Summer Programs

Eli Whitney Museum

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Summer Programs for 2024

Week of June 10, 2024

Made by Hand: The Slow Craft Tradition

The Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a response to industrialization. The mark of the hand had been removed, our goal is to emphasize the handmade in this weeklong workshop.

We will step away from machiner...

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Week of June 17, 2024

The Painter's Palette: British Landscape

Please Note: This is a four day class- Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri.
We are closed, Wed, June 19th.

In the late 18th century a new exhibit at the Royal Academy of London popularized landscape painting. Inspiration from British Lan...

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Week of June 17, 2024

The Art and Science of Fire

Please Note: This is a four day class- Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri. We are closed, Wed, June 19th.

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Week of June 24, 2024

Streetcars of New Haven

During the 19th and early 20th century streetcars were an important mode of transportation in cities across the United States. While their popularity waned after buses and cars took over the roads, streetcars are still found all over the world. Join us...

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Week of June 24, 2024

Material Studies: Wood, Metal, Clay, Glass, Fiber

This week we are building a Design Engineer’s toolbox. How do you know which material to use? Delve into the intricacies of 5 types of materials:

  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Glass
  • Fiber
  • Ceramic


  • In this...

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    Week of July 1, 2024

    Re-Art

    Please Note: This is a four day class- Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri.
    We are closed, Thursday July 4th.

    Have you ever wondered what you can do with an old bottle of dish soap? What about all the jam jars we collect? This week l...

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    Week of July 8, 2024

    Bienvenido a América Latina: Immersive Spanish Language

    Viajemos por América Latina: un viaje de miles de kilómetros tan solo en una semana. Comenzaremos el viaje en el Caribe y abrazaremos un poco de la cultura de Cuba. Navegaremos hacia Centroamérica, donde observaremos algunas tradiciones de México. ...

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    Week of July 8, 2024

    Transportation Through the Ages

    Since the beginning of time, humans have been searching for faster and better methods of transportation. Beginning with boats, then wheeled transport, transportation has evolved as we grew across the globe.

    Learn of the trade routes of old to t...

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    Week of July 15, 2024

    Back to the Basics: My First Tool Box

    What does it take to build something with wood from start to finish?

    We’ll start by learning the basics.

    Using hammers, screwdrivers, measuring tape, various hardware, and wood glue we will make a (silly, scary, sanguine… ) friend m...

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    Week of July 15, 2024

    Exploring Morocco: Art & Architecture

    With a coastline that touches both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, mountains, deserts, and so much in between, Morocco has a rich history to match its geography. From ancient times to the present, Morocco has been influenced by the many different peoples calling it home. Ancient Romans, indigenous Berber, Arab Muslims, and more have influenced a distinct and unique style that is reflected in the art and architecture of this proud country. To better understand, build a Kasbah (walled building/home) featuring different architectural elements found throughout Morocco. Explore the many crafts skilled artisans produce, such as leatherwork, enamel jewelry, and ceramics. Reflect upon these traditions as Morocco looks to the future as it rebuilds from the earthquake that struck in September of 2023.

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    Week of July 22, 2024

    Track Car Physics

    This week is all about experimentation. Start by building a car that can carry varying amounts of weight. How does adding or removing weight change the speed and distance the car travels? Make predictions and record your hypotheses. Can you design a ca...

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    Week of July 22, 2024

    Connecticut Bridges

    Connecticut Bridges: In Collaboration with Preservation Connecticut

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    Week of July 29, 2024

    First Circuits

    Humans have always recognized electricity in lightning bolts and fur that crackles when stroked. But the practical uses of electricity - circuits - have been discovered mostly from Eli Whitney's time to the present in simple experiments and creative ac...

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    Week of July 29, 2024

    Messing About in Boats: Admiral Nelson's Navy

    Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
    - Water Rat, Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Gramme 1908

    Join us for a week devoted to learning about...

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    Week of August 5, 2024

    The Art & Sounds of India: Bollywood & Beyond

    Dance, paint, design, and recreate traditional Indian themes and stories. Indigenous animals accompany us through India’s artistic heritage and early folklore. Tara Books will help us explore art and culture, as well as traditions on our journey thro...

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    Week of August 5, 2024

    Making Marbles Think: Rotation and Reason

    When most people think of marbles, they think of marble runs and sidewalk games. However, they can do much more! Discover how various materials and forces influence how marbles move and how they can be utilized to perform impressive feats.

    Emplo...

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    Week of August 12, 2024

    My Castle

    Some castles are also palaces with a noble family and royal staff. Some castles are forts defending the edge of a kingdom. Some castles are outposts that protect travelers and trading caravans. Some are beautiful. Some are simply practical.

    Buil...

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    Week of August 12, 2024

    Open Studio

    The culmination of a summer of exploration, design, mistakes and more comes together with a review of our favorite projects. Create a Frankenstein, join disparate projects together to make something new. Try something new, make a wheel-thrown piece of ...

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