The Canterbury Historical Society celebrated Old Home Day on Saturday , Sept . 20 , bringing historical crafters , resident artisans , local businesses , farm animals , antiques and a performance by the town’s own first selectman and more to the Canterbury Green .

Dating back to the late 1950 s , Old Home Day in Canterbury was once run by the First Congregational Church , but after a lull , the Historical Society took over . This yearmarked the Society’s fifth annual celebration of the event .

Historical Society President Amy Orlomoski was pleased with the number of visitors to Old Home Day , saying Sunday morning that , by her count , between 400 and 500 people attended the event , which was graced with perfect weather for a day outside .

The money raised from food sales and from the sale of items related to the Historical Society , such as t-shirts and books , went back to the society , but Old Home Day is not specifically a fund-raising event . “ It’s just a day for the community , ” said Orlomoski . “ A way of getting the community involved . ”

First Selectman Brian Sear agreed . “ It’s wonderful , ” he said . “ We have a lot of interesting history and artistic capability in the town , and this is a chance to show it off . ”

Experienced quilters and those without a shred of sewing experience were impressed by the talents of Judy Moffitt , a member of the Country Quilters .

Taking advantage of the afternoon sunshine , Canterbury artist Mary Bingham demonstrated her skill with oils by painting the portrait of an infant by simply looking at an old black and white photograph .

Erich Steinhagen of Steinhagen Pottery was present , as well . Steinhagen , creator of reproduction redware , was making mugs and pots on his wheel and taking the time to show curious children how his craft was done . “ We do a lot of historical reenactments , ” he said , speaking of himself and his wife .

Young Hannah Terraian impressed guests with her skill by playing “ Twinkle , Twinkle Little Star” on a bowed psaltery while her grandfather , The Honorable ‘ Chili’ Bob Whatley , regaled each passerby with stories of soldiers and weaponry . While educating folks about what the common militia might carry during the late 1770 s , Whatley kept the crowd in stitches , as he offered to trade a weapon from his collection for a woman who might catch his wandering eye .

First Selectman Brian Sear himself took to the stage with his guitar at around 1 p . m ., to sing a song called “ Hey Prudence , ” which he had written in 2002 in order to protest the closing of the Prudence Crandall House , a home in Canterbury that is known as “ New England’s first academy for black girls . ”

Following Sear’s original performance of the song , there was a rally of sorts . The museum was kept open and now features occasional tours and a research library .

“ I’m not saying the song kept the museum open , ” said Sear , “ but there was an outcry …”

The Canterbury Historical Society plans to hold the sixth annual Old Home Day next year, but also continues to host other events throughout the year. For more information , including details about the upcoming Gibson Brothers bluegrass concert , visit the Web site www . canterburyhistorical . org .