Please join us for this 250th program to be held at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT

Tavern Music - Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, 6:30 pm

Join us for an in-person, dramatic event featuring Howard Wright, Connecticut’s premier Lincoln reenactor, as Abraham Lincoln.

Exploring the life, words, and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, with a focus on how the Declaration of Independence and the vision of the Founding Fathers—particularly George Washington—shaped his thinking and inspired one of the most important speeches in American history: The Gettysburg Address. This program traces Lincoln’s deep connection to the timeless phrase, “…all men are created equal.” These words guided his principles, his treatment of others, and ultimately his leadership during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history.

The program is framed by two powerful readings of The Gettysburg Address. Hearing the speech at the beginning allows you to experience its impact as Lincoln’s audience might have. By the end, after gaining deeper insights into the meaning of his carefully chosen words and phrases, you will hear the address again—with a renewed understanding and appreciation for its profound message. To bring the man behind the speech to life, several anecdotes about Lincoln’s character and manner will be shared prior to the first reading.

Free to attend.  Register at avonctlibrary.info

Join us for a dramatic, in-person event with actor George Baker, who has portrayed President John Adams in one-man shows across the country.

Adams and Jefferson were the principal movers who convinced the Continental Congress to vote for independence in 1776. Their life and friendship ran parallel to crucial events in American history. Follow their story through all of its connections and conflicts.
For adults and children ages 12+

Free to attend at the Library.  Register at avonctlibrary.info

The bottle says it all: “Samuel Adams, Brewer * Patriot.” And though “Sam the Maltster” wasn’t particularly business savvy, his attention to the Sons of Liberty and American independence went far beyond his fleeting attempts at brewing. Fortunately, there were plenty of other opportunities to quaff the large quantities of alcoholic beverages that fueled the fire of revolution. Join Dr. Matt Warshauer, professor of history at Central CT State University, for an intriguing exploration of how the American Revolution was plotted in taverns.

This is the third in a series of three

Please register for each event separately.

Renowned storyteller Andre Keitt portrays William (Billy) Lee, an American enslaved man who was the personal assistant of George Washington, before, during, and after the American Revolution. “Billy Lee, ” began serving Washington as a young boy, stood by his side as a valuable servant until he was an elderly man. He was the only one of Washington’s slaves freed immediately by Washington’s will. Mr. Keitt brings a unique insight into his story, life and relationships.

Join us for another series of three in-person lectures, presented by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, CCSU History Department.

When George Washington, the most respected man in the nation, becomes president, he hopes to serve one term and promptly retire. That proves impossible. Both Hamilton and Jefferson press the president to continue, lest the new nation fail before it truly  begins. The result is a remarkable second inaugural address that speaks volumes in its brevity. What did Washington say that “says it all”?

Register once for the whole series – even if you can’t attend every session
Avon Library | 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001

Join us for another series of three in-person lectures, presented by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, CCSU History Department.

When the Confederation government fails miserably, the United States is essentially unable to function. What happens and how is it corrected? Fix the articles? Throw them out all together? The solution, a more powerful “federal” government, potentially threatens liberty. Cue the Anti-Federalist and Federalists.

Register once for the whole series – even if you can’t attend every session
Avon Library | 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001

Join us for another series of three in-person lectures, presented by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, CCSU History Department.

The difficulties of the colonial period had taught American leaders that too powerful a government endangered liberty. The obvious solution: create a weak system confederated system and leave most of the power to the states. Big mistake! The new United States of America could barely function.

Register once for the whole series – even if you can’t attend every session
Avon Library | 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001

You are invited to attend the 51st Annual Members Meeting of the Avon Historical Society on Thursday, April 24, 2025 beginning PROMPTLY at 6:30 pm in the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT.

The meeting will be the standard meeting of reports, elections and open discussion. Included will be an update on the opening of the new Avon History Museum weekend activities and announcement of plans for Avon America’s 250 in 2026.

If you arrive early, please visit the first major presentation for Avon America’s 250 is a well-researched and curated exhibit in the History Corner of the Library entitled “We are the Sons of Freedom.” It is a detailed look at the men from Northington who answered the patriot call after the first shots were fired in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 – 250 years ago this month. The title of the exhibit is taken directly from a broadside posted in the center of Farmington on April 20, 1775. Society member Norm Sondheimer led a team consisting of a local artist and several research experts to create this exhibit. It will be on display through the end of May.

While the Annual Members Meeting is open to all Society members, according to our Bylaws, only “members in good standing” are allowed to vote. If you do not know if you are member in good standing (have your dues paid by April 23, 2025) please contact Ben Isaacson, Treasurer, at 860-309-1160 or info@avonhistoricalsociety.org . Guests are welcome to attend.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, attached is a mail-in ballot you may use to cast your vote before the meeting. It needs to be received by April 23, 2025 at: Avon Historical Society, PO Box 448, Avon, CT 06001 or scanned and sent to: info@avonhistoricalsociety.org