Newtown Historical Society’s Annual Meeting will be conducted at 2 pm Sunday, May 17, at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street. The board for the upcoming year will be voted on, as will an amendment to the bylaws.

Immediately following the meeting, Mark Albertson will present “George Washington and His Farewell Address.” The presentation will explore the early career of this country’s first president, his leadership during the war, the influence of his personal presence, and his guidance of the country using common sense and intelligence.

Albertson will also offer insights into Washington’s Farewell Address, highlighting his recommendations for the young nation’s future. The lecture will conclude with a comparison between Washington’s advice and the present direction of America’s government.

There is no fee; donations for the historical society will be accepted.

The historical society will hold its Annual Tag Sale on Saturday, May 30, from 10 am-2 pm at The Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street. Items for purchase will include household goods, toys, small appliances, furniture, and other unique items.

Proceeds will benefit the society.

DAR, Rochambeau Events Held

Earlier this month, special events concerning America 250 and the French general who coordinated military action with George Washington were hosted by Newtown Historical Society.

On April 12, “America 250 Daughters of the American Revolution” offered a genealogy research program to visitors of The Matthew Curtiss House. DAR members from the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter in Fairfield greeted visitors and offered an opportunity to explore family histories, uncover ancestral connections to the American Revolution, and learn how to document lineage with expert guidance.

The Sunday afternoon session offered hands-on support and resources to “bring your family history to life,” according to event publicity.

Docents were also on hand to lead tours through and answer questions concerning The Matthew Curtiss House, the historic house that serves as the historical society’s headquarters.

The following Sunday afternoon the historical society hosted “Rochambeau, the Alliance that Won the Revolution” with presenter Lynn Friedman.

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau was the commander of French forces in the American Revolution. Friedman explained that Rochambeau’s efforts helped shape the outcome of the war through a coordinated military action with George Washington.

In her April 19 illustrated lecture, Friedman provided detailed information on Rochambeau’s route to and through Newtown. He and his troops often began marching at 2 am to avoid the heat of the day. They would make camp in the afternoon, and many brought their wives and children, who cooked and helped with the wounded.

On June 28, 1781, Rochambeau marched troops through Southbury and then crossed a bridge connecting to Glen Road into Newtown. The bridge was built by the colonial troops. The army made camps in the center of Sandy Hook, at the location that is now St Rose Church, and on Castle Hill Road, Friedman told her audience. The officers stayed in the Caleb Baldwin Tavern.

Rochambeau reorganized his troops into two brigades in Newtown. The first division resumed its march on June 30, heading west on today’s West Street and Castle Hill Road, then turned north along Reservoir Road and west again on Route 6 to join the first brigade.

Signs were recently installed at each end of the trail, indicating the path they followed.

The army eventually marched into Danbury and finally marched to meet George Washington in Yorktown, Virginia.

The session was filled to standing room only and the audience was very receptive and asked many questions.