History of Gun Factories Walk Tour

"Horace Smith (b. Cheshire, Massachusetts; 1808-1893) and Daniel B. Wesson (b. Worcester, Massachusetts 1825-1906) joined their talents in Norwich to develop in the early 1850s the first repeating rifle, the Winchester, which was manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts, and New Haven beginning in 1866. Smith also secured the first U.S. patent for a metallic cartridge in 1854. Christian Sharps (b. New Jersey; 1811-1874) invented the Sharps breech-loading rifle, manufactured in Hartford after 1854. Christopher Spencer (1833-1922) developed the famous Spencer repeating rifle used so effectively by Union forces at the decisive Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War." - from Connecticut's Heritage Gateway, a detailed resource about inventors in the state and their ties to the region.

Meet in front of Norwich City Hall (Union Square) for the free tour that takes place 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Members of Guns of Norwich Historical Society will guide visitors back in time with stories to learn about the city's many gun factories and the role the city played in American history.

Fun for the entire family will be happening at Harbor Days in Norwich on Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Norwich, part of a year-long celebration of the city's 350th anniversary.

Free and open to the public, highlights include live entertainment, vendor booths, and a laser light show each night at 9 p.m. (across from the harbor area).

The Mystic Whaler schooner will be dockside at the American Wharf on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $2 and includes a cup of clam chowder with oyster crackers. Listen to pirate story-telling sessions, watch knot-tying demonstrations, or try out the mechanical advantage station.

History Means People And What They Do

Barbara Soderberg greeted visitors at the 20th annual quilt exhibit inside the old Town Hall building at the Hebron Maple Festival. The structure at 26 Main St. was built as a methodist Meeting House circa 1838, according to the Hebron Historical Society, which is dedicated to helping the town "retain its historical and rural character" by preserving key structures and properties.

On February 19, 2009, the Hebron Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to designate the Peters House at 150 East St. a local historic property. The site is significant as the home of Lois and Cesar Peters, a couple who in 1787 were spirited away from Hebron and nearly sold back into slavery. The Peters were championed by community residents, who got them back to Hebron where they lived out their lives in freedom. The site is now part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

The town acquired the Peters House as part of a $1.25 million, 122-acre land purchase in 2004.

Funding is now in place to produce Testimonies of a Quiet New England Town, written and directed by Matthew Troy, sponsored by Hebron Historical Society with Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT). Donna McCalla will produce the film on behalf of the society. Karyl Evans, a 5-time Emmy Award winner, will serve as executive producer. Evans is best known for her documentary on The Amistad.