Come to the 2nd Local History Expo

When Walt Labrie called me a year ago to say that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was planning a local history expo, I was amazed.

Walt was new in these parts and had no knowledge of the history associations in this area. At least I was able to help him with that.

This area certainly does not lack for historical groups. Given our rich nautical heritage, and the exciting events which have transpired here since the beginning of history we can sum them up by the dozen. But even I who am familiar with many of these societies was amazed at the number they contacted and who sent representatives to the fair.

It was a fine March day, and a good-sized crowd attended. The large auditorium was filled with tables displaying the wares of the societies. Adding color to the scene, members of the fife and drum corp in regalia wandered about. A group of Mormons dressed for their westward trip were also in attendance, along with a member of the Moheagan Indian tribe displaying artifacts. Displays filled the stage and even wandered into the hall outside.

From time to time a reporter from Groton Public School Television appeared, interviewing the participants. It had a real carnival atmosphere. Everyone had great fun, and all this was free!

Each society displayed any publications it had produced. Listing these would make quite an acceptable local history library. Also available were membership applications and hand-outs for guests. From time to time members of different societies presented short discussions of a topic dear to their heart. All together it was a day of triumph.

I am delighted that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has decided to present a second expo this year at their imposing structure at 2030 Flanders Road in Groton on March 20th from 11 am to 4 pm.

The expo is open to the community. Upwards of 30 groups will be represented, including the Fort Griswold and Fort Trumbll, Mystic River, Noank, New London and Waterford Historical Societies, Lebanon Historical Consortium, New England Civil War Museum, Norwich Historical Society and many more.

Two relatively new groups will be represented this year: the newly incorporated Groton Historical Society and the National Society of the Descendants of the Textile workers of America.

The CT State Library and the CT Historical Society also will be represented, as will the Anna Warner Bailey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. So if you missed the expo last year, here is another chance for you, and if you went last year and enjoyed it, come again and be surprised at the multitude of offerings.

See you at Local History Expo II.

For more information, call Richard Abston at 860-271-6220 or write to him at rkabston@comcast.net,