NAVC & NHS Join Forces To Honor Samuel Huntington’s 290th Birthday

On Saturday, July 17th at 10:00 A.M., members of the Norwich Area Veterans Council and the Norwich Historical Society will assemble at the tomb of President/Governor Samuel Huntington in the Old Norwichtown Burying Ground, to conduct a wreath-laying. They will be joined by state and local dignitaries to commemorate his 290th birthday, and to dedicate a commemorative flagpole in honor of his service to our state and nation.

Mr. Huntington, a self-taught lawyer, was born in Scotland, CT on July 16, 1731. His illustrious career included: serving in the Second Continental Congress; being a signatory of the Declaration of Independence; and President of the Continental Congress in 1781, when the Articles of Confederation went into effect – thus making him the First President of the United States, in Congress Assembled. He later served as a 10-term governor of the State of Connecticut. His mansion on East Town Street now houses the administrative headquarters of United Community and Family Services of Norwich.

The 35-foot flagpole was made possible through the efforts of the late-Bob Murphy, who passed away last October, and a plaque of recognition will be affixed to the pole.

Damien Cregeau, past-President of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; Norwichtown resident; and member of the Huntington family, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. USMC veteran, NAVC member, and Connecticut’s first Official State Troubadour Tom Callinan will perform The National Anthem, “Yankee Doodle”, and an original song entitled “Samuel Huntington”. Speakers will include: Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom; Walt Woodward, Connecticut State Historian; Bill Stanley, Jr. of the Forgotten Founders; State Senator Cathy Osten; Nick Bellantoni, Former State Archaeologist; among others.

Rain date is Sunday, July 18th at 10am. Parking is available along the Norwichtown Green. Event parking will be available at 34 East Town St. The event will be live streamed on our Facebook Page.

For further information, contact:
NAVC President Brian Hague: (860) 237-7323 • brian.hague7798@gmail.com;
Or Regan Miner, NHS Executive Director: (860) 886-1776 • minerregan@gmail.com