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On Feb. 1 at 11 a.m., the library will host the program "Jordan Freeman: African American in the Revolutionary War." As part of the program, Kevin Johnson will portray Jordan Freeman, an African-American native of Old Lyme, Conn., who was the servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Col. William Ledyard in the Revolutionary War.
"Although Freeman did not enlist himself, he witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Col. Ledyard," representatives said. "Historians estimate the number of black soldiers in this war to have been about 5,000 men, serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities, including nearly 500 from Connecticut. Some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service."
The presentation is based on research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford.
Registration is required. Call 203-899-2790, ext. 15902.
Also on Feb. 1, the library will also host "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years" from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The program is a stage play by Emily Mann.
On Feb. 8, the library will host free blood pressure screenings. The program is set for 1 to 3 p.m.
On Feb. 15, at noon, the library will also host a discussion of Wil Haygood's book, "The Butler," the basis for the critically acclaimed movie, "Lee Daniels' The Butler."
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