This year marks the 230th anniversary of the burning of Fairfield. The Fairfield Museum plans a special series of tours, harbor cruises, spy camps and even a Tavern Night in July
On July 7, 1779 the people of Fairfield awoke to a warning shot from the fort at Black Rock; a British fleet was spotted off the coast. For two days Fairfield was under British attack with troops burning virtually all its buildings in the down town area. This year is the 230th anniversary of this devastating attack and the Fairfield Museum has a series of special events planned to commemorate this dramatic moment in Fairfield’s history.
A new exhibit, “Reduced to Ashes – the 1779 Burning of Fairfield,” opens June 21, allowing viewers to learn about spying, privateering, and kidnappings leading to Fairfield’s burning. Discover why Fairfield was a British target and read eyewitness accounts of their traumatic invasion. Understand the magnitude of the town’s losses and how the residents rebuilt from the ashes.
“Beyond the exhibit, which is a great opportunity to learn how our region played a role during the American Revolution, the museum is offering a series of wonderful experiences to interact with these stories,” said Michael Jehle, the museum’s executive director. “You can follow the route the British marched, visit the tavern where George Washington witnessed the devastation, and even cruise Black Rock Harbor while learning about patriot pirates and spies. Don’t miss the event of the season, Tavern Night at the Sun Tavern on July 11,where you can mingle with Washington himself!”
Learn American History while you walk! To experience how the events unfolded, the museum is offering walking tours where you can hear about the events leading up to, during and after the fateful British attack on Fairfield. “We sleep in constant fear,” a tour that examines events leading up to the attack, will be offered on Saturday, June 20 at 2 pm. “The Devouring Flames” tour provides a gripping account of the terrifying events as they unfolded and will be offered on Thursday July 2 at 10 am, and again at twilight on Tuesday, July 7 at 7 pm. “Rising from the Ashes,” a tour that will examine the devastating aftermath and Fairfield’s recovery, will be presented on Saturday, July 18 at 2 pm. Each tour is $5 for museum members and $7 for non-members.
Cruise historic Black Rock harbor and learn how Fairfield’s Patriot Privateers defended our town in the American Revolution. Hear the nautical side of this story and learn about Washington’s spy ring, the Fort at Black Rock and the effects of the war on the area. These special cruises are offered on July 6 at 7 pm and July 12 at 5:30 pm. Tours are $20 for museum members, $25 for non-members and are delivered by Bruce Williams of Captain’s Cove Seaport, beginning on the dock of Captain’s Cove Seaport, located at One Bostwick Avenue in Bridgeport.
Two British men-of-war anchored off Fairfield’s coast during the American Revolution and 2,600 troops proceeded to disembark and burn the town.
Learn about the spies who worked for George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring at Spies R Us Camp! Enjoy fun spy activities like creating a secret identity, fingerprinting and more. Camp takes place on July 8 and 9, and will be held 10am – 11:30am for ages 5-7 at a per day cost of $12 for members, $15 for non-members. A session for older children, aged 8-11, will be held at 1:30-4:30pm at a per day cost of $30 for members, $35 for non-members.
Escape to the 1700s on July 11 at 6 pm for a night of memorable food, drink, colonial entertainment and revelry at the Sun Tavern! Enjoy a special brew by the Southport Brewing Company made just for the occasion. Mingle with George Washington, tour the historic tavern and sing 18th century songs while we honor Fairfield Fire Department Chief Richard Felner. This unforgettable experience is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Lead sponsor is Domus Constructors. The event is also sponsored by The Bank of Fairfield, David Scott Parker Architects, Southport Brewing Company and the Fairfield Sun.
Come hear the story of Connecticut’s role in the American Revolution with Bill Hosley of the New Haven Museum. “Lighting Freedom’s Flame” will explore sites associated with the 1779 invasions, share gripping accounts of Fairfield’s burning, and recall the treachery of New Haven’s own Benedict Arnold. This lecture is free for museum members, $5 for non-members, and will take place on July 16 at 6 pm.
‘Meet’ soldiers from the American Revolution and some of Fairfield’s most famous personalities buried in Greenfield Hill Cemetery on Sunday, July 19 at 1 pm. This interactive cemetery tour will be led by Library Genealogist Rod MacKenzie and costs $5 for museum members, $7 for non-members.
Save the date for the museum’s Fall Festival! Fairfield’s Town Green will be transformed into a colonial marketplace and fair on September 13. Starting at 12 pm enjoy music, children’s activities and a battle reenactment. Mark your calendars to join us for this free community event!
Don’t miss these great opportunities to experience amazing stories, both humble and courageous, that created the fabric of Fairfield’s history, and in turn the nation’s. To learn more visit www.fairfieldhs.org or call 203-259-1598 to make reservations for wonderful summer inspiration.
