Eric Sloane Museum

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Eric Sloane Museum

https://linktr.ee/Eric_Sloane_Museum The collection tells a fascinating story about bygone times and the great American heritage of craftsmanship.

Eric Sloane's extensive collection of hand tools is displayed in the museum building gifted to the State in 1969 by Stanley Works, the Connecticut-based tool manufacturing company, to mark their 125th anniversary. Sloane’s career as an artist comes vividly alive in his studio, minutely re-created with his paint-spattered easel and rows of jars jammed with paint brushes. Examples of his artworks ar

e displayed in an adjoining gallery. Adjacent to the museum, is a recreation of a pioneer cabin as described by Noah Blake in Diary of An Early American Boy, an 1805 diary published by Sloane. The Kent Iron Furnace, which is on the museum property, began production of pig iron in 1826 and continued for almost 70 years. The granite blast furnace with its Gothic arches can be seen down the hill behind the museum. A diorama explaining the local iron industry is in the museum lobby.

06/22/2026

Our Workshop Series continues with Raffia Hat Making this Saturday, June 27th, from 10-4! Spaces are limited, so register today using the link below.

Looking for the perfect summer hat? Look no further! Join local milliner Jaya Lee for a fun, hands-on raffia hat workshop. In this class, students will use traditional millinery tools and hand sewing techniques to create their own summer hat from pre-plaited raffia. At the end of class, each student will take home their own one-of-a-kind raffia hat!
Pre-registration is required. Head-size or hat size is needed at the time of registration.
Participants must be 16 years old or older.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raffia-hat-making-workshop-tickets-1985418902383?aff=erellivmlt

06/08/2026

Join the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience as we open Eric Sloane: American Modern 12 June 2026.

You may be familiar with Duchamp, Po***ck, Calder, Stankiewicz, Johns, Nevelson, Rauschenberg, and Kosuth as giants of Modern Art, but what about Eric Sloane? This fascinating, historical, and immersive experience challenges visitors to view Sloane as a Modernist, something the artist would have vehemently denied. On display are replicas of Sloane’s sculpture and his “Placements” – the artist’s response to the Modernist movement. The opening night of the exhibit will be part of the Night at the Museumprogram. Exhibit creator and author Wil Mauch will give a brief talk on Eric Sloane’s relationship to the Modern Art movement. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for participant questions related to any aspect of Sloane’s life and work

Pre Registration Required

LINK IN BIO

Photo 1: Eric’s tool collection on display at the Brookfield Craft Center in the late 1960’s. (Eric Sloane Museum Collection.

Photo 2: Wil Mauch with reproduction of Eric Sloane Placement, one of many which will be featured in Eric Sloane: American Modern

Photo 3: Night at the Museum Flier June 12th 2026. 5:00-7:00 PM

06/02/2026

Join us on June 6th, from 10-4, for our annual Historic Trades Day. Attendees will enjoy free admission, various historic trades demonstrations, and be able to shop the hand made artisan market. The demonstrations will include blacksmithing, hat making, woodworking, wood-turning, tinsmithing, leatherwork, and more. We hope to see you there! Thanks to our sponsors The Early American Industries Association!

05/28/2026

Announcing Our 2026 Workshop Series at the Eric Sloane Museum!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting 2026 workshop series at the Eric Sloane Museum! Join us for hands-on sessions designed to inspire creativity, build new skills, and foster a deeper appreciation for history, art, and craft. Each session will be led by expert instructors and provide participants with a unique opportunity to learn in the inspiring setting of the Eric Sloane Museum.

Workshop Highlights:

• Introduction to Blacksmithing
• Raffia Hat Making
• Broom Making
• Spoon Carving
• Wool Hat Making
• Log Hewing

Visit the link in our bio for the full workshop schedule, registration details, and special announcements.

05/27/2026

NEW EXHIBIT ANNOUNCEMENT

Eric Sloane: American Modern

June 12th through September 11th 2026

You may be familiar with Duchamp, Po***ck,Calder, Stankiewicz, Johns, Nevelson, Rauschenberg, and Kosuth as giants of Modern Art, but what about Eric Sloane?

This fascinating, historical, and immersive experience challenges visitors to view Sloane as a Modernist, something the artist would have vehemently denied. Join us as we explore replicas of Sloane’s sculpture and his “Placements” – the artist’s response to the Modernist movement.

The opening and closing nights of the exhibit will be part of the Night at the Museum program. Exhibit creator and author Wil Mauch will give a brief talk on Eric Sloane’s relationship to the Modern Art movement, and Museum Curator Andrew Rowand will take guests into Sloane’s studio for a new experience.

Refreshments will be served, a silent auction of Sloane-related items will be held, and there will be time for participants to ask questions about any aspect of Sloane’s life and work. Pre-registration is required and can be done through the Eric Sloane Museum website. (link in Bio) 100% of the money raised will go to the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum.

05/13/2026

The Housatonic Valley was instrumental during the American Revolution, manufacturing arms and ammunition for the Continental Army . Numerous valley iron furnaces and forges supplied vital iron resources throughout the war. Although the Kent Furnace did not open until 1826, it represents a continuation of the area’s longstanding ironmaking tradition, which began before the Revolutionary War. This weekend, May 16-17, members of the Knox Artillery Regiment and Rangers from Minute Man National Historical Park will showcase the region’s significance to the war effort with engaging living history demonstrations, including a cannon display. Be sure to join us for Free Admission from 10:00 to 4:00.

05/10/2026

Immerse yourself in Iron Works Weekend, an exciting program exploring the history of ironmaking in the Housatonic Valley at the Kent Iron Furnace site. The event will include special tours, exhibits, and iron smelting demonstrations , commemorating 200 years of the furnace history. Master blacksmiths will smelt iron with a bloomery furnace using traditional methods and techniques. Enjoy free admission to the museum and programs Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 until 4:00.

This program is made possible by the support of our community partners!

04/01/2026

We are not fooling around this year! As you can see, we have an exciting 2026 season planned with even more events and programs to come! Be sure to check the link in our bio for a complete list of programs and additional information.
We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

03/25/2026

Mark your calendars! The Eric Sloane Museum reopens for the 2026 season on May 2nd & 3rd.
The museum will be open from 10:00 to 4:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 2nd through October 25th. We have an exciting season planned, so be sure to check out our full list of events on our website. Link in Bio!

Address

31 Kent-Cornwall Road (Route 7)
Kent, CT
06757

Website

https://portal.ct.gov/ECD-EricSloaneMuseum

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