The History of Beekeeping: Bees in Connecticut, North America, and the World

This program focuses on the evolution of beekeeping from the collection of honey from wild hives to the domestication of bees into managed hives. We will discuss how ancient civilizations collected and used honey, how bees came to the US, the rising popularity of beekeeping as a hobby in Connecticut and the importance of hives in modern agricultural practices. Information is presented via slides and short clips with hands-on teaching materials and a featured object from Torrington’s own collection. Participants can taste early summer and fall honey to observe the differences. Information on planting for bee health will be provided.

This program is sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank.

About the presenter:

Tammi Worsham is the Chair of the Outreach Committee of the Back Yard Beekeepers Association. Tammi has kept bees in three states over a span of a decade and a half.  Her interest in keeping bees was piqued by a viewing hive at the Wagner Institute of Science in Philadelphia and she knew she was hooked.  Tammi then sought out any opportunity to have her hands in hives. She volunteered with inspections at a community garden just west of the University of Pennsylvania until she found a mentor. In 2013, Tam answered an ad from a beekeeper looking for help. This beekeeper was a member of the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild, which gave her access to an enthusiastic community. She found working under someone’s mentorship to be an invaluable experience. After several years of helping with the beekeepers’ hives on urban roofs and farms, she was ready for a more independent beekeeping experience.  Tammi was able to start her own hives with two packages in Fairfield. Now she keeps bees in four different towns and talks about her hobby throughout the state!  Connecticut’s colder winters have given her new issues to learn about and overcome.  Tammi is committed to continuing her education and broadening her knowledge of how to best keep bees healthy and nourished in this region and looks forward to working in our community to share the benefits of these very special social insects.