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350 Years of Southbury

350th Celebration News


9/5/2023 - History Talk: From Poverty Farm to Heritage Village

On Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1:00pm, the Town of Southbury will hold a History Talk titled “From Poverty Farm to Heritage Village”. In this History Talk, John Dwyer, Southbury Town Historian, Historic Buildings Commission Chairman, and Co-Chair of the 350th Anniversary Steering Committee, will explore how the refuge and bucolic setting of Heritage Village came to be and what was its hidden origin. He will cover its evolution from family farm to antiquarian enterprise, from gentleman farm to celebrity industry, and the political intrigue needed to create a cluster housing mecca.

John Dwyer and his family came to Southbury in 1984 to move into his wife Lynn’s ancestral home. Their children were the 8th generation descendants to live there. The proximity to this heritage spurred an interest in antiquities that developed into an in-depth and ongoing study of local history.

History Talks are a part of a year-long series of events and activities celebrating 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury. Like all Southbury Public Library programs, the talks are free with registration and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. It will take place in the Kingsley Room at the Southbury Library at 100 Poverty Road at 1:00pm. Space is limited, so register at www.southburylibrary.org/event/poverty-farm-heritage-village.

For more information about this program, please email Rebecca at rrandall@biblio.org or call the reference desk at 203-262-0626 ext 130.

  

350th logo

The Town of Southbury is holding events and activities all year long to celebrate 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury.

The 350th Anniversary Steering Committee is co-chaired by John Dwyer and Kevin Bielmeier, with vice-chair Brian Jones, Justin Bette, Lynn Dwyer, Melinda Elliott, Michael Ganem, Kara Kenney, Mary Korsu, and Gosia Liedlich.

To learn more about the 350th Anniversary visit www.southbury-ct.org/350.