Program for kids ages 5-10. Join educators from Steward Outdoor Day School to explore the world of dragonflies! Together, we will investigate their habitat, behavior, and life cycle in this hands-on STEAM experience that blends science, nature, and art! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register!
Teen Advisory Board Informational Meeting, held in-person at the Essex Library on September 14 at 4:00 PM. Teens who are interested in having input on Young Adult aspects of the library can join Teen Advisory Board. Open to teens in Grades 7-12. Held at Essex Library. No registration required.
Hear from Nicholas Bellantoni, Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist, as he discusses his experiences in 2009 as one of the lead researchers on a team investigating the death of Adolph Hitler for the History Channel. After traveling to Germany and Russia to examine and gather evidence, Bellantoni worked with Dr. Linda Strausbaugh and her team from the University of Connecticut’s Center for Applied Genetics and Technology to analyze biological samples for DNA evidence. Hear what they discovered about Hitler’s final moments. This program is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited, so registration is required. Register HERE. About Nick Bellantoni: Nick Bellantoni serves as Connecticut State Archaeologist Emeritus at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. He received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed the second Connecticut State Archaeologist. He is a former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archaeologists.
In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Join us at Essex Library for a Local Author Book Fair from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Drop-in to hear from local and regional writers as they showcase their work and offer insight on their creative journeys. Books available for purchase and signing. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration necessary. Drop-in! This program is free and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT.
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
Join us at Essex Library on Tuesday, September 16 at 6 p.m. for a talk with legendary NFL sports anchor, reporter and producer Suzy Kolber. Kolber will share highlights of her journey from the peewee football field in Philadelphia to becoming a prominent sports anchor with ESPN, delving into her love of the sport as well as the challenges and experiences of her career and personal life. Refreshments provided. This program is free and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Registration is required. Register HERE or call the Library at 860-767-1560. About Suzy Kolber Suzy Kolber enjoyed an extensive 27-year career at ESPN. As one of the original anchors for the launch of ESPN2 and the XGames, she most recently hosted the pregame and halftime shows for Monday Night Football. Kolber spent more than a decade on the field, where she was widely praised for elevating the NFL sideline role. Considered a trailblazer for her versatility and longevity in sports broadcasting, she was the first female recipient of the Maxwell Football Club’s Sports Broadcaster of the Year Award in 2006. Kolber’s 39 years of experience began as a sports producer at WTVJ- Miami. Along the way she helped launch Dallas […]
Program for kids birth – age 5. Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.
Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules. REGISTER and submit questions for the author! This program is free and open to all regardless of residency. Registration is required for all virtual author talks.
Hear from Essex’s top law enforcement officers on how to help prevent crimes, as well as how to avoid them, in this talk offered by Essex Library on Thursday, September 18 at 6 PM. Essex Resident State Trooper First Class Mark Roberts and Essex Police Officer Todd Belcourt will discuss the most common crimes and scams that are specific to this area, as well as what steps to take to reduce the chances of being a victim of a crime. This program is FREE and open to the public regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Registration is required. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560.
In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome! Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
Join the Essex Board of Trade for our next Business After Hours — a relaxed time with light refreshments, great conversation, and the chance to explore one of our local member businesses. Date: September 25Time: 5:30 to 7 pmPlace: Graceful Aesthetics, 67 N Main St Office A, Essex, CT. https://www.gracefulaestheticsct.com/ This event is a special perk for EBOT members — but if you're curious about joining, this is the perfect time to learn more! Membership connects you with our vibrant local business community, gives you a voice in town events, and offers valuable networking opportunities. Learn how to become a member: https:// essexct.com/membership-2/
Warren Leach, talented garden designer and owner of Tranquil Lake Nursery in Rehoboth, MA will recommend a diverse selection of superlative plants with exceptional foliage characteristics in his talk “Beyond Blooms: Creative Design with Color, Structure and Seasonal Senescence”. Warren will highlight woody and herbaceous plants with good garden foliage color, architectural structure, multi-season interest and stunning shape and texture characteristics that can be used in a diversity of ways to compliment flowers, provide structure and offer seasonal succession in the mixed border. Warren will also suggest plant combinations that you can translate into your own garden, echoing leaf colors and texture to brighten the garden through the seasons. This program is a collaboration of the Essex Garden Club and the Essex Library. The program is FREE and open to the public, regardless of residency, at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560.
