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For Immediate Release March 26, 2019 The Norwich Historical Society’s 2019 Second Saturday Walking Tours The Norwich Historical Society’s mission is to help preserve, protect and promote the rich history of Norwich, CT. From April to August, the Norwich Historical Society hosts free walking tours of Norwich on the second Saturday of the month. These walking tours encompass a wide variety of themes in Norwich’s history from the 17th century up through recent history. These walks are given on a rotating basis by our knowledgeable board members and community volunteers and are included in Norwich’s Walktober line-up. The goal of the Second Saturday Walking Tours is to educate not only visitors about the rich history of our community but encourage local residents to get out and explore the history that is in their own backyard. The 2019 line up of tours is presented as follows: NHS Second Saturday Tour - The Norwich Freedom Trail April 13, 2019 10:00am Meet in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard, in front of City Hall at 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 During the Nineteenth Century, the City of Norwich was home to a vibrant abolitionist movement. Residents such as David Ruggles played an active role in the Underground Railroad and the Harris Sisters attended Prudence Crandall’s controversial “Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color” school in Canterbury. On this tour, you’ll hear incredible stories about colonial era blacksmith, Guy Drock, who earned his freedom and fugitive slave, shoemaker, minister and author, James L. Smith. Please join us as we explore a largely untold piece of Norwich’s history in the Jail Hill Historic District. This special Second Saturday tour is a part of Otis Library's Harris Sister Month and will officially launch the Walk Norwich Freedom Trail. Please note: this walk strenuous and has some very steep hills. NHS Second Saturday Tour - Old Firearm Factories in Norwich May 11, 2019 10:30am. Meet in front of City Hall 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 Visit the old factories where firearms were manufactured from the mid 1800’s to 1931. Learn about the interesting history of the firearms industry in the Rose City. Sponsored by the Guns of Norwich Historical Society. Please note: this tour is quite lengthy and goes uphill, please use caution. 2 miles, 2.5 hours. NHS Second Saturday Tour - Aaron Dwight Stevens June 8, 2019 10:00am Norwichtown Green, Norwich, CT 06360 In October of 1859, Lisbon born and Norwich raised, Aaron Dwight Stevens, along with John Brown, led an historic raid at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, and woke the Nation up to a new day in our history which was the impetus to put an end to slavery. That, however, was only a part of Dwight’s adventurous life. He fought in the War against Mexico, with the elite Dragoons in New Mexico, and against the pro-slavery factions in “Bloody Kansas.” Those adventures, along with the love of two beautiful women, made his short life an almost unbelievable but very true story. Tom Coletti and Vic Butsch, authors of A Journey to the Gallows, would be pleased to share some of Dwight’s amazing story with you. The tour is completely centered close to young Dwight’s home, church and school at the Norwichtown Green, and will take one hour. Please gather on the Norwichtown Green in front of the Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center at 69 East Town Street. Parking is along the Norwichtown Green. NHS Second Saturday Tour - Civil War Tour of Yantic Cemetery July 13, 2019 10:00am 68 Lafayette St, Norwich, CT 06360 Local expert, Vic Butsch, gives visitors a fascinating overview of Norwich’s pivotal role in the Civil War. On this tour, you’ll learn about two brothers who fought against each other on the battlefield giving new meaning to the word “fratricidal war.” In addition, you’ll learn about the valor of numerous Generals and soldiers on the battlefield and hear the inspiring story of the Andersonville Circle. The tour will be roughly an hour. Yantic Cemetery, 68 Lafayette Street, Norwich, CT. Parking is inside the cemetery. NHS Second Saturday Tour – Hike around Mohegan Park August 10, 2019 at 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Mohegan Park Road, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 Take a hike on the wild side with the Mohegan Striders for a NEW Second Saturday walk! Join us for a pleasant walk through the trails of Norwich’s Mohegan Park. The tour will visit the monuments, then explore the trails where we’ll possibly get to see some wildlife. Meet in the park center by the fountain. Please respect that no pets are allowed in Mohegan Park. Sponsored by The Mohegan Striders. www.moheganstriders.org Media Contact: Regan Miner, Executive Director of the Norwich Historical