Eli Whitney Museum

The Past
William Giles Munson's 1827 painting of Whitneyville records an orderly water-powered Armory and generous accommodations for workers and their families in harmon with its country setting. Civic leaders, travel writers, and American Presidents proclaimed Whitneyville the ideal landscape for working. Munson's image became a favored icon and flattering portrait of the Industrial Revolution that was not always so beautiful.

The Present
Urban housing and traffic arteries have surrounded the site that is now the Museum and East Rock Park to the Museum's south and east. This enclave still supports richly varied populations of birds. Documentary photographer Gilles Carter has prepared a slide show that will delight both the uninitiated and veteran observers who share his devotion to East Rock's feathered treasury.

All images on the invitation and in his presentation are from 2016, and were photographed in and around East Rock Park, Edgerton Park, or the Whitney Water Treatment Plant. More images may be seen below.

The Future
Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe directs the Audubon Connecticut's Important Bird Area program which has identified more than 30 critical bird habitats in the state. East Rock Park and by extension the Museum site, are part of that network for which Audubon Connecticut is developing long-term conservation strategies. Audubon's mission and perspective allow integration of overlapping local and regional conservation initiatives.

Ms. Folsom-O'Keefe is a keen observer and guide. She will discuss the victories and challenges of the Important Bird Area program and the scope of the East Rock conservation program.