Today is Monday, January 19, 2026 
Lecture Series
This year’s theme is Freedom: The Victories, Promises, and Potentials of 1776. The speakers will explore the meaning of freedom in America, examining its historical implications for various segments of society, all from a local perspective.
This six-part lecture series will begin on January 14, 2026 and continue every three weeks, concluding on April 29, 2026. It will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The discussions will look at the topic of freedom as it relates to revolution, through the lens of African American history, Indigenous history, women’s history, immigration and natural resources. These subjects, along with the overarching theme of the lecture series, hold profound relevance today, perhaps even more so than 250 years ago.
Dates: January 14-April 29, 2026 | lecture recurring every three weeks.
Where: Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Schedule: Reception in Hendel Library, 6-7pm | Lecture, 7-8pm
2026 Lecture Series Schedule
The Revolution Along the Thames River
by Matthew Reardon
January 14, 2026
**SOLD OUT – Tickets no longer available**
Description: Historian and author, Matthew Reardon, will discuss A Heroic but Doomed Defense: The Battle of New London, September 6, 1781 based on his book The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4-13, 1781. The discussion will cover certain aspects of the Connecticut patriot versus the Connecticut loyalist.
Up and Down the River: A Mohegan History Film for America 250
by Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel
February 4, 2026
Description: The plot of Up and Down the River follows the challenges faced by the Mohegan people, especially tribal women, living along the Massapequotuck (now called Thames) as they navigate the Revolutionary era and beyond. This story also honors Samuel Ashbow Jr., the first Native American soldier to die fighting for our new nation in June 1775 at Bunker Hill.
The African American Perspective of Celebrating the 250th
by Marvin Espy
February 25, 2026
Description: Understand the African American perspective of the promises and potential of the freedom offered in the Declaration of Independence, particularly through the lens of Juneteenth with prominent and local artist, Marvin Espy.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement
by Bev York
March 18, 2026
Description: Bev York will introduce and share the stories and words of six suffragists from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Alice Paul. She will present the challenges and victories that women faced during the seventy-year movement to pass the 19th Amendment and gain the right to vote. Wearing different hats and using some primary sourced materials, York will showcase courageous women and their contributions to American democracy.
A Community Conversation on Immigration
Panelists: Margaret Rodriguez, Tabitha Sookdeo, Chris Vials, Julie Cagel and Sister Mary Jude Lazarus
April 8, 2026
Description: Community members are invited to a forum to learn more about immigration justice as it relates to the residents of Eastern Connecticut. Through a panel discussion with a recent immigrant, service providers and a legal expert, attendees will learn about the rights, struggles and successes of the region’s immigrants. It will be an opportunity to learn about the impact of ICE activity in Connecticut, services that are available to immigrants, and how to be an effective ally to immigrant communities.
This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound
By Tom Anderson
April 29, 2026
Description: Tom Andersen’s talk will show how the attitude the Dutch and English brought to North America led to decades of devastating pollution. But also how, after 370 years, attitudes about the Sound changed, in the nick of time to stave off environmental disaster.
2026 LECTURE TICKETS
General Admission – $20
Member Rate – $15
Current members of Thames River Heritage Park Foundation or Lyman Allyn Art Museum
2026 Lecture Series, Freedom: The Victories, Promises and Potential of 1776, is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, CT Sea Grant, NAACP, Hall Communications, Charles Halton (in honor of Chris Cox) and people like you who support our programs and share their time, talent and treasure with our organizations. We are most grateful.
