Southbury Public Library is closed until further notice.

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this difficult time as we recover from extreme damage caused by the flooding on August 18th & 19th. Information on the library’s reopening will be provided when it is available.

The library’s book drop is closed. For now, hold all returns or return them to any other Connecticut library. Please do not leave returns in front of the library. All Southbury fines will be waived.

If you need assistance with anything related to your library card account, please call 203-262-0626 or email asksbylib@biblio.org.

IN PERSON- Were There Slaves in Southbury?

Program Type:

Lectures

Age Group:

Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Registration for this event is no longer open.

Program Description

Southbury 350th Anniversary

The Town of Southbury is holding events and activities all year long to celebrate 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury.

The 350th Anniversary Steering Committee consists of John Dwyer and Kevin Bielmeier (co-chairs), Brian Jones (vice-chair), Justin Bette, Lynn Dwyer, Melinda Elliott, Michael Ganem, Kara Kenney, Mary Korsu, and Gosia Liedlich.

In 1673, 15 families from Stratford travelled up the Pootatuck (Housatonic) River on rafts and canoes, settling on land in this area known as the Pomperaug Plantation, which was purchased from the Pootatuck Native Americans. Those religious dissidents spent their first night in Woodbury and the second night under a white oak tree on Crook Horn Road, by the former Berry Farm, now known as Settlers Park, in what is now known as Southbury.

Event Details

This program will be delivered live by the presenter Kingsley Room.  It will also be streamed to Zoom. If you want to watch the program from home, register here.

We have been led to believe that slavery was only found on the cotton plantations in the Southern states. Is it possible that slavery was also in Connecticut? Or even Southbury? Join us as, Melinda Elliott explores Southbury's forgotten population. 

Melinda K. Elliott is the President of the Southbury Historical Society. She enjoys historical research and sharing her latest finds through the historical society newsletter, brochures, panel displays, blogs, two books on local history, and one children's book. Melinda and her husband have three children, all living nearby, and seven grandchildren to spoil. They enjoy road trips and are always on the lookout for old grist mills, covered bridges, and one-room schoolhouses.

Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this event is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. For more information about this program, please email Rebecca at rrandall@biblio.org or call the reference desk at 203-262-0626 ext 130.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.