NEWS RELEASE

4/13/2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Connecticut Historical Society Honored with Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations

Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) is honored with an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO). The Award of Merit is granted for outstanding work in exhibitions for The Bicycle Game.

The Bicycle Game is honored with the Award of Merit for its creative approach in sharing historical information, the will to experiment, and the aim to reach as broad an audience as possible through different learning modalities and preferences. The CLHO awards committee commended the exhibition for its ability to instill the joy of history for visitors of all ages.

“The Bicycle Game tells the story of the bicycle’s evolution and its influence on society in an engaging, innovative way,” Ben Gammell, director of exhibitions said. “In the galleries, bicycle history has been transformed by an angry villain into a series of games and puzzles. Visitors play trivia, race bicycles, and search for clues, relying on a host of skills to make their way through the game, ultimately preserving this significant moment in Connecticut history.”

Additionally, Connecticut Explored magazine’s podcast, Grating the Nutmeg, received an award of merit this year. CHS adult programs manager, Natalie Belanger, is a producer on the podcast and contributed six of the 26 episodes in 2022.

Grating the Nutmeg makes the fascinating stories of Connecticut’s people, places, and events available to listen to whenever and wherever. Belanger shares her research and knowledge on the podcast on a variety of Connecticut history topics from mental health to women’s suffrage to political movements. “It’s an absolute thrill to be awarded for our contributions to the podcast,” said Belanger, “It’s a tremendous affirmation of the importance of Connecticut’s history being told in relevant and accessible ways.”

“We are honored to be recognized with this Award of Merit from CLHO,” said Robert Kret, executive director and CEO. “This is CHS’s ninth state and national award since 2015. The projects recognized are clear examples of how the work at the CMCH continues to move forward the preservation and interpretation of our history and celebration of our cultures.”

The Connecticut Historical Society (www.CHS.org) is a privately funded, independent, not-for-profit educational organization that includes a museum, library, the Edgar F. Waterman Research Center, and the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program. Founded in 1825, the CHS is Connecticut’s statewide historical society, and a Smithsonian Affiliate. At the CHS, we cultivate understanding of the history and culture of Connecticut, and its role in the United States and the world. Through our collections, research, educational programs, and exhibitions we reflect the past, actively engage with the present, and innovate for the future.

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