The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UConn, presents “Spectacular Silkworms,” a lecture by Ann Galonska, Director of the Mansfield Historical Society. The lecture will be held in the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History on the UConn Storrs Campus, Saturday, July 27, at 3 pm.
Created from protein fibers produced by the larvae of the mulberry silkworm, silk is one of the earliest textile fibers used by humankind, with its cultivation and weaving linked to ancient China over 4,600 years ago. The silk trade had a far-ranging impact both economically and socially in ancient times, as well as in colonial and industrial Connecticut. Silk culture was introduced to Mansfield, Connecticut in 1790 and soon became a popular home industry. In the first decades of the 19th century, Mansfield led the nation in silk production. Many local families raised silkworms in their homes and processed silk thread by hand. Mansfield was also home to America’s first silk mill, built in 1810 at Hanks Hill. It was the first step towards mechanization of the American silk industry. Join historian Ann Galonska to “unravel” the history of silk, and learn about the life cycle of silkworms. Learn about the techniques used to produce silk textiles from caterpillar cocoons and, if hatching conditions are favorable, get a close up look at living silkworms.
This program is open to adults and children ages 6 and above. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program is free and advanced registration is not required. To contact the Museum, visit http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html or call 860-486-4460.
Presented by the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Connecticut Archaeology Center, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UConn
For more information, contact: Museum of Natural History at 860.486.4460