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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
Surely people passing through town may wonder about the various structures, the name places, and of past endeavors within Southbury. And they may be surprised and interested in some stories of the past that may be obscure or rarely shared.
This year marks the anniversary of 350 years since the colonial settlers set their homesteads on Southbury’s Main Street. Join us as Municipal Historian John Dwyer relates the circumstances that brought them here, the epochs that shaped the town, and some vanishing features of the past. Be advised that he may not adhere strictly to the 35 minutes promised, for he will be happy to extend the time to accept questions from the listeners.
John Dwyer and his family came to Southbury in 1984 to move into his wife's, Lynn, ancestral home. Their children were the 8th generation descendants to live there. The proximity to this heritage spurred an interest in antiquities into a study of local history.
Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this event is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. Registration is required. 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.
