Mystic Country, Connecticut

Lyman Allyn Art Museum announces an exciting new exhibition commemorating the bicenntenial of the War of 1812 and its effects on Connecticut and the region. The Rockets' Red Glare: The War of 1812 in Connecticut will open on July 6, 2012 and remain on view through January 5, 2013. Coinciding with the arrival of tall ships for OPSAIL Connecticut 2012, the exhibition has been developed in partnership with Mystic Seaport Museum, the Stonington Historical Society, the New London Maritime Society, and the New London County Historical Society and will feature items from the collections of the partners, as well as from other museums and private collections.

The Rockets' Red Glare: The War of 1812 in Connecticut focuses on important local events including Commodore Stephen Decatur's naval squadron taking refuge in the Thames River to avoid the British, the bombardment of Stonington, the raid on Essex, and the effects of the British blockade on New London and the region. The 16-star American flag that flew over the defenders of Stonington will be a stand-out component of the exhibition.

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum will present the following special children's program to coincide with The Rockets' Red Glare: The War of 1812 in Connecticut:

• Free First Saturday: Free admission from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Free art projects 1:00 – 3:00pm; projects designed for ages 5-12:
July 7: Flag-making workshop for OPSAIL weekend
Sponsored by People's United Bank.
• The Rockets' Red Glare: The War of 1812 in Connecticut is generously supported by grants from the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Feder Foundation, and the Coby Foundation of New York which focuses its grants solely on the exhibition of important textiles such as the rare 16-star American flag on display.