Our Spring Bird Walks start in mid-April, and run Saturdays and Wednesdays through mid-June!

Hammonasset State park in Madison, is widely regarded as the premier birding area in Connecticut. Approximately 240 species of birds occur in the park annually due to its diverse habitats of marsh, open water, woodland, grassland and shoreline.
We will be listening for bird calls and looking for spring migrants. This is a great chance to learn!
Join us, our 38th year leading walks!

The Madison Historical Society will host several Open House events this spring at its Allis-Bushnell House Museum, at 853 Boston Post Road in Madison. The house will be open from 11am to 1pm on April 13 and 20 and on May 4 and 18.

Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the 1785 residence, free of charge.  Visitors may tour the lower floor of the Allis-Bushnell House, which features distinctive period architectural features, domestic implements, decorative arts, and paintings. These artifacts are displayed in rooms that illustrate life in the house as it was during colonial days, the Revolutionary War period, the Civil War period, and the Colonial Revival era. The house is accessible to all visitors. Docents will be available to answer questions and provide further information. 

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view our Wedding Dress Exhibit, which has been extended due to popular demand. 

Later in the season, the Society will open a new exhibit, “Shipbuilding in Nineteenth Century Madison,” which illustrates how Madison became the largest shipbuilding hub between New Haven and New London in that era. From 1740 to 1891, approximately 175 vessels were built in Madison, primarily at East Wharf and West Wharf. This exhibit, funded by a Museum Makeover grant from the CT League of History Organizations, is located in the Annex, the rustic historic outbuilding behind the Allis-Bushnell House. Look for news of its opening in Summer 2024.

Please visit madisonhistory.org for more information or call 203-245-4567.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce invites you to be a vendor at the Madison Art, Artisan & Antique Summer Festival.
This show (aka "festival") is for vendors who create art, artisan and craft items items along with vendors who sell vintage, repurposed and antique items.  In addition to art/artisan & antique vendors, we will have live music, food trucks and local artists exhibiting their work.

The show will be on Saturday, May 25, 2024, on the Madison Connecticut Town Green from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Rain or shine with no refunds to vendors for space commitments.

Vendor Details and Terms:
• Space size is approximately 20’ x 24’
• Set-up is on Saturday, May 25th from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM
• NO EARLY BUYING will be allowed or early entry for the public before 9:00 AM on the day of the festival
• The festival will open to the public promptly at 9:00 am and will close at 4:00 pm, rain or shine
• You must remain set up until 4:00 pm except in the case of inclement weather
• The space rental fee for the May 25th show is $70 if you sign up and pay by May 04, 2024; the cost after that date is $80.00
• Special discounted package offer for space rental at both the May 25th and September 28th festivals on the Madison Town Green is $120 if you sign up and pay in full by April 30, 2024.

By registering and paying online it is agreed that each exhibitor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his or her property and waives any claim he or she may have against the Town of Madison, the First Congregational Church of Madison, and the Madison Chamber of Commerce for such a loss. Furthermore, each exhibitor agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Town of Madison, the First Congregational Church of Madison, and the Madison Chamber of Commerce against any claims arising by virtue of his or her occupancy of the premises or use thereof.

We do not reserve spaces onsite.  
Vendor spaces are assigned in order of arrival, starting with the outer perimeter of the space on the Madison town Green. 
Vendors are responsible to bring their own tables, and a tent if you prefer protection from the elements.There are only a few trees on the Green, therefore limited spaces are available for these preferred locations.

Portrait in Watercolor In-Person Demonstration with Artist Jeanne Carol Potter

June 8, 2024, Time: 1-3 pm

In this portrait watercolor demo with Jeanne Carol Potter, you will discover how the delicate translucency and speed of watercolor is ideally suited to capturing light, shadow, and form of the face. There will be an emphasis on using the watercolor medium including correct brushwork and an effective water/pigment ratio.  Learn how to mix fresh and effective color combinations for skin tones and hair color along with the ability to see value as color.  Anatomy of the structure of the head and face will be discussed. Learn how to capture a likeness through careful interpretation of what one sees.