Author and professor Glenn Gordinier will present an illustrated talk on Mystic and the War of 1812 on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mystic & Noank Library. The talk, MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT, AND THE WAR OF 1812, will examine how that oft forgotten war relates to the Nutmeg State and to the Mystic River Valley. Closely linked through trade with the warring French and British, Connecticut farmers, merchants and sailors profited, and suffered, before 1812. Eventually, local warriors practiced asymmetrical warfare against the Royal Navy in the name of patriotism and profit. With the war’s end, Connecticut’s innovators led the proud young nation into a new era.
Dr. Glenn S. Gordinier, of Stonington CT, is the senior historian at Mystic Seaport where he teaches for the Williams College maritime studies program. Specializing in maritime history, he is also on the faculty of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point. His illustrated presentation is based on the book The Rockets’ Red Glare, the War of 1812 and Connecticut. It recently won the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Award of Merit for its Leadership in History Awards. Gordinier has also published a memoir, Surfing Cold Water: a New Englander’s Off-Season Obsession.
The program is free and open to the public.
