Norwich — The dedication of the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard as part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail is planned for Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m., with much of the ceremony to take place indoors in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration Committee emerged Wednesday from a bitter dispute last month that included cancellation of the first planned dedication ceremony to work on plans to reschedule the event.

A subcommittee met in the meantime to work out details of the celebration.

Committee member Shiela Hayes last month criticized Chairman Dale Plummer for planning the first event without consulting fellow members.

Hayes and the Rev. Gregory Perry were on the subcommittee that proposed details of the Dec. 5 event.

Retired Three Rivers Community College President Booker T. DeVaughn will be the keynote speaker for the program in Council Chambers.

Following the ceremony, the gathering will move outdoors to the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard at the city's Emancipation Proclamation Bell.

The Freedom Trail plaque will be presented to Mayor Deberey Hinchey. The ringing of the Freedom Bell will conclude the ceremony.