Derby Public Library Book Club marks America's 250th at senior center discussion

DERBY - Join Derby Public Library as we continue to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with our TURNING THE PAGE BOOK CLUB. Our next book discussion on Aug. 5 at Derby Senior Center is about 'The Girl from Greenwich Street' by Lauren Willig.

Based on the true story of a famous trial, this novel is Law and Order: 1800, as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr investigate the shocking murder of a young woman who everyone—and no one—seemed to know.

At the start of a new century, a shocking murder transfixes Manhattan, forcing bitter rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr to work together to save a man from the gallows.

Just before Christmas 1799, Elma Sands slips out of her Quaker cousin’s boarding house—and doesn’t come home. Has she eloped? Run away? No one knows—until her body appears in the Manhattan Well.

Her family insists they know who killed her. Handbills circulate around the city accusing a carpenter named Levi Weeks of seducing and murdering Elma.

But privately, quietly, Levi’s wealthy brother calls in a special favor….

Aaron Burr’s legal practice can’t finance both his expensive tastes and his ambition to win the 1800 New York elections. To defend Levi Weeks is a double win: a hefty fee plus a chance to grab headlines.

Alexander Hamilton has his own political aspirations; he isn’t going to let Burr monopolize the public’s attention. If Burr is defending Levi Weeks, then Hamilton will too. As the trial and the election draw near, Burr and Hamilton race against time to save a man’s life—and destroy each other.

Part murder mystery, part thriller, part true crime, The Girl From Greenwich Street revisits a dark corner of history—with a surprising twist ending that reveals the true story of the woman at the center of the tale. 

Shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Ansonia Library to present talk today on slave during American Revolution

 

'Turnback Tuesday' celebrates Declaration of Independence

Turnback Tuesday celebrates our nation's independence. This post card is a copy of the famous painting done by the American artist John Trumbull.

A smaller version (20” x 31”) was done in approximately 1786 depicting the presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence. This painting is at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven. In 1817 Trumbull was commissioned to paint a total of four large paintings.

This 12’ x 18’ painting was presented to the public on October 5, 1818 along with the other three. The painting shows 42 of the 56 signers with many of the figures being painted from life.

In 1826 the painting with the three other works of John Trumbull were placed in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. where they can still be admired today.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Ansonia Library to host talk July 2 on American Presidency

 

 America Turns 250-Let’s Talk Presidents! 

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for a look at one of America’s most important institutions: the Presidency.

 Thursday, July 2
 6:30–7:45 p.m.
 Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St.

Professor Hamish Lutris will explore how the office of the President was created, how it has evolved over more than two centuries, and the challenges faced by those who have held the nation's highest office. 

From the Constitution to the modern day, discover how the presidency has shaped and been shaped by American history.

Whether you're a history buff, a current events enthusiast, or simply curious about how the presidency works, this program offers a fascinating perspective as we kick off America’s 250th celebration.

Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/QF8tp8JXLV4QDdUE7

Shared from the Ansonia Library Facebook page.

Seymour Public Library to host actor's lecture on 2 American musicals

 

'Shipwreck on the Potomac' author to speak at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

 

Sheryl Faye to portray Susan B. Anthony Saturday at Derby Public Library

 

'Turnback Tuesday' celebrates Independence Day, showcases famous artist

Turnback Tuesday celebrates our country's independence.

This postcard is a copy of the famous painting done by American artist John Trumbull.

A smaller version (20” x 31”) was done circa 1786 depicting the presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence.

This painting is at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven. In 1817, Trumbull was commissioned to paint a total of four large paintings. This 12’ x 18’ painting was presented to the public on October 5, 1818 along with the other three.

The painting shows 42 of the 56 signers with many of the figures being painted from life.

In 1826, the painting with the three other works of John Trumbull were placed in the rotunda of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. where they can still be admired today.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Sharing a pre-holiday chuckle

 Happy Independence Day!

Citizenship classes slated at Valley Regional Adult Education in Shelton

SHELTON - Valley Regional Adult Education will offer a citizenship class at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16.
To become an American citizen is a dream of many who come to this country. 
Citizenship classes teach American History and Government in preparation for the citizenship exam and interview.

Must be a resident of Ansonia, Derby, Monroe, Seymour, or Shelton to participate in this program. Classes are FREE. 
Valley Regional Adult Education is located at 415 Howe Ave.
For information call 203-924-6651.

*Shared from the VRAE Facebook page.