The New Nation: Washington Takes the Reigns...And Gets a Headache

Join the Avon Historical Society for a series of three in-person lectures, presented by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) History Department. When George Washington, the most respected man in the nation, becomes president, he hopes to serve one term and promptly retire. That proves impossible. Both Hamilton and Jefferson press the president to continue, lest the new nation fail before it truly begins. The result is a remarkable second inaugural address that speaks volumes in its brevity. What did Washington say that “says it all”? The series is sponsored by Avon Historical Society, Avon Library, and the Avon 250th Coordinating Committee. It will be held on Monday, October 6 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information and registration see, https://avonhistoricalsociety.org/event/the-new-nation/?event_date=2025-10-06.

• "Lunch and Learn – The ‘Great Temperance Times’ in Nineteenth-Century Black Connecticut", Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. At first glance, alcohol and racial equality might seem unrelated—but for Black activists, the temperance movement was a powerful vehicle for social change. This virtual talk by Mackenzie Tor, New England Regional Fellowship Consortium grantee, will highlight the often-overlooked story of Black temperance activism in 19th-century Connecticut by following the state’s African American reformers as they navigated the era of slavery and freedom. In the process, it reveals how they used temperance as a strategy for civic inclusion. Through their words and organizing efforts, from newspaper columns to church halls, abstaining from the bottle became a radical tool for political belonging in the hands of Connecticut’s Black communities. This virtual presentation is free and open to the public. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Public Programs Coordinator, Jen Busa via email at jbusa@connecticutmuseum.org.

• "Teaching the American Revolution", Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. How did Connecticut contribute to the American Revolution? As the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, this teacher workshop will provide teachers with content and tools to use their classrooms as we explore Connecticut’s role in the American Revolution. This workshop will share teaching activities that highlight Connecticut’s role as the provisions state, the experiences of Connecticut officers and regular soldiers who fought in the Continental Army, the battles against Connecticut shore towns and conflict between Connecticans who remained loyal to Britain and those seeking independence. Workshop participants will receive ‘ready-to-use’ inquiry-based teaching activities; from close reading to student research and local primary sources, on Connecticut’s role during the American Revolution. Participants will also have the opportunity to see documents and artifacts from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s vast collection.$5 per person. Light refreshments will be served. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Natalie Belanger, Public Programs Manager, at nbelanger@connecticutmuseum.org.

• Lunch and Learn – Connecticut Soldiers and the Incident on the Massachusetts, April 1865, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. It was April 23, 1865. Robert E. Lee had surrendered. Abraham Lincoln was dead. Assassin John Wilkes Booth and accomplice David Herold had crossed the Potomac River to safety. The Black Diamond, hoping to prevent that crossing and catch the perpetrators, was anchored with the Potomac Flotilla near Blackistone Lighthouse. All onboard the barge were unaware that they were too late. At the same time, the Massachusetts was running downriver carrying U.S. soldiers back to their regiments. A tragedy occurred and by dawn, the Black Diamond was on the bottom of the river; the Massachusetts was crippled, and eighty-seven men were dead – many from regiments raised in Connecticut. This virtual presentation is free and open to the public. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Public Programs Coordinator, Jen Busa via email at jbusa@connecticutmuseum.org.

“History Center Open (Haunted) House”, Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Join the Bridgeport History Center (BHC) on this special Saturday for a deep dive into the haunting legends of Bridgeport! Through our interactive collection of macabre, mysterious, and mind-bending stories, visitors will learn about all the great materials, services, and programs the BHC has to offer. Demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Meet the BHC staff. Stop by and visit us on the 3rd floor of the Burroughs-Saden Library. For more information see, https://bportlibrary.org/hc/events/history-center-open-house/.

• "Witchcraft Panic in Connecticut and Massachusetts Guided Tour and Lecture", Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

  “Paranoia: Guided Tours on the Witchcraft Trials in Colonial Connecticut.” Ancient Burying Grounds, Hartford. Located at the corner of Main Street and Gold Street (behind the First Church of Christ). Starting at 10:30 a.m. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of witchcraft panic in the 17th century. Tickets are $10 for Members and $15 for non-members. Register online at https://ancientburyingground.com.

  CT’s Old State House Lecture “Meet the Parsons: Witchcraft in Early Springfield, Massachusetts” at the Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford. Starting at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy this free lecture which is centered on Mary and Hugh Parsons of Springfield, Massachusetts. Years before the Salem Witch Trials, witchcraft was real to Mary and Hugh. The pair married in 1645 at Springfield’s first Meetinghouse, but a mere six years later, they faced the town’s accusations of witchcraft in the same place. To RSVP, click here: http://ct-dc.org/qr.asp?q=WitchcraftPanicOCT2025.

  In between the guided tour and lecture, visit and wander the historic halls of Connecticut’s Old State House. Just steps away, enjoy lunch and shopping on Pratt Street. This event is hosted in partnership with the Wood Museum of Springfield History, Springfield Museum, and Connecticut’s Old State House. For more information visit: https://wp.cga.ct.gov/osh/calendar/witchcraft-panic-in-connecticut-massachusetts-guided-tour-lecture/.

• "Artifacts of Freedom: 250 Years of Windsor’s Military History", Thursday, November 6, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and FREE for veterans. Pre-registration is encouraged. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army and the generations of American veterans who have protected our nation’s freedoms with Windsor Historical Society! Check out some highlights from the Society’s collection of military artifacts from the 18th century to today. Have an artifact of your own to show off? Would you like to share memorabilia from your own military service with the group? Contact Curator Kristen Wands at kwands@windsorhistoricalsociety.org or 860-688-3813. No firearms or explosive devices, please. This program is part of Windsor Historical Society’s
  WindsorCT250 commemoration activities.

• A Discussion with Michael E. Shay, author of "The Whites of Their Eyes: The Life of Revolutionary War Hero Israel Putnam from Rogers' Rangers to Bunker Hill." Thursday, November 13, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Memorial Hall, Museum of Connecticut History at the Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford. This program is free and open to the public. Michael E. Shay will discuss one of the most legendary participants in the American Revolution: Connecticut’s own Israel Putnam. In his book, The Whites of Their Eyes: The Life of Revolutionary War Hero Israel Putnam from Rogers' Rangers to Bunker Hill, Shay recounts the life and times of Israel Putnam, a larger-than-life general, a gregarious tavern keeper and farmer, who was a folk hero in Connecticut and the probable source of legendary words during the Revolutionary War—and whose exploits make him one of the most interesting officers in American military history. This program is part of the Connecticut State Library's America 250 series. For additional events and resources view our America250 research guide.