The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network is offering a lecture and bus tour this month with a focus on the Revolutionary War, in honor of America250.
Attend the lecture on Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center. Historian and author Matthew Reardon will discuss his book, The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4–13, 1781. Using newly discovered British and American primary sources, Reardon weaves a balanced military study of Arnold’s engagement in New London during the Revolutionary War’s seventh year, dispelling myths and misunderstandings born of contemporary propaganda. The lecture is open to the public; admission is $5 collected at the door. Admission is free if participating in the bus tour below. For more information, contact Terri Wilson at president@avonhistoricalsociety.org or 860-678-7621.
The bus tour takes place on Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Iron Horse Boulevard Commuter Parking Lot (bus stop shelter area) behind Drake Hill Mall in Simsbury. The bus will depart promptly at 9:30 a.m. Stops include the Wilcox House in West Granby, Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine and East Granby Historical Society in East Granby, and Simsbury Historical Society. Participants will get a penetrating view, through first-hand accounts and reenactments, of life in the Farmington Valley during and after the Revolutionary War. Admission is $50 and includes a box lunch (choices of tuna, turkey or veggie wrap), a goody bag with snacks and brochures, and admission to the pre-tour lecture on April 23 (see above). Contact Wayne at bnanews@aol.com or 978-758-8499 by April 17 for more information and to reserve your spot on the bus.
The society’s Spring Flea Market will be Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the society’s grounds, 208 Salmon Brook Street. Please contact Todd Vibert at 860-307-6171 for vendor information. Flea Market donations can be dropped off any Tuesday or Thursday between 9 a.m. and noon through May 12.