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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2023 NORWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING (Norwich, CT) – The Norwich Historical Society hosts an Annual Meeting, which includes a brief business meeting and report, followed by a program open to the public. The NHS Annual Meeting will be held Monday March 27, 2023, 5:30pm at Castle Church. Join Shiela Hayes, former NAACP Norwich Branch President, Sandra Soucy, retired social studies teacher from the Norwich Free Academy and Norwich Historical Society Board Member, and Adam Bowles, Lead Pastor at Castle Church as they take a deep dive into James Lindsey Smith’s life and explore the multi-faceted nature of his story of slavery, racial issues, education, political history, and religion. Our talk will highlight key points in Smith’s life, explore how modern research helps us attach a sense of place to his story, and how Castle Church is using Smith’s legacy to transform a blighted courtyard into a beautiful community space that celebrates resilience. This feature presentation will be preceded by a brief Norwich Historical Society business meeting. Born on a Virginia plantation, Smith escaped slavery in 1838 with the help of Norwich’s David Ruggles, a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad in New York City. Smith came to Norwich, bought a house on School Street in 1845 and worked downtown as a shoemaker. Smith is a powerful and inspirational example of an enslaved individual traveled north for his freedom and how settling in Norwich, Connecticut changed his life. His 1881 autobiography remains an important firsthand account of the era. Event Schedule: Social time: 5:30pm-6:00pm, light refreshments will be provided. Business Meeting and Presentations begin at 6:00pm A suggested donation is welcome to support Castle Church and the Norwich Historical Society. Parking: Main Street Parking Garage About the Norwich Historical Society Formed in 2001, the Norwich Historical Society seeks to preserve, protect, and promote the rich history of Norwich, CT. We are a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization run by an Executive Director and a volunteer board of directors. Recently, NHS launched several initiatives designed to strengthen Norwich’s heritage tourism efforts such as opening the Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors' Center and creating the Walk Norwich Trail system. Media Contact: Regan Miner, Executive Director of the Norwich Historical Society Email: info@norwichhistoricalsociety.org Website: norwichhistoricalsociety.org