In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Join us for the Fifth Annual Essex 3 Villages Source to Sea Cleanup Event sponsored by the Connecticut River Conservancy. Volunteers gather in small groups to go out into our community to clean up trash that can make their way into our watersheds, tributaries and the Connecticut River.
Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome! Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
Join us for a NEW walk that EHS is debuting as part of our America 250 celebrations! Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak and EHS’s Sharon D. Clark 2025 Intern Griffin Smith, on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00pm, as they present a tour of the cemetery that will visit the stone sites of Essex veterans of the Revolutionary War and talk about their histories before, during, and after the Revolution. Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s. Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 6pm. The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile. Walkers should wear proper footwear and outerwear, and possibly bring a flashlight if they would like. While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members. Please meet at the base […]
Pratt House, a 300 year old home, Essex's only historic house museum is open for FREE guided tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, through September from 1:00-4:00 pm. NEW this year are two special exhibit spaces! The first is set with the history of Blacksmithing in Essex complete with objects made by local smiths including the Pratt family. The second exhibit features individual themes researched by sixth graders from Essex Elementary School. Pratt House will also play host to many special programs throughout the summer so please keep an eye on the calendar for all of the happenings!
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. Past themes have included Wizards & Witches and now we’re setting sail with this year’s theme: PIRATES! The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Scarecrow drop-off: Sunday, September 28 at Essex Art Association (10 North Main Street, Essex, CT) Voting to start Saturday, October 4th online at essexct.com Questions or need a frame? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com We can’t wait to see how the community brings this tradition to life again in 2025!
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Ahoy maties! And Shiver me timbers! Gather all ye Buccaneers and Scallywags and head to Essex for the 2025 FestiFall, Saturday, October 4 from 11 to 4. We’re setting sail with this year’s theme: PIRATES! The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites, and voting to start Saturday, October 4th online at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest/ Fun activities include: *bandana coloring*face painting*tattoos*hats & eye patches*pumpkin scavenger hunt*pop-up vendors*costumes optional
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak as she guides a tour of historic River View Cemetery, which dates back over 300 years! Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s. Come hear the stories of the cemetery’s ‘residents’ including: the influence of the town’s first pastor: a traitorous sea captain; an enterprising mother/daughter team; and many other engaging and touching tales. Learn about changes in gravestone art – from grimacing “death’s heads” to ornate obelisks. Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 5pm. The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile. Walkers should wear proper footwear and possibly bring a flashlight for the twilight tours. While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members. Limited parking is available in the cemetery or […]
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Teen Advisory Board Informational Meeting, held in-person at the Essex Library on September 14 at 4:00 PM. Teens who are interested in having input on Young Adult aspects of the library can join Teen Advisory Board. Open to teens in Grades 7-12. Held at Essex Library. No registration required.
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Artist Robyn Rivers will take you through her 13-year sailing voyage around the world with a lecture entitled “Images of a Pacific Voyage.” Rivers will detail her experiences in the remote islands of the South Pacific as well as the Philippines, Turkey and other locations. She’ll also discuss how she was inspired to document her journey by painting scenes of the local landscape and people. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.
Each class will include deep stretching and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Program for kids ages 2-5. Join firefighters from Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 for a fire safety-themed story time filled with fun stories, songs, and tips to help little ones learn how to stay safe in case of a fire! Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register.
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Program for families with kids of all ages. Come find something new-to-you for Halloween! Available costume sizes may range depending on the donations received. Costume accessories may be offered as well. You do not have to donate to choose a costume. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Costume donations will be collected on October 10 from 2-5 PM. Gently used or new costumes can be dropped off to the Children's department! No registration is required, drop in!
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting open until October 30th at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Program for kids birth – age 5. Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register for October 15 @ 9:30 AM