History comes alive when Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute
takes place on the Guilford Green on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 am to 7
pm. The Guilford 375th Anniversary Signature Event commemorates the
Civil War, in which more Guilford townspeople fought than in any other
war.
The names of 56 of these soldiers are inscribed on the pink and gray granite soldiers’ monument that stands in the middle of the Guilford Green. There is nothing unique about the monument itself, for it is similar to other Civil War monuments–some with infantrymen, some with obelisks–that pepper all the New England states. However, what is important about the monument is that it focuses attention on the soldiers who fought and gave their lives in the deadliest war in American history. For the celebration, a kiosk will be erected on the Green, where visitors will find a wealth of information about some of the soldiers whose names are listed on the monument, as well as on others whose names are not.
Throughout history, virtually no family has escaped the pain of war, and Guilford is no different. As sons, fathers, brothers, friends and neighbors marched off to Civil War battles, the entire Guilford community rallied behind them, offering care and support. The women of the Soldier’s Aid Society made socks, quilts, jellies, barrels of vegetables and other items, which were sent to soldiers or brought to them by the Reverend William S. Smith and other Guilford men. Today, Guilford continues to recognize the contributions of its servicemen and servicewomen. The Guilford 375th Anniversary Committee will provide a complimentary copy of its keepsake commemorative book, 375 Years of Guilford, Connecticut 1639 – 2014, to each one and to their families. Through their “Cookies for Heroes” program, Girl Scouts from Guilford collect money for cookies to send to those in military service. They also encourage residents to write letters to them.
Education and Fun for the Entire Family
Although Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute commemorates a serious time in history, the event is packed with education and fun for you and your entire family. Here are some things you can do:
Visit an encampment on the Green, where 20 – 40 re-enactors from Company F, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, headed by Irving Moy, will provide a look into the life of a Civil War soldier.
Stop in at the First Church of Christ Scientist, originally built as an abolitionist church, and listen to short plays depicting stories told by Guilford residents of the time.
Meet Toby Armour, the playwright who wrote the works being performed at the First Church of Christ Scientist.
Take in a program of musical and dance performances developed by Guilford resident William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.
Travel up Park Street in an 1850’s-style, two-to-four person horse-drawn carriage, supplied by Allegra Farms.
Climb up onto a 16-person hay wagon pulled by two horses and make yourself comfortable as you journey along Boston Street from the Bethel Assembly of God Church to the Thomas Griswold House and the Hyland House Museum.
Ride the Guilford Preservation Alliance bus, available at a minimal charge, along a route that highlights historic buildings and homes once occupied by Civil War soldiers.
Stop at the Dudley Farm open-air market on the Green, which will offer baked goods and handmade items for sale.
Relax with the kids. There’ll be games on the Green, as well as picnic tables where they can color and enjoy a snack.
Take a look at a large, seven- by two-foot map of Guilford displayed on the Green that identifies the homes of over 100 soldiers. Do you know if a soldier ever lived in your home?
Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute is possible only because of the generous donations of the Guilford 375th Anniversary and Guilford and the Civil War sponsors, as well as the hundreds of volunteer hours of the Guilford and the Civil War Committee members.
The names of 56 of these soldiers are inscribed on the pink and gray granite soldiers’ monument that stands in the middle of the Guilford Green. There is nothing unique about the monument itself, for it is similar to other Civil War monuments–some with infantrymen, some with obelisks–that pepper all the New England states. However, what is important about the monument is that it focuses attention on the soldiers who fought and gave their lives in the deadliest war in American history. For the celebration, a kiosk will be erected on the Green, where visitors will find a wealth of information about some of the soldiers whose names are listed on the monument, as well as on others whose names are not.
Throughout history, virtually no family has escaped the pain of war, and Guilford is no different. As sons, fathers, brothers, friends and neighbors marched off to Civil War battles, the entire Guilford community rallied behind them, offering care and support. The women of the Soldier’s Aid Society made socks, quilts, jellies, barrels of vegetables and other items, which were sent to soldiers or brought to them by the Reverend William S. Smith and other Guilford men. Today, Guilford continues to recognize the contributions of its servicemen and servicewomen. The Guilford 375th Anniversary Committee will provide a complimentary copy of its keepsake commemorative book, 375 Years of Guilford, Connecticut 1639 – 2014, to each one and to their families. Through their “Cookies for Heroes” program, Girl Scouts from Guilford collect money for cookies to send to those in military service. They also encourage residents to write letters to them.
Education and Fun for the Entire Family
Although Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute commemorates a serious time in history, the event is packed with education and fun for you and your entire family. Here are some things you can do:
Visit an encampment on the Green, where 20 – 40 re-enactors from Company F, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, headed by Irving Moy, will provide a look into the life of a Civil War soldier.
Stop in at the First Church of Christ Scientist, originally built as an abolitionist church, and listen to short plays depicting stories told by Guilford residents of the time.
Meet Toby Armour, the playwright who wrote the works being performed at the First Church of Christ Scientist.
Take in a program of musical and dance performances developed by Guilford resident William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.
Travel up Park Street in an 1850’s-style, two-to-four person horse-drawn carriage, supplied by Allegra Farms.
Climb up onto a 16-person hay wagon pulled by two horses and make yourself comfortable as you journey along Boston Street from the Bethel Assembly of God Church to the Thomas Griswold House and the Hyland House Museum.
Ride the Guilford Preservation Alliance bus, available at a minimal charge, along a route that highlights historic buildings and homes once occupied by Civil War soldiers.
Stop at the Dudley Farm open-air market on the Green, which will offer baked goods and handmade items for sale.
Relax with the kids. There’ll be games on the Green, as well as picnic tables where they can color and enjoy a snack.
Take a look at a large, seven- by two-foot map of Guilford displayed on the Green that identifies the homes of over 100 soldiers. Do you know if a soldier ever lived in your home?
Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute is possible only because of the generous donations of the Guilford 375th Anniversary and Guilford and the Civil War sponsors, as well as the hundreds of volunteer hours of the Guilford and the Civil War Committee members.
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