Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Connecticut. Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with the word traitor. Despite Arnold’s defection to the British, he was a fierce patriot for the Continental Army. There are two sides to Benedict Arnold – patriot and traitor – yet often it is difficult to reconcile both aspects of his complex profile.

The Norwich Historical Society in partnership with the Norwich Events Organization, and the City of Norwich announce Lights Out for Benedict Arnold on Friday January 5, 2024, which acknowledges our infamous native son’s birthday. Join us for January’s First Friday “Lights Out for Benedict Arnold”. The evening will begin with a ceremony at City Hall beginning at 5:15 PM and will continue throughout Downtown until 9:00 PM. Do you think Benedict Arnold is a Hometown Hero, or a Hometown Zero?

The ceremony will be held inside City Hall on the second floor, and then outside when the City Hall holiday lights will be turned off. After the event, please consider patronizing one of the many downtown Norwich restaurants and businesses. Thank you to The City of Norwich for their support.