MCHS Annual Meeting: How We Remember the Revolution
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Middletown Senior Center, 61 Durant Terrace, Middletown, CT, 06457, United States
Join the Middlesex County Historical Society for our 2026 Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote presentation by acclaimed historian Dr. Michael D. Hattem. This event offers a timely exploration of the American Revolution’s lasting impact on our national identity as we approach the semiquincentennial.

Format: In-person & Virtual (Hybrid)
Schedule
6:30 PM | Business Meeting: Annual reports from the Executive Director, President, and Treasurer, followed by the election of Board members and officers.
7:00 PM | Keynote Address: “How We Remember the Revolution (and why it matters)” by Dr. Michael D. Hattem.

About the Presentation
Why have Americans maintained such a powerful emotional connection to the nation’s founding for nearly 250 years? Dr. Hattem will examine the unique place the Revolution holds in our politics and culture. His talk will explore:

How different generations have reshaped the story of the Revolution.
The influence of politics on historical memory.
Why the legacy and meaning of the Revolution remain a subject of debate today.

This presentation serves as a companion to the Society’s upcoming exhibition, “Democracy 250: Making Every Voice Count,” part of the local and national commemorations of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.

About the Speaker
Dr. Michael D. Hattem is a public historian, author, and the Associate Director of the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. A specialist in early America and historical memory, his works include:

The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History (2024) – Finalist for the 2025 George Washington Prize.
Past and Prologue: Politics and Memory in the American Revolution (2020).
The Declaration of Independence: A Concise History (Forthcoming, Nov 2026).

His insights have been featured in The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, and The Washington Post.

Registration
While all are welcome to attend in person, those who prefer to join virtually must register to receive the Zoom link:
Register for Zoom Access: bit.ly/MCHS2026

American Musical Traditions 1865–1915: A Cultural Tapestry
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Crowell Concert Hall at Wesleyan University, 50 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, CT, 06457, United States
Experience a joyful excursion through the musical innovations of the post-Civil War era. This special performance celebrates our nation’s 250th anniversary by exploring the rich “cultural tapestry” of American sound, spanning classical, jazz, and song.
Ticket Information
Join us for this commemorative performance. Tickets are available at the following rates:

Adults: $24
Seniors / Wesleyan Faculty, Staff, & Alumni: $15
Students (WesU & Non-WesU) / Youth (Under 18): $10

Purchase Tickets Online by clicking HERE

About the Event
This concert highlights the transformative period between 1865 and 1915, showcasing the evolution of American music. From the foundations of jazz and classical compositions to the popular songs of the era, “A Cultural Tapestry” offers a unique auditory look at our shared history.
Generously sponsored by Liberty Bank in support of the Middlesex County Historical Society.
Parking Tip:
The closest parking is Lot E, which is right off Wyllys Avenue and just a short walk from the hall. If you are using GPS, some systems prefer 283 Washington Terrace to get directly to the Center for the Arts entrance.
