About this Event
He arrived in Farmington dressed for war.
Join us at the Stanley-Whitman House on Sunday, May 17, at 2:00 PM for A Tale of Two Coats, a living-history presentation featuring historian and author Dayne Rugh as Colonel John Durkee — soldier, Son of Liberty, and one of Connecticut's most forgotten Revolutionary heroes.
Rugh will open in character, presenting in the first person as Colonel Durkee in a thirty-minute portrayal that brings the Revolutionary era to life inside a c. 1720 National Historic Landmark. He will then step out of character for an illustrated presentation drawing on his biography, John Durkee: The Forgotten Story of Connecticut's Bold Man from Bean Hill — the first definitive account of a Norwich-born colonel who served under General Washington and helped shape the course of the Revolution.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
A Tale of Two Coats is part of our America 250 programming, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence with stories of the Connecticut men and women whose sacrifices shaped the nation — and whose names deserve to be remembered.
This program is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 per person is gratefully appreciated and helps sustain America 250 programming at the Stanley-Whitman House. No one will be turned away. Space is limited — reserve your place today.
- Living-history first-person portrayal of Colonel John Durkee in period costume
- Illustrated biography talk by author and historian Dayne Rugh
- Books available for purchase and signing
- This program takes place in the Spear Classroom in the museum's Annex, which is fully accessible. The historic house itself will be open for self-guided visits before and after the program. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington, United States
USD 0.00
