Ansonia Library to present talk today on slave during American Revolution

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Washington's portrait

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Derby Public Library’s copy of the half-painted portrait of George Washington. 

Gilbert Stuart was commissioned by Martha Washington in 1796 to paint both her and her husband. In the course of painting, George Washington passed away and Stuart never started to paint Martha. 

This likeness of George was used on the dollar bill for more than a century. Copies of this painting have been found hanging in schools across America.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

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

Sharing 'Turnback Tuesday' memory about George Washington from Feb. 13, 2018

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the [Derby Public] Library’s copy of the half-painted portrait of George Washington.

Gilbert Stuart was commissioned by Martha Washington in 1796 to paint both her and her husband.

In the course of painting, George Washington passed away and Stuart never started to paint Martha. This likeness of George was used on the dollar bill for more than a century.

Copies of this painting have been found hanging in schools across America.

Thanks as always goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history posts each week!

 

Derby Historical Society to host open house at Humphreys House in Ansonia

Docents are ready to welcome visitors. 

ANSONIA -The Derby Historical Society will hold an Open House from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 13 at the birthplace of General David Humphreys. 

He was a Revolutionary War aide de camp to General George Washington and served as our nation's first ambassador. 

The 1698 house is at 37 Elm St. Humphreys was born there in 1752.

Come and spark up a conversation with one of our docents and enjoy the warmth of the fire.You may also encounter local militiamen or soldiers hoping to recruit you for their ranks.

This event is suitable for children ages 1 to 115.
Free, but donations are appreciated. 

More information is available by calling 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org
 
*Masks are required for indoor events, according to current state guidelines*

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society.

'Turnback Tuesday' celebrates George Washington's birthday

Turnback Tuesday celebrates George Washington’s birthday of Feb. 22, 1732 with a postcard (above) the Derby Public Library has in its collection.

It shows Washington after the Continental Congress commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. After leading the army through six long years of war, Washington issued his farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York on Dec. 4, 1783.

He then traveled to Annapolis, Maryland to officially resign his commission on Dec. 23, 1783.

Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate to live out his days as a gentleman farmer.

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

Derby Historical Society celebrates George Washington, David Humphreys

This information is shared from Daniel Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.

Presidents’ Day Washington’s Birthday   George Washington, oil painting by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1796  What an extraordinary man George Washington was.  The burden our first President bore as the leader of our country was one he would have not sought willingly, but duty to his fellow Americans outweighed all other options. He has endured gracefully.  Washington selflessly embraced the role of first President of the free and independent United States of America. Freedom. It has such a good ring to it. Freedom rings because of our patriot forefathers.  Democracy exists because of the Republic for which our very fFlag stands.  Indeed, countries are forged in the crucible of fire and war, and though many of the battles have been won, we continue the work since there is still much to do. Did you know that George Washington referred to David Humphreys (our local hero of the Revolution) as his Beloved and My Dear Humphreys?  In a letter titled from George Washington to David Humphreys, 30 October 1785, Washington would tell Humphreys that he had the authorization and permission to write a biography for those who would want “to be acquainted with the Memoirs of my life” (UPV, 1994).  In that very letter, Washington makes reference to a previous letter that he sent to Humphreys where he assured Humphreys he would be welcome to stay at Mt. Vernon as his personal guest and that he would “be considered, & treated as one of the family [and] would meet with that cordial reception & entertainment, which are characteristic of the sincerest friendship” (UPV, 1994, pp. 328-329). Humphreys was a fascinating individual.  He was born at our circa 1698 David Humphreys House Museum in 1752, went to Yale College at the age of 15, and after receiving his Master’s Degree at the age of 22, became a schoolmaster for a period of two years.  When Humphreys answered the call to join the Continental Army, he made his way up the military ranking quite quickly - in three years he was a Brigade Major in the 6th Connecticut Regiment, and a Lieutenant Colonel at the age of 28.  Before serving under Washington’s command as a personal aide, Humphreys served under General Israel Putnam and later in life wrote a biography on Putnam which could be found here.  Humphreys then went on to serve under General Nathanael Greene.  In 1780, Humphreys commanded the all-Black 2nd company of the 3rd, and later the 4th Regiment of the Connecticut Line.  The formal inclusion of African Americans in the Continental Army began in January of 1776 when George Washington lifted the ban on Black enlistment. Today we celebrate President’s Day, which is a celebration of the lives of all U.S. presidents.  Washington’s birthday marks our yearly holiday, and so, we invite you to check out the links we have below to learn more about the David Humphreys and Washington connection. David Humphreys' Life of General Washington: With George Washington's Remarks here The 6th Connecticut Regiment's History on Captain (Colonel) David Humphreys here Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow's biography on Washington here John Koopman III's website here and his novel, George Washington at War - 1776 here

'Turnback Tuesday' from the archives: Father of our Country

This post came up today in my Facebook memories from Feb. 13, 2018. I always enjoy reading about George Washington. 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the [Derby Public] Library’s copy of the half-painted portrait of George Washington. 
Gilbert Stuart was commissioned by Martha Washington in 1796 to paint both her and her husband. 
In the course of painting, George Washington passed away and Stuart never started to paint Martha. This likeness of George was used on the dollar bill for more than a century. 

Copies of this painting have been found hanging in schools across America. #turnbacktuesday

Recuperation journey: Christmas cactus running late

Much like yours truly, who continues to enjoy our tabletop Christmas tree today (Washington's birthday), our Christmas cactus is on a delayed schedule.

It started to bloom a couple of days ago. 
And last week a friend posted a photo on Facebook that showed her Christmas cactus blooming.

Confused cacti, you could call them. 🌵 🌵 🌵

'Turnback Tuesday' features portrait of George Washington

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the Derby Public Library’s copy of the half-painted portrait of George Washington. 

Gilbert Stuart was commissioned by Martha Washington in 1796 to paint both her and her husband. 
In the course of painting, George Washington passed away and Stuart never started to paint Martha. This likeness of George was used on the dollar bill for more than a century. 
Copies of this painting have been found hanging in schools across America. #turnbacktuesday


A big thank you goes to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting history each week!