History Close to Home — Mark Twain’s Connecticut Connections (In-Person)

Registration Required Below

Join Brent Colley, Redding’s co-historian, as he leads a virtual tour through the Nutmeg State pointing out the people and places that were important to Mark Twain.

While Twain called both Hartford and Redding home at different points of his life, he also left an indelible impression on many people and places nearby.

Take a fictional trip with Twain to meet his Connecticut friends and contacts, many of whom were giants of the Progressive Era. With Brent as our guide, we’ll meet Helen Keller, P.T. Barnum and Architect Cass Gilbert. See the places that were important to Twain during his time in Connecticut.

We’ll also hear about Colley’s proposal to develop a tour focusing on Twain and the people, places and events in Connecticut that influenced and shaped him.

This is a hybrid program that will be held both in person at the Library, and also presented virtually over Zoom. If you’d like to register for the in-person program, please sign up below. To register for the virtual program, please click here.

About Our Speaker

 

Brent Colley grew up in Redding and comes from a family that called this town home for five generations. He credits his grandfather, Harry Colley, for instilling a curiosity and a love for the town’s past. Colley leads walking tours, slide shows and speaking engagements that showcase the people, places, and events that have enriched the histories and shaped the landscapes of Branchville, Georgetown, and Redding.

Brent also created and maintains the town’s comprehensive online resource: historyofredding.net.

History Close to Home is an occasional series delving into the unique and fascinating history of both Redding and the Nutmeg State. Whether you’re a newcomer to Redding, or an old-timer, this series offers opportunities to learn more about our collective stories and shared past.