Today is Wednesday, January 22, 2025 
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country.
It is an opportunity for reflection on the ideals of the nation’s founders and a time to consider the path forward in expanding our realization of those ideals today.
America 250|CT
New London County Historical Society, Lyman Allyn Art Museum and Thames River Heritage Park Foundation are pleased to present the 2025 lecture series – Seeds of Revolution on the Thames and Beyond. Throughout the series events that seeded discontent and revolution along with the social, cultural, political, economic and ecological influences and their impact and influence on life on the Thames and beyond will be explored.
Mariners, Patriotism and Revolution. Tars on the Thames.
by Steve Manuel, Historian and Executive Director
New London County Historical Society
January 29, 2025
November of 1775: The Continental Congress President John Hancock requested the Connecticut ship Minerva from Governor Jonathan Trumbull for mission. Minerva was to go to sea and capture two munition ships sailing from Liverpool to Halifax. On the eve of departure, the crew of Minerva refused to sail. All crewmen were released and were never to be allowed to sail on another Continental or Connecticut ship. The mariners were indifferent to this punishment. Join us as Steve Manuel discusses the complex social structure and political motivations of mariners in Southeastern Connecticut in 1775.
Geology, Decrees and Deposits – Connecticut Unrest Beyond the Thames.
by James King
Archaeologist and Geologist
February 12, 2025
In 1775 Elijah Backus, Norwich Iron Works, cast anchors and cannon for the newly formed Connecticut Navy. From its founding Parliament decreed that the refining, smelting or forming of metallic substances was forbidden. The Iron to cast cannon and anchors was discovered in Salisbury Connecticut. Join us as Jim King discusses the iron deposits in Connecticut and its journey to Norwich to be forged into the tools of revolution.
Equal, Enslaved, Marginalized – Seeds of Emancipation and Abolition on the Thames.
by Tom Schuch
History Researcher / Aficionado / Social Activist
March 12, 2025
The Declaration of Independence famously declared that “All men are created equal.” But what did that mean for a ‘society with slaves?’ As the title paraphrasing Frederick Douglass’ most famous speech indicates, this presentation will examine the history and status of enslaved and marginalized people in the Colonies and the nascent republic, their role in the American Revolution, both Patriot and Loyalist, as well as the changes this Revolution wrought in their lives. This discussion will also examine how the ‘Seeds of Revolution’ were also the ‘Seeds of Emancipation and Abolition’, for out of this turbulence emerged —- from New London County! —-the foremost Abolitionist and Freedom Fighter in America of the 1830s! The talk will conclude with some thoughts on the legacy of the American Revolution: after two hundred and fifty years, does this republic embody that noble statement that “all men are created equal?”
Religious Ideals, Realities and Sermons – Congregationalists in the American Revolution on the Thames and Beyond.
Tricia Peone, PhD
Project Director, Congregational Library & Archives
April 23, 2025
Congregational churches could be found in nearly every town across New England in the 1770s. The stories of Patriot ministers who inspired their congregations to Revolution have long been told. Increasingly we are learning more about the experience of the people sitting in the pews and how being part of a Congregational church community shaped their experience of the celebrated ideals–and the sometimes harsh realities–of the revolutionary cause. Printed sermons, pamphlets, and histories; manuscript church and association records; and even paintings in the CLA’s collection help tell a story that is both familiar and not.
Unrest, Rebellion and Protection – Revolutionary War Forts on the Thames
by Richard Rogers, PhD
Retired Physicist, Acoustician
Docent, Fort Trumbull State Park / History Aficionado
May 14, 2025
January 1775: Connecticut is a proud British colony filled with loyal citizens. Come mid-year economic and social unrest – due to draconian legislation passed by Parliament coupled with blood spilled in Boston – sparks rebellion. Another year passes before it becomes obvious that the only possible course of action is to declare independence and secede from Great Britain. War is deemed inevitable, and the deep water port of New London must be protected with far better fortifications. This is an historic tale of David versus Goliath. Join us as Roger Richards discusses the construction of Forts to defend the Thames during the American Revolution.
Member Rate – $20
Current members of Thames River Heritage Park Foundation* or NL County Historical Society or Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Early Bird Member Rate – $15
Early Bird rate is available up to 7 days prior to each lecture.
Non-Member Rate – $25
Early Bird Rate – $20
Early Bird rate is available up to 7 days prior to each lecture.
* To confirm your current membership in TRHP, please view our membership list.
