Florence Griswold Museum

FAMILY EVENT: Growing Chocolate: The History of 18th-Century Historic Chocolate
2025-10-11 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
with The Pewter Pot Fine Spiced Chocolates, Salem, CT
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Come and meet the chocolate artisans dressed in historic attire. Learn about the cocoa plant was transformed into chocolate during the 18th century.
Tasting samples of their delicious drinking chocolate available. Chocolate in various forms available for sale. Delicious fun for the whole family.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

ART FILM AT THE KATE: Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint
2025-10-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, 06475, United States
Frames in Film: Presented by The Kate & Florence Griswold Museum
$17 (Members $15); ticket price includes box office fee. Visit katharinehepburntheater.org or call 860.510.0453
FloGris Members call 860.434.5542 x111 for discount code
Hilma af Klint was an abstract artist before the term existed, a visionary, trailblazing figure who, inspired by spiritualism, modern science, and the riches of the natural world around her, began in 1906 to reel out a series of huge, colorful, sensual, strange works without precedent in painting.
The subject of a recent smash retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum, af Klint was for years an all-but-forgotten figure in art historical discourse, before her long-delayed rediscovery. Director Halina Dryschka’s dazzling, course correcting documentary describes not only the life and craft of af Klint, but also the process of her mischaracterization and erasure by both a patriarchal narrative of artistic progress and capitalistic determination of artistic value.
Runtime: 93 minutes

Face Painting and Faerie Hair
2025-10-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-19 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Sundays, October 5–26, 10am to 3pm
with Creations by April
Additional fees apply
Join us in the Gardener’s Grove Wee Faerie Salon! Featuring fantastic face painting and colorful faerie hair.
Come let one of the creatives from Creations by April transform you and yours into works of art with elaborate face painting and/or colorful faerie hair.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

SHOP EVENT: Members' Double Discount Days
2025-10-12 10:00 - 17:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Tuesday, October 7 – Sunday, October 12
Members’ Double Discount Days
Members receive 20% off all their purchases in the FloGris Shop.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping while enjoying additional savings!
In-store only. No additional discounts apply.

HANDS-ON CREATIVITY: Wee Faerie Crafternoons
2025-10-12 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Sundays, September 28–November 2, 11am to 4pm
Included with Admission fee, no advance reservations required
Drop into the Museum’s Education Center and enjoy a fun crafting project inspired by the Museum’s family-friendly annual Wee Faerie Village!
Immerse yourself in the spirit of imagination and whimsy that comes from visiting 30 pint-sized installations across the Museum’s campus. This year’s theme is Gardener’s Grove: our faerie artists were each inspired by a different plant.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

MUSIC ON THE GROUNDS: Co Co Beaux in Wee Faerie Village
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
The Connecticut College Co Co Beaux Perform in Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove!
Enjoy the captivating voices and remarkable energy of the Co Co Beaux, Connecticut College’s student a cappella group.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

GALLERY TOUR: Fall Exhibitions: "Inside Out" and "Fall Into Impressionism"
2025-10-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
with Nancy Mol, Museum Docent
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Join Museum Docent Nancy Mol for a guided tour of the current exhibitions Inside Out: Contexts for American Art and Fall Into Impressionism. Tour will include an introduction to the interactive approach to five works of art from the collection as well as an amazing selection of seasonal Impressionist paintings.
Image: Fidelia Bridges, Fern with Other Plants in Autumn, undated. Watercolor on paper, 14 x 10 in. Florence Griswold Museum, Gift of Judith A. Hayes in memory of Jean H. O’Connor and the Chadwick Family of Salem, MA, 2018.11.22
Inside Out is made possible with the generous support of HSB, Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, as well as donors to the Exhibition Fund and the Annual Fund. Fall Into Impressionism is made possible with the generous support of HSB, Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, as well as donors to the Exhibition Fund and the Annual Fund.

FALL HOLIDAY EVENT: Gardener's Grove Celebration Day
2025-10-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The Museum is OPEN on this holiday Monday from 10am to 5pm.
Come explore Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove on this special Museum Monday.
Visitors can tour the new exhibitions Fall Into Impressionism and Inside Out: Contexts for American Art and the the historic Griswold Boardinghouse.
Visit the Education Center between 11am to 4pm to make a fun hands-on project, included with your admission!
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

OFF-SITE CREATIVE EVENT: Make a Faerie House at Promethea Arts in Deep River #2
2025-10-13 17:30 - 20:30 | Promethea Arts, 68 Main St, Deep River, CT, 06417, United States
Registration is closed.

