Exhibition Opening Reception: Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard

We invite CMCH members and special guests to join us for the Opening Reception for Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard.

Come relax in our backyard! This winter CMCH will host a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard. Outdoor living for Americans transformed after the end of WWII. The suburban backyard was a product of postwar peace, the growing middle-class, a rise in home-ownership, the baby boom, and the do-it-yourself approach. Patios replaced porches and the backyard became an extension of the home – a place for entertaining, cooking, and relaxing. Magazines promoted the modern backyard while companies quickly developed products designed to lessen the burden of maintaining these outdoor spaces. This exhibit will highlight photographs, items, and stories that explore the development of the American backyard and will take a closer look into Connecticut’s backyard history.

Please let us know if you are able to join us by January 10. Call (860) 236-5621 x238 or email rsvp@chs.org

In the event there is inclement weather the snow date will be January 17th.

Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard is presented by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Gardens’ Archive of American Gardens.