'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.

Happy 244th Birthday, America!

Signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Seymour Historical Society presentation to feature Connecticut patriot

Seymour Historical Society to host talk on Founding Fathers

Ansonia City Hall to be closed Monday for holiday

Derby Public Library to host author's talk on Founding Fathers

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a fascinating “presidential” program at 6:30 p.m. Feb.13.

Stephen Spignesi, University of New Haven professor and author of 499 Facts About Hip-Hop Hamilton and the Rest of America’s Founding Fathers, will present a new program based on his acclaimed book.

The program includes facts about the first 12 Founders in his book and includes a slideshow.

Participants also will have the opportunity to listen to two songs from the Broadway sensation Hamilton the Musical and discuss the lyrics.
Each attendee will receive a free, signed, limited edition, full-color trifold brochure about the Founders, as well as a signed Hamilton book card.

Spignesi is a bestselling author whose close to 70 published works include books about Stephen King, the Beatles, the Titanic, George Washington, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Robin Williams.

Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.