The Weekend The British Burned Danbury

Join Wilton Library for a special presentation on the Weekend the British Burned Danbury given by the Danbury-based host of the popular podcast on Connecticut history, Mike Allen.

In 1777, early in the Revolutionary War, a weekend military mission into inland Connecticut was supposed to be a seminal military victory for the British in their attempts to put down the Patriot uprising. The objective was to march inland from Long Island Sound and remove Danbury as a key supply center for the Patriot military. It was the first time the British had marched inland to do battle during the war, and the strategy did not work out as planned. Included in the presentation are the burning of Danbury as well as the Battles of Ridgefield and Saugatuck on the march back to Long Island Sound through Wilton.

Allen specializes in bringing local history to life through his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking. He is the producer and host of the popular podcast on Connecticut history, Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut’s Beaten Path, rated in the top 5-10% of podcasts nationally. For 10 years, Allen was News Director at western Connecticut radio station i-95 FM (WRKI-FM) before becoming Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury. During a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked, lived, and traveled internationally, specializing in public speaking, communications, and marketing. Allen has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years and currently resides in Danbury.

Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and the Drum Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Registration is recommended online or call 203.762.6334.