September 27^th   Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier

Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Contact Donna Dufresne, Pomfret Historical Society Program Director for reservations at 860-465-7228 or windsong@snet.net

The program is free. Donations for our restoration project at the Old Town House are always welcome. Refreshments will be available.

Jordan Freeman was an enslaved person of African descent. Although he did not enlist himself, he witnessed key events of the war for independence with Col. Ledyard.  Historians estimate the number of black soldiers in this war to have been about 5,000 men, serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities, including nearly 500 from Connecticut.  Some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service.  The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History at 231 Capitol Ave, opposite the State Capitol in Hartford.

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit, and he has been portraying Jordan Freeman for about 17 years. In addition to portraying Jordan Freeman, he has been presenting as Pvt. William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for 26 years and has given more than 600 presentations. The Connecticut State Library provides high quality library and information services to state government and the citizens of Connecticut. It also preserves and makes accessible the records of Connecticut's history and heritage. The focus of the Museum and its collections is Connecticut's government, military and industrial history. Permanent and changing exhibits trace the growth of the State and its role in the development of the nation from the colonial era to the present. Additional information about the State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History can be found on its Web page at http://www.ctstatelibrary.org

For more information about Jordan Freeman, please contact Kevin Johnson, (860) 757-6589 or Susan Bigelow, (860) 757-6584.

 

October ^4th   The Pomfret Train Wreck of 1918

PHS board member Dr. Stewart Chute reveals what happened when two trains going the same direction wrecked causing multiple deaths.

The Airline Trail is a valuable recreational resource for us in NE CT, and whether we are strolling, jogging, or cycling, it is worth stopping for a moment to consider what went over this grade before me?  The trail we know was once a dual-tracked conduit of commerce that transformed the economy of 19^th century NE CT.  That railroad has a life story which remains relevant to us as we search for answers to today’s troubles.

In this presentation, local railroad historian Stewart Chute will cover the events leading up to the tragic accident of April 1918 and place the event in the larger context of early 20^th century railroad history.  He will recount winner-take-all corporate rivalries, the struggles of workers to gain better working conditions, and speak of the trainmen who, through devotion to duty, made the ultimate sacrifice.

After the presentation, Stewart will lead a short walk on the Airline Trail from Pomfret Station to the site where five died when two freight trains collided.

 

October 11^th   The Descendants of the Enslaved Randalls

Walk to the Randall/Higginbotham Burial Ground

1:00 meet in parking area trail head Rt 244.

 

October 18^th   Stephen Averill Revolutionary Soldier

Grave and Averill Farm in Wolf Den

John  Folsom time  and meet-up TBD

 

October 25^th   Revolutionary Abington

Presentation at Abington Congregational Church  and walk on Old King’s Highway.

 

November 8th   Mark & Beverly Davis in Concert

A Fundraiser for the Pomfret Historical Society  

at the Vanilla Bean 7:00 P.M. Tickets $25