FALL PROGRAM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Our Fall Program and Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 27 features two informative presentations: At 10:30 Dave Robison will present "Resources at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History and Archives." It will include a description of the immense collections contained there including family genealogies, 2.5 million pages of manuscripts, letters, photos, diaries, deeds, account books, land transfer documents, military records of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Springfield newspapers on microfilm to 1899, city directories from 1845 to 1988 (includes Springfield, Chicopee, Longmeadow and West Springfield), Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, and much, much more. Following a 12:00 luncheon catered by Kane's Market of Simsbury, at 1:00, in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Loomis Chaffee School, Karen Parsons will present "Fleshing Out the Lives of the Founders of the Loomis Chaffee School," describing new research on the five Windsor-born Loomis siblings who founded the Loomis Institute in 1874. This research, conducted in preparation for the Loomis Chaffee School’s centennial year, sheds light on their vision for the school as well as many other aspects of the siblings’ lives.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?

DFAW welcomes descendants of Windsor’s Founders, spouses, other members of the extended family, and those interested in Windsor's families. For additional information and/or to receive a Membership Application, send an e-mail to dfaw1633@yahoo.com.

UPCOMING TOURS AND WALKS ALONG THE OLD CONNECTICUT PATH

Here are some upcoming events being led by Jason Newton, speaker at DFAW's Spring Luncheon: Natchaug Forest Hike June 7, 2014, 1:00-3:30 p.m., Ashford, Connecticut 2.5 mile hike sponsored by the Ashford Historical Society, Ashford Conservation Commission, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and Old Connecticut Path. Meet at the intersection of Eastford and Ax Factory Roads (250 Eastford Rd.), Ashford. To register or for more information, e-mail oldconnecticutpath@gmail.com. Family Walk at Fliegel Farm & Langhammer Woods June 8, 2014, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Ashford, CT Conservation Commission and Ashford Historical Society as part of Ashford’s 300th celebration. An easy two mile family walk. Park at Sean Patrick's plants, 34 East Howey Rd., Ashford. To register or for more information, e-mail oldconnecticutpath@gmail.com. Exploring the Old Connecticut Path August 11, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Woodstock, Connecticut Sponsored by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Woodstock Historical Society, & Historic New England. Lectures and presentations, followed by a walking tour of portions of the Path in Woodstock, Connecticut. Participants can learn more about the Path, the people who used it as they migrated through New England, and the efforts underway to preserve its history. Cost: $45/person. To register, see http://www.americanancestors.org/Event.aspx?id=30043.

DFAW Spring Meeting, March 22, 2014

This year's Spring Luncheon will be held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Windsor, Historical Society. Our featured speaker will be Jason Newton, who will giving a presentation on "Rediscovering the Old Connecticut Path. Coffee hour begins at 9:30, and Mr. Newton's presentation begins at 10:30.

The Old Connecticut Path followed by the founders of Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield is an important part of colonial history and the American story. The Path is hidden in plain sight, ready to be rediscovered for its historic importance and natural beauty. The presentation will connect the story of the Path and the pioneers who walked to their promised land in Connecticut with our American story. Jason Newton is direct descendant of Rev. Thomas Hooker who led his congregation from Cambridge to Hartford in 1636 along the Old Connecticut Path and other ancestors among the founders of Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield. Mr. Newton is a retired psychologist and educator whose family history project lead him to rediscover the Old Connecticut Path followed by his ancestors. His research and exploration have been shared on the Old Connecticut Path website https://sites.google.com/site/oldconnecticutpath/, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/oldconnecticutpath, YouTube videos showing the Path at the ground level, driving tours and walks, presentations and guided walks in Connecticut towns along the Path, and publications. The project to rediscover the Path across Massachusetts and Connecticut is ongoing. For registration information, e-mail DFAW1633@Yahoo.com.