Local
Norwalk Historical Society hosts "The Sally" Lecture on Sunday, September 14, 2008
By Norwalk Historical Society
Sep 9, 2008 - 5:32:09 PM

Norwalk, CT - The Norwalk Historical Society will present “The Sally: the Story of a Norwalk Sloop During the American Revolution,” the second lecture of its 2008 Fall Lecture Series, on Sunday, September 14th, 2008 at 2:00 pm in the Town House at Mill Hill Historic Park, 2 East Wall St., Norwalk.

NHS Board member Ed Eckert and Advisor Madeleine Eckert will present the program. Their audio-visual presentation will explore the true adventures of a Norwalk merchant vessel turned armed sloop-of-war. Lecture attendees will discover Norwalk’s maritime importance during this critical period of our nation’s history, learn of the exploits of the Sally’s four successive Captains, as well as some of her crew and notable passengers as they dealt in espionage, raids against the enemy, and privateering along the treacherous ‘Devil’s Belt’ of Long Island Sound. Newly uncovered information will be presented that rewrites the history of the fate of the Sally, Norwalk sloop that played a pivotal role during the War for Independence.

The Eckerts are local historians whose special affinity is researching Norwalk during the War for Independence. Their research on the spy mission of Connecticut’s State Hero, Nathan Hale, resulted in the installation of the Nathan Hale Monument at Irving C. Freese Park during 2005’s 250th Anniversary of Nathan Hale’s Birthday.

Besides serving as historical consultants, they have also performed on stage in both of Crystal Theatre’s Revolutionary-War themed musicals, “Revolution, Norwalk, 1777” and “The Burning of Norwalk.” The Eckerts are currently writing a book, “The Who, What, When, and Where of the Battle and Burning of Norwalk, July 11, 1779,” which will be the first comprehensive study of this pivotal event in Norwalk’s history.

Admission to the lecture on Sunday is by suggested donation and is open to the general public. A reception will follow the lecture with refreshments.

The 2008 NHS Lecture Series will continue at 2:00 pm on each following Sunday in September in the Town House at Mill Hill. The next lecture will take place on September 21 with "An American Icon: Norwalk’s Tower Optical Company," followed by the final lecture on September 28th, "New England & Norwalk Burying Grounds." Each lecture will also be followed by a reception with refreshments.

For more details on the Norwalk Historical Society or to volunteer, please visit its website at www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, call 203-846-0525, or email NHS Executive Director VivianLea Stevens at info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

© Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com