Walk NorwichThe Norwich Historical Society, In collaboration with the Connecticut League of History Organization, offered a virtual four-part winter lecture series based on topics from our Walk Norwich Trail system between January – April 2021. These are the on-demand versions of this four-part lecture series, which was free and open to the public. The NHS strives to provide educational programming to our Norwich community and beyond. Thanks to our generous sponsors programs like these can continue to be offered for free.
Virtual Lectures
ON-DEMAND LECTURE SERIES
THE TRAGEDY OF BENEDICT ARNOLD
The first lecture in our virtual winter lecture series will focus on topics from the Benedict Arnold Trail. Benedict Arnold was born and raised in Norwich, CT and is often remembered for his infamous betrayal of the patriot cause during the American Revolution, but what led this brilliant military commander to shift his allegiance so drastically? Our featured speaker, Joyce Lee Malcolm, attempts to answer that very question in her book The Tragedy of Benedict Arnold: An American Life. We hope you enjoy this virtual presentation.
THE REIGN OF BLACK GOVERNORS IN NORWICH AND BEYOND
This talk will discuss a tradition that emerged in colonial New England during the eighteenth century when enslaved Africans elected their own Kings and Governors when denied basic liberties including the right to vote. Many of these elected black officials were African royalty and heirs to a throne in their homeland. After taking a general look at slavery in Norwich, Connecticut, a more specific look will be made of Boston Trowtrow who served as the Black Governor of Norwich from 1770 to 1772 and Sam Huntington who served from 1772 to 1800.
EMMA BAKER'S PLACE: A MOHEGAN WOMAN STANDING FOR HER PEOPLE AND THE LAND
An inductee into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, Emma Baker took on political causes in a time when non-Native women were not allowed to vote. This talk explores how Baker laid the groundwork for future tribal rights and women’s rights, with her long-term visions and actions. This presentation offers new understandings of how women, gender roles, and Indigenous histories–as included in the recent Uncas Leap Trail Project–enrich all of our relationships to the land we call home.
THE GILDED HOUSEHOLD: SOCIAL LIFE AND SERVANTS IN AMERICA, 1865-1914
This illustrated lecture explores the intricate social customs of the Gilded Age. With expanding industrial wealth, American society evolved ever more elaborate rituals to entertain, requiring large domestic staffs. Receiving guests at home for tea, elaborate dinners and dances had their counterparts in the life of the servants who kept the house running at polished perfection. This is a story of society, fashion, immigration, labor, and technology affecting the organization and use of the American house at a transformational period of history.