The New Canaan Historical Society will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a yearlong celebration of programs and activities, beginning with its Colonial Concert & Cocktails event, Friday, Oct. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Town House, chaired by New Canaan’s First Lady, Liz Mallozzi, and continuing the next day with a family-oriented Colonial Day, Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the grounds of the Historical Society.

For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit www.NCHistory.org. Tickets are also available at the New Canaan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan. For more information please call 203.966-1776 or email NewCanaan.Historical@gmail.com.

The Historical Society’s inaugural event, Colonial Concert & Cocktails, will feature an interactive performance by The Ministers of Apollo, professional Colonial musicians and re-enactors.

The name The Ministers of Apollo itself is derived by the eighteenth century belief that one was inspired by the ancient classical gods was very much in vogue. People fancied they were struck by Cupid when they fell in love. If a man distinguished himself in war, he was touched by Mars (Ares in Greek). A famous poet or composer of the day would be considered blessed by Apollo.

Apollo is known as the god of all refined arts, especially music. His consort, the Muses, were believed to inspire all creativity and kindle the emotions. They gave the impulse to dance and sing, and spurned the studies of science, history, music, and astrology. The group The Ministers of Apollo, signifies those who are influenced by the Muses and devote themselves to the refined arts.

According to the group’s website, “In the spirit of eighteenth century culture, we seek to replicate every detail in our dress. Upon closer examination, almost every seam is hand-stitched according to proper proportions, and the textiles are historically manufactured; some on original looms and dyed in researched colors. The buckles, buttons, and cufflinks are either original or replicas, and even the unseen garments are done in proper custom. Our hair is styled according to original treatises, occasionally with hair starch, pomatum, and pins. We feel these steps necessary (and enjoyable) to recreating the music and atmosphere of the late eighteenth century.”

The group will be performing Colonial-era music while offering an “interactive history” on some of the era’s instruments and music.

For more info: http://www.nchistory.org/ or NewCanaan.Historical@gmail.com

The New Canaan Historical Society would like to thank their sponsors, Bankwell, Impala Asset Management, Walter Stewart’s Market, Karl Chevrolet, New Canaan Advertiser, Lampert, Toohey & Rucci, LLC, NCLC Properties, KSQ Architects, the Law Office of Ann Halan Brickley, New Canaan Lumber, and Weed & Duryea, for their support.

For more information on upcoming events, background and a timeline of the Historical Society’s history, please see their Tydings publication, at http://www.nchistory.org/pdf/tydings.pdf