Avon's 'History Weekend,' part of Avon's America 250 celebration, will feature five free programs Thursday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 19. (Avon America 250)
AVON, CT — Avon residents will have several opportunities this week to explore Revolutionary War-era history through music, lectures, printing demonstrations, and a theatrical performance.
The town's "History Weekend," part of Avon's America 250 celebration, will feature five free programs Thursday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 19.
Most events will be held at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road. The weekend's final program will be held at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road.
The schedule includes:
Tavern Music — Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.: Music historian Richard Franklin Donohue will present songs exclusively from Connecticut during the Revolutionary War. The program will include period-themed decor and refreshments. No registration is required.
Printing Press Demonstration — Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: "Printing Revolution" will examine the role of printing presses and printers during the New England colonial period from 1638 to 1787. Hands-on printing will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last. No registration is required.
"Remember Liss: A New American Founding Figure" — Saturday, Sept. 19, 3 p.m.: Bellerjeau will lead a one-hour program about Elizabeth, or Liss, an enslaved woman connected to the Townsend family of Oyster Bay, New York. Robert Townsend, a member of the family, was known as "Culper, Jr." and served as a leading spy for George Washington in Manhattan during the Revolutionary War. Books will be available for purchase.
Playhouse 44 Performance — Saturday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m.: "Patriotic Salute: Voices of Liberty" will feature songs, poems, satire, snacks, and a singalong. Unlike the other programs, the performance will take place at the Avon Senior Center. The production is Playhouse 44's contribution to the Avon 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will feature skits, music, and poetry, expanding on the weekend's focus on American history and the nation's founding era. Admission is free. The performance is being made possible with support from American Eagle Financial Credit Union. The Avon Senior Center is located at 635 West Avon Road.
The three history programs on Saturday are sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.
All of the events are free and open to the public. Registration is available for the history lectures through the Avon Free Public Library.
The programs are part of Avon's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, which the town is marking under the theme "Celebration — Reflection — Civic Pride."