Announcing Webster’s War of the Words, the signature fundraiser of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society! The highlight of the event is the game show hosted by Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s Peter Sokolowski, which will be hosted virtually this year on Zoom Webinar.
Join us for a celebration of words to support the birthplace of the Father of American English, Noah Webster! Webster’s War of the Words is a smart and funny word-based game show hosted by Peter Sokolowski, Editor at Large at Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This hour-long battle of wits will feature two teams of special guest contestants with opportunities for YOU to play along.
The Blue Team: Ben Zimmer, linguist, lexicographer, and language columnist for The Wall Street Journal; Dr. Nicole Holliday, Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania; Will Shortz, New York Times Crossword Puzzle Editor & NPR Puzzlemaster
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The Red Team: Mignon Fogarty, founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network and creator of Grammar Girl; David Kwong, magician, writer, producer and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor; Gretchen McCulloch, resident linguist at WIRED and co-creator of the podcast Lingthusiasm
A box of savory treats from Doro Marketplace and ingredients for our signature “Blue Back Spiller” cocktail for 2 to enjoy while you pregame it or during the Webster’s War of the Words game show. Your Pregame Party Box will be available for pick up at the museum before the event. (Details to follow.)
Become a Collections Conservator and your donation will support the preservation of one collection item for a year. You will receive a picture and the history of your ‘fostered’ item. Your support will be acknowledged at the event and in a museum display throughout 2021. Collection Conservators also receive a Pregame Party Box for 2 (pick up at the museum or make arrangements for shipping) and of course, access to The Show!
The Webster’s War of the Words fundraiser also features an online auction with fabulous items. Trips to Nantucket, Vermont, and Florida, staycations right here in Connecticut, and beautiful book-themed gift baskets with unique items galore – you’ll want to visit the online auction again and again. New items will be posted on Wednesdays leading up to the event. You can start bidding now at https://bit.ly/3yloeKu.
Whether you attend the event, purchase an item in the auction, or make a donation, your contribution will help the museum preserve the 300-year-old National Historic Landmark birthplace of founding father Noah Webster, care for collections related to Noah Webster and West Hartford history, interpret and champion Webster’s legacy of language and literacy, and host engaging events that educate and enrich the lives of many. Thank you for supporting the birthplace of the Father of American English, Noah Webster!
