The Burning of Fairfield 223 Year Commemoration & Walking Tour
On Saturday, July 7th the Fairfield Museum and History Center has planned an
evening walking tour from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm to commemorate the 1779 Burning of
Fairfield.
On July 7, 1779, the people of Fairfield awoke to a warning shot from the
fort at Black Rock, signaling that a British fleet was spotted off the
coast. For two days, Fairfield was under British attack with
troops burning virtually all its buildings.
This attack was actually one
of three attacks, including New Haven and Norwalk, along the Connecticut
coastline.
Following the Burning of Fairfield in 1779, there was ongoing worry among
citizens about a repeat attack and this concern eventually led to the
construction of the Powderhouse in Fairfield, which is located behind the site
of Tomlinson Middle School.
This year marks the 223 rd. anniversary date of the destruction of Fairfield
by British troops. This year, the animated walking tour brings to life an
exciting piece of Fairfield's history and will include stops at various homes
on or adjacent to the town green with actors portraying prominent citizens. The
event is so authentic that actual letters and depositions from 1779 are used.
This is living history in action because you can hear the actual dramatic words
of Fairfield citizens who were witnesses to the burning of Fairfield.
The rain or shine walking tour will begin at the Fairfield Museum and
History Center, located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield. Each tour is $5
for museum members and $8 for non-members.
The Fairfield Museum is located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT. Hours
are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m.
Admission is free for members, $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for
children age 5 and under. For more information on exhibits and upcoming
programs, visit
www.fairfieldhs.org or call the Fairfield Museum at
203-259-1598. The Museum annually hosts more than 18,000 visitors. For Area information
www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.
Hopkins Vineyard Celebrates 225 Years
On July 7 from noon to 5pm (rain date July 8th) Hopkins Vineyard, a National
Bi-Centennial Farm (25 Hopkins Rd.) located in New Preston Connecticut
will be celebrating 225 years of ownership by the same family.
The Hopkins Family has organized the Heritage Festival and is inviting the
general public to come and experience this colonial themed event for free! The
Heritage Festival, will be replete with music and costumes representing the
year 1787.
In 1787, Elijah Hopkins, returning from the Revolutionary War, chose this
rich and fertile site on Lake Waramaug to settle his family and start the
Hopkins Farm. The farm, has witnessed many diversified forms of agriculture
over the years including the raising of sheep, racehorses, grain crops,
tobacco, and in the more recent past dairy farming.
In 1979, Bill Hopkins planted the first vines and converted his 19th
century barn into a state-of-the-art winery that overlooks the serene waters of
beautiful Lake Waramaug. The rest is award winning winemaking history.
Now in business for over 30 years this premier Connecticut Vineyard is
celebrating its' heritage in style. The events from noon to 5 pm at the
Heritage Festival will include: Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard
Parade at Noon followed by a Proclamation of the Anniversary, honoring American
Patriot, Elijah Hopkins. Adding ambience to the festival, there will be 18th Century Music by Hanford
& Finlay, who will play Tavern Songs in addition to performing a family
program called "In the Good Old Colony Days". There will be quilting, spinning and weaving, candle making, rope making,
black smithing, kettle corn and open fire cooking displays. The festival
will have plenty of fun children's activities and games that will be provided
by the Charles Merriman Society. The DAR will be on hand to help with genealogy
research and an interesting selection of Colonial Era Arts and Crafts will be
for sale. Refreshments, baked goods and food catered by the Hopkins Inn
will also be available.
For more information visit
www.hopkinsvineyard.com/. For area information and places
to shop, stay and dine visit
www.litchfieldhills.com.
