“Battlefield Connecticut: Three British Incursions During the War of the American Revolution”

FREE - No reservations required - The Middlebury Historical Society invites the public to a wide-ranging and engaging lecture on three major British attacks carried out on Connecticut soil during the American Revolution. Titled “Battlefield Connecticut: Three British Incursions During the War of the American Revolution”, this presentation will explore the 1777 raid on Danbury, the 1779 coastal assaults, and the 1781 attack on New London and Groton.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Francis Michael Coan
Dr. Coan, Professor of History Emeritus at Tunxis Community College, returns to Middlebury following a series of four well-received lectures over the past two years. His earlier talks have examined Lexington and Concord, Rochambeau’s march through Middlebury, the American invasion of Canada in 1775, and Washington’s winter victories at Trenton and Princeton. His expertise and clear, accessible style have made his presentations a popular part of the Society’s lecture series.

Battlefield Connecticut: Three British Incursions During the War of the American Revolution
This presentation provides an overview of three major British operations in Connecticut:
— the 1777 raid on Danbury, aimed at disrupting American supply lines
— the 1779 Coastal Campaign, which brought destruction to Fairfield, Norwalk, and New Haven
— the 1781 attack on New London and Groton, culminating in the Battle of Groton Heights
Dr. Coan will trace the origins, objectives, and aftermath of each campaign, showing how these incursions shaped local communities and influenced the broader war.