Norwalk Historical Society To Co-Host Virtual Lecture This Month

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Historical Society and Historic Rowayton will co-host "Beyond the Amistad," a virtual lecture in honor of Black History Month taking place Feb. 24.

The event, featuring guest presenter Natalie Belanger from the Connecticut Historical Society, will be held over Zoom beginning at 7 p.m., according to a news release.

In this program, Belanger will give a virtual tour of items from the Connecticut Historical Society's collection representing a spectrum of the Black experience in Connecticut, according to the historical society.

The event is free, however registration at www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org is required. Attendees can also donate to the Norwalk Historical Society and Historic Rowayton when registering.

Attendees can learn about Ann Petry, a Harlem Renaissance writer who carefully preserved artifacts chronicling the black community of Saybrook. Examine daguerreotypes by Augustus Washington, who abandoned a successful Hartford photography business to build a new nation in Africa, according to the historical society.

Browse through the photo album of a Hollywood actress who became a champion of labor rights for black entertainers. Marvel at the gorgeous costumes created by Connecticut's West Indian community for their annual MAS celebration, and see artifacts documenting the Civil Rights movement in Connecticut, according to the historical society.

About the presenter: Natalie Belanger is the Adult Programs Manager at the Connecticut Historical Society. She holds a B.A. in history from Smith College and an M.A. in women's history from the University of Maryland. She has worked in museum education for most of her career, and also teaches history courses at Manchester Community College and other area colleges.

About the Norwalk Historical Society: The Norwalk Historical Society was incorporated in 1899 with the focus on "the research, preservation, and promotion of interest in the history of Norwalk." Through our many educational exhibits, programs and lectures, we highlight Norwalk’s rich history and diversity in the region. The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at: www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

About Historic Rowayton: The mission of Historic Rowayton is to provide opportunities to discover and appreciate the history of Rowayton and its relationship with neighboring communities. Historic Rowayton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at: www.historicrowayton.org.