Litchfield County and the Civil War

The Colebrook Historical Society will host a “Friday Night Gathering” on July 25th from 7-9 PM. The evening will begin at the home of the CHS with conversation and refreshments. Circa 7:30 PM the gathering will move next door to the Colebrook Town Hall Meeting Room for a presentation by special guest, author/historian Peter Vermilyea – “Litchfield County and the Civil War”.

Union victory in the Civil War was far from guaranteed. The Northern war effort depended upon local communities to raise the troops and supplies needed for the battlefield. 

The history of Litchfield County highlights the challenges Northern communities faced. Armed confrontations erupted over the flying of secession flags. Supporting the war effort provided women with skills and experiences that would aid in the suffrage movement. Scandal swirled around the local army medical examiner.   Mr. Vermilyea uses first-hand accounts, many never published before, to investigate these events and show how the process of preparing for war created a lasting bond between a community and its soldiers. 

Mr. Vermilyea teaches history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School and the University of Western Connecticut. He is the author or editor of five books, including “Hidden History of Litchfield County” which won the 2015 Culture Max Award.

Following the presentation Mr. Vermilyea will take questions. Then the gathering will return to the CHS for more refreshments. All are most welcome to attend. The Colebrook Historical Society and Museum is located at the intersection of Routes 183 and 182A in Colebrook Center. For further information contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.