The Barnes Museum in Southington is set to mark a significant milestone this month, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of commemorative events designed to highlight the rich tapestry of local history. This golden jubilee offers the community an exceptional opportunity to reflect on decades of preserving and showcasing the region’s unique past.

A central celebration is the special anniversary reception scheduled for Friday, August 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Located at the historic museum grounds on 85 N. Main St., this gathering promises an evening of remembrance and anticipation as the institution looks back on its half-century legacy.

In conjunction with the anniversary festivities, the Barnes Museum will proudly unveil a captivating new exhibit titled “50 Objects for 50 Years.” This meticulously curated collection is poised to become a cornerstone attraction, inviting visitors to delve into the significant artifacts that tell the museum’s story and its connection to Southington.

Each of the fifty objects selected for this exhibit has been chosen with profound care, specifically to honor the pivotal individuals, key milestones, and the deep, enduring history of both the Bradley-Barnes family and the broader Southington community. This thoughtful approach ensures a comprehensive journey through the cultural heritage preserved by the museum.

Beyond the anniversary reception and the debut of the new exhibit, the Barnes Museum has unveiled a diverse slate of August programs, catering to varied interests. These engaging local events include a sophisticated wine tasting, an informative “history pints” program focusing on General Rochambeau’s crucial visit to Southington during the Revolutionary War, and the exciting launch of a raffle for a private dinner experience at the museum.

The initial offering in this series of summer programming is “Sip & Savor: Wine Tasting at The Barnes Museum,” an elegant event scheduled for Tuesday, August 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Held on the picturesque museum grounds, this exclusive gathering is open to guests aged 21 or older, promising an evening of refined enjoyment amidst historical surroundings.

Tickets for the “Sip & Savor” program are priced at $35 per person and can be conveniently purchased directly at The Barnes Museum. Additionally, for broader accessibility, tickets are also available for sale through the official Friends of the Barnes Museum website, providing multiple avenues for community members to participate in these enriching museum events.

Further enriching the cultural offerings, signed copies of Museum Curator Christina Volpe’s insightful new book, “The Barnes Museum & Homestead,” will be available for purchase at the History Pints event for $25. Notably, all proceeds from the sale of this book will directly benefit the Friends of the Barnes Museum, supporting the ongoing preservation and educational initiatives of this significant Connecticut museum.