with Betsy Himmelman, Founder and Creative Director, Promethea Arts, and Wee Faerie Artisan
$60 (Member 10% discount); geared for makers 18+; (limited to 8 participants each session)
Faerie houses are fun to make, and Promethea Arts is a place to explore your creative side. Join Wee Faerie Village artist Himmelman in Deep River to create your own faerie house out of clay. Creations will be glazed and then fired to colorful perfection. Finished houses can be picked up in Deep River or at the Museum.
Classes held at 68 Main Street, Deep River, CT, 06417. For more information contact prometheapotters@gmail.com directly.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Please note: to receive a Member discount you MUST be registered with an online account. Not yet registered? Sign up here. All Membership discounts will be automatically applied after you login, enter registrant information, and add tickets to your cart.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

Educational & Travel Program Refund Policy
No refunds for Broadway bus trips or Miss Florence’s Teas after transaction is complete. Refunds for programs over $20 are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Refunds (less $20 fee) are offered for cancellations made prior to a program’s noted refund date. Programs without a refund date can be cancelled one hour prior to event. No refunds after program takes place. To request a refund or to transfer program fee into a donation, please email david@flogris.org. (Updated February 2022)

Art•Bar Happy Hour: Once Upon a Time: Faerie House in a Book #1
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
$35 (Members 10% discount)
with Julie Riggs, Manager of Youth Education and Outreach
Purchase tickets here
The Museum’s Art•Bar combines creativity with light fare and libations. Join Julie Riggs for an evening of creative merriment. Create an enchanting wee faerie scene in an open book in celebration of the Museum’s annual Wee Faerie Village event. All materials included.
Have a fun night out with friends or enjoy a solo crafting adventure. Either way you’re sure to have a night to remember!
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Please note: to receive a Member discount you MUST be registered with an online account. Not yet registered? Sign up here. All Membership discounts will be automatically applied after you login, enter registrant information, and add tickets to your cart.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

Educational & Travel Program Refund Policy
No refunds for Broadway bus trips or Miss Florence’s Teas after transaction is complete. Refunds for programs over $20 are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Refunds (less $20 fee) are offered for cancellations made prior to a program’s noted refund date. Programs without a refund date can be cancelled one hour prior to event. No refunds after program takes place. To request a refund or to transfer program fee into a donation, please email david@flogris.org. (Updated February 2022)

FAMILY EVENT: Flower Power in Gardener's Grove
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
with Leslie Evans, Director, Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton and Natalie Livingstone, Educator, Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required.
Come and meet Margaret Sullivan and learn how plants make life better. Through food, teas, and scents, flowers and herbs are man’s other best friend. Taste samples of historic plant-based wonders. Other delicacies to purchase. Create an herbal sachet and learn the magical healing powers of garden herbs.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

FAMILY EVENT: Farmer Joe's Magic Show: Awesome Magic in Gardener's Grove
2025-10-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Farmer Joe is outstanding in his field, the field of magic that is! Enjoy some stunning magic and side-splitting jokes with Joe Howard, entertainer extraordinaire—stilt walking, magic, and comedy to delight all ages.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

DAY TRIP: Study Day at the Frick Collection, New York, NY
2025-10-20 08:00 - 18:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Please note: This trip is Sold Out. Thank you for your interest!
$155 (Members 10% Discount); includes transportation, Frick admission, and gratuities
No refunds after September 15.
FloGris travelers are venturing back to New York to see the newly reopened and reimagined Frick Collection.
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. The Museum has reopened in 2025 after years under construction. The renovation project created new spaces for the display of art, conservation, education, and programs, while improving amenities and overall accessibility.
Note: Lunch will be on your own (more information to be included closer to the trip by organizer).
Bus departs at 8am from the FloGris Museum in Old Lyme, CT. 6pm return time to CT is approximate and traffic dependent.
Please note: to receive a Member discount you MUST be registered with an online account. Not yet registered? Sign up here. All Membership discounts will be automatically applied after you login, enter registrant information, and add tickets to your cart.
The Museum’s educational programming is supported by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Connecticut Humanities; the Randolph and John Dirks Fund; the John and Kelly Hartman Foundation; the Sally Bill Children’s Education Fund; the Betty M. Challgren Education Fund; the Elizabeth Matthews Hubbard Education Fund; the Ingalls Foundation Education Fund; the Sali Godard Riege Educational Fund; and the Lelan F. Sillin, Jr. Education Endowment Fund.

