and Hamilton are two landmark American musicals that dramatize the story of the nation’s founding, created nearly fifty years apart and reflecting very different cultural moments. This talk examines how each work portrays the Revolutionary era, while simultaneously capturing a snapshot of the times in which these shows were written. By comparing their music, characters, and political perspectives, the program explores how changing historical contexts shape the way we tell our national story. About Michael Langlois Michael is a dynamic performer, director, lecturer and storyteller with decades of experience on the stage. He has lectured from Connecticut to California on topics ranging from Shakespeare to using one’s passions to create exciting events. Michael has worked with young and old alike, helping them find their voice to tell their own unique stories. As an actor, his credits include the Stage Manager in Our Town; Henry in Henry V; Brutus in Julius Caesar; Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Michael has directed across New England including at the Hartford Children’s Theatre, Springfield’s Drama Studio, and for the Ashford Youth Theatre where he worked for nearly 20 years as the Artistic Director. Additionally, he worked for over a decade with New London’s Flock Theatre serving as an Associate Artist. There he directed, acted, and taught acting classes. Michael’s directing credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Othello; Lysistrata; Godspell; A Piece of My Heart; Macbeth; The Crucible Antigone; The Taming of the Shrew; The Imaginary Invalid; and The Tempest. About the 2026 Fall Speaker Series – Reflecting at 250 Join the Fairfield Museum for a series exploring how American history is interpreted and retold today now that the United States has marked the milestone of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Prominent historians will examine how storytelling shapes our understanding of history, highlight whose voices are amplified versus whose are marginalized, and offer contemporary perspectives on our nation’s past. Together, we will discover how the choices about what to remember—and what to overlook—shape national identity and ongoing debates about the American past and future. Additional Lectures in the Series: September 20 | Stories of Connecticut’s Black Patriots | John Mills October 4 | The Will of the People | T.H. Breen November 8 | Nobody Men: Neutrality and Loyalties in the American Revolution | Travis Glasson Light refreshments provided. Registration is required. $15 for Members; $20 for Non-Members; $75 for the series; $60 for Members. Ticketing Policy No refunds will be given unless the program is cancelled by the Fairfield Museum. We do not pro-rate fees for missed days of the series.
KidsWeekly
More in Fairfield
outdoorFREE
STEAM Challenge: Build a Bird’s Nest!
Fairfield Public Library — Main Library · Fairfield
Join us at the Library for a hands-on building challenge! Using recycled and everyday materials, you will design and construct your own bird’s nest. Test your creativity and engineering skills as you see if your nest can safely hold and protect an “egg.” We will also enjoy a bird-themed story to inspire our designs! For children in grades K-5. Registration is required. Children attend independently. Parent or caregiver must remain in the Library during the event. Space is limited. Registration opens on Tuesday, September 15. Please note that failure to cancel at least 24 hours before the event or not attending the event at all will result in a limited ability to register for future events.
Ages 5–11Course
movementFREE
Literacy Play Lab *Registration Class*
Fairfield Public Library — Main Library · Fairfield
Explore, play, and grow together! Literacy Play Lab is a hands-on early learning program designed for young children and their caregivers. This event features engaging materials such as books, toys, sensory activities, puzzles, games, and other interactive learning tools that help build early literacy skills. Children will develop language, vocabulary, fine motor skills, creativity, and social-emotional skills while caregivers discover fun, simple ways to support early literacy development in their kiddos. Come play, explore, and build a love of reading! For children 18 months up to 5 years old with their caregiver. Registration is required and is separate for each class each week. Please register each child individually. Space is limited. Registration opens at 8:00 pm on Wednesday the week prior. In order to provide the best learning environment for all participants, we are unable to allow access, regardless of registration, if you arrive 10 minutes after the program starts.
Up to age 5
playspaceFREE
Drop-In Playdoh Playdate
Fairfield Public Library — Fairfield Woods Branch · Fairfield
Drop-in to have some fun with Playdoh! Get ready to roll, squish, shape and create during this afternoon of hands-on, imaginative play! For children ages 3+ with caregiver. Registration is not required for this drop in program.
Ages 3–5Drop-in
storytimeFREE
Stories with Ms. Stefanie!
Fairfield Public Library — Fairfield Woods Branch · Fairfield
Calling all bookworms! Join Ms. Stefanie for an interactive storytime filled with fun and creativity. We'll dive into a picture book (or two!) and bring it to life with a hands-on activity or craft. For children ages 4-8. Registration is required and opens three weeks before each event. Caregiver must remain in the Library during the event. Space is limited.
