The Westport Historical Society will host a reception Sunday, April 17 to mark the season opening of its unique cobblestone barn housing the Museum of Westport History.

The 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. event will feature music and historic re-enactments by the Staples Players in authentic costumes.

The only octagonal-roof, cobblestone barn in Connecticut, the building houses a diorama of the town as it looked toward the end of the 19th century.

Donated by Westporters Ray and Barbara Howard, the display includes an audio accompaniment recorded by Joanne Woodward.

Arthur Mitchell: Library honoree. Contributed photoThe Westport Public Library will honor Arthur Mitchell, founder and director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, at its seventh annual “Booked for the Evening” fund-raising gala May 29.

The award honors those whose work furthers the goals of the library—to nurture a love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world. The 4 p.m. award ceremony will include a tribute by Jacques dAmboise, readings and dance.

Mitchell has been a pivotal figure in the dance world for more than five decades. He is known around the world as an accomplished artistic director, educator, choreographer and dancer.

In 1955, Mitchell became the first African-American male dancer to become a permanent member of a major ballet company. He joined the New York City Ballet and quickly rose to the position of principal dancer with company.

The Westport Public Library today hosted a “Paris in April” musical program featuring pianists Margaret Mills (above), Elizabeth Lauer, and oboist Ralph Kirmser. They played a program of music by composers who lived and worked in Paris: Chopin, Chabrier, Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc and Stravinsky. (CLICK TO ENLARGE ) Dave Matlow for WestportNow

Today’s sunny, warm weather brought out crowds to Westport’s Compo Beach. The temperature reached 72F at Bedford Middle School in the afternoon but barely got over 60F close to the water. The forecast called for partly cloudy, cooler weather Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE ) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

A visitor gets a close up look at one of the exhibits at the Westport Arts Center as it debuted its “A Community Collects” exhibit Saturday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE ) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com