Rochambeau lectures continue

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John Dwyer, Southbury’s municipal historian will speak on Rochambeau January 15. (Submitted photo)

The Middlebury Historical Society (MHS) invites the public to a captivating evening exploring a pivotal chapter in local and national history on Wednesday, January 15, at 6 p.m. in the Shepardson Community Center auditorium at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. John Dwyer, Southbury’s municipal historian, will speak on “Discovering the Rochambeau Route, From Breakneck to Newtown, 1781-1782.” Dwyer will delve into General Rochambeau’s army’s journey through Middlebury during the American Revolution.

Dwyer and his family moved to Southbury in 1984 to live in his wife Lynn’s ancestral home. Their children were the 8th generation of descendants to live in the house. The proximity to this heritage spurred Dwyer to study local history.

Attendees will learn which roads the French Army took on their march through this region. Determining their route was not easy; it required a systematic analysis of period journals, maps, surveys, and correspondence and a dive into the local land records.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the local ties to General Rochambeau’s march and its critical role in securing American independence. Bring friends, family, and fellow history enthusiasts for an evening of education and inspiration.

This lecture is one of a series of lectures meant to promote community engagement with local history and the ongoing Rochambeau Project. The project aims to commemorate the encampment of General Rochambeau’s army in Middlebury during the Revolutionary War by constructing a memorial at Meadowview Park. This initiative honors the historical significance of Rochambeau’s march and celebrates Middlebury’s place in the journey toward American independence.

Future free lectures are scheduled for Wednesdays, February 19, March 19 and April 16. All will be at 6 p.m. in the Shepardson Community Center auditorium. The lectures are free, and reservations are not required. For more information, email president@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org or visit middleburyhistoricalsociety.org.