150th Anniversary Special Lecture Series
Historic Headlines!

 During the past 150 years, the Torrington Library has thrived in the midst of remarkable and historic happenings. This unique lecture series will look at a few of these groundbreaking headlines and what was happening at the library.  Some of the events made headlines close to home, while others shocked the whole of America.  Join us as we trace the history of the library through historic headlines!

Abraham Lincoln Assassination
Thursday, April 17th at 6:30
Registration begins April 1st

On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated at  the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.  What happened that night? Was it a conspiracy or one man’s doing? Trace the timeline of the events that took place that night and form your own theory on this historic event that changed America.

The Great Chicago Fire, Sunday
Thursday, May 29th at 6:30
Registration begins May 1st

Did the O’Leary cow really start the fire that destroyed over 3.3 miles of Chicago and killed hundreds of people? Or was it a tall tale told by a headline seeking reporter? Learn all about that great fire and put into perspective the blaze that that burned for days.  To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Thursday, June 19th at 6:30
Registration begins June 1st

The Wild West revolutionized the way American’s viewed cowboys and outlaws.  Learn about this classic gunfight that made famous some of the West’s most notable names: Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday! To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

Titanic Sinks
Thursday, July 19th at 6:30
Registration begins July 1st

The ocean liner sank in the icy waters of the Atlantic on a cold evening in April, 1912.  What caused the large ship to sink to its watery grave? Learn about the historic Titanic and trace the ship from conception to sinking in this amazing program! To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

Charles Lindberg Baby Kidnapping
Thursday, August 14th at 6:30
Registration begins August 1st

Charles Lindberg made the first nonstop solo flight around the Atlantic in 1927, but a few years later, is was the kidnapping and murder of his baby son that made headlines.  Who kidnapped and murdered the Lindberg baby and why? This mystery still haunts today.  To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

Hartford Circus Fire
Thursday, September 11th at 6:30
Registration begins September 1st

The Circus Fire of 1944 is perhaps one of the most well known tragedies in recent Connecticut history.  What happened that day? Who was involved and how did this fire change Hartford? To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

The 1955 Flood in Torrington
Thursday, November 20th at 6:30
Registration begins November 1st

Learn about the devastating flood that swept through Torrington in August of 1955.  What happened and how did the city react? Featured during this lecture of primary source newspaper articles, commemorative booklets, and more. To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

The Assassination of John Lennon
Thursday, December 11th
Registration begins November 15th

The assassination of John Lennon is perhaps one of the most talked about and well publicized events to happened within the past 30 years.  How could the man who wrote “Imagine” suddenly be dead? Trace the events of that fateful December evening and the aftermath of the trial. To register, please call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org