Educational & Travel Program Refund Policy
No refunds for Broadway bus trips or Miss Florence’s Teas after transaction is complete. Refunds for programs over $20 are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Refunds (less $20 fee) are offered for cancellations made prior to a program’s noted refund date. Programs without a refund date can be cancelled one hour prior to event. No refunds after program takes place. To request a refund or to transfer program fee into a donation, please email david@flogris.org. (Updated February 2022)

GALLERY TALK: Inside Out: Contexts for American Art
2025-10-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The Worlds Around Art: Charles Ethan Porter’s Strawberries & Lydia Longacre’s Miniature
with Jenny Parsons, Ph.D., Curator of Exhibitions
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Join exhibition co-curator Parsons for a discussion of the Charles Ethan Porter and Lydia Longacre sections of the current exhibition Inside Out: Contexts for American Art. The talk will feature information about the artists’ environments as well as the curatorial process for organizing the exhibition.
Inside Out: Contexts for American Art is on view at the Florence Griswold Museum through January 4, 2026.
Image: Charles Ethan Porter (1847–1923), Strawberries, 1888. Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 in. Florence Griswold Museum, Gift of The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, 2002.1.109
This exhibition is made possible with the generous support of HSB, Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, as well as donors to the Exhibition Fund and the Annual Fund.

Art•Bar Happy Hour: Once Upon a Time: Faerie House in a Book #2
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States

FAMILY EVENT: Not-So-Scary Faerie Fun: Halloween in Gardener's Grove
2025-10-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Dress up as flower, wee faerie, or another amusing costume and march your way about in Gardener’s Grove.
Visit the Education Center for treats and to create a holiday-based craft.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

FAMILY EVENT: Kyle's Magical Mystery Autumn Tree Tour
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
with Kyle Gregoire, Manager of Visitor Services
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Why do leaves change color? What kind of tree is that? How old is that tree?
Walk about Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove with the Museum’s own tree expert to learn the answer to all these tree questions and how to identify types of trees. Fun and informative for all ages with nature games along the way. Costumes welcomed.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

FAMILY EVENT: Fairy Walk! Book Reading and Signing
2025-10-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
with Gaia Cornwall, Children’s Author-Illustrator
Gaia will read two times: 11am and 2pm
Included with Museum Admission, no advance reservations required
Join Cornwall for story time in Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove. There will be reading, crafts, giggles, and even some secrets about her latest book Fairy Walk! Fairy wings and/or fancy dress encouraged.
Cornwall lives in Old Lyme, Connecticut with her family – a husband, two kiddos, and two dogs – who they suspect are real, live muppets. Her latest picture book, Fairy Walk (Candlewick Press) celebrates the magic of nature. Books will be available for purchase in the FloGris Shop. Learn more about the author here.
Wee Faerie Village: Gardener’s Grove is on view September 27–November 2, 2025.
Wee Faerie Village is generously supported by the ForGood Fund, Suzanne Joffray, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (made possible by the Sherry and Herb Clark Family Fund and the Edmund T. and Barbara S. Delaney Fund), Chelsea Groton Bank, and Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

SHOP EVENT: Members' Double Discount Days
2025-10-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Tuesday, October 28 – Sunday, November 2
Members’ Double Discount Days
Members receive 20% off all their purchases in the FloGris Shop.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping while enjoying additional savings!
In-store only. No additional discounts apply.

Art•Bar Happy Hour: Bespoke Holiday Cards and Printmaking #1
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
$35 (Members 10% discount)
with Julie Riggs, Manager of Youth Education and Outreach
Purchase tickets here
The Museum’s Art•Bar combines creativity with light fare and libations. Join Julie Riggs for an evening of creative merriment. Make a selection of unique cards and colorful prints to share this holiday season. All materials included.
Have a fun night out with friends or enjoy a solo crafting adventure. Either way you’re sure to have a night to remember!
Please note: to receive a Member discount you MUST be registered with an online account. Not yet registered? Sign up here. All Membership discounts will be automatically applied after you login, enter registrant information, and add tickets to your cart.
The Museum’s educational programming is supported by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Connecticut Humanities; the Randolph and John Dirks Fund; the John and Kelly Hartman Foundation; the Sally Bill Children’s Education Fund; the Betty M. Challgren Education Fund; the Elizabeth Matthews Hubbard Education Fund; the Ingalls Foundation Education Fund; the Sali Godard Riege Educational Fund; and the Lelan F. Sillin, Jr. Education Endowment Fund.

Educational & Travel Program Refund Policy
No refunds for Broadway bus trips or Miss Florence’s Teas after transaction is complete. Refunds for programs over $20 are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Refunds (less $20 fee) are offered for cancellations made prior to a program’s noted refund date. Programs without a refund date can be cancelled one hour prior to event. No refunds after program takes place. To request a refund or to transfer program fee into a donation, please email david@flogris.org. (Updated February 2022)
