TRHP Lecture Series • Geology, Decrees and Deposits: Connecticut Unrest Beyond the Thames
Thames River Heritage Park Foundation, New London County Historical Society and Lyman Allyn Art Museum are pleased to present 2025 Lecture Series – Seeds of Revolution. Come explore events that seeded discontent and sparked the American Revolution and influenced the history of the Thames and beyond.
Geology, Decrees & Deposits: Connecticut Unrest Beyond the Thames
by James King, Archaeologist / Geologist
In 1775 Elijah Backus, Norwich Iron Works, cast anchors and cannon for the newly formed Connecticut Navy. From its founding Parliament decreed that the refining, smelting or forming of metallic substances was forbidden. The Iron to cast cannon and anchors was discovered in Salisbury Connecticut. Join us as Jim King discusses the iron deposits in Connecticut and its journey to Norwich to be forged into the tools of revolution.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Time: 6 PM reception | 7 PM lecture
Cost: Purchase your ticket here on the Thames River Heritage Park website (see pricing structure below)
Location: Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Regular Pricing
TRHP + LAAM Members – $20
Non-members – $25
Early Bird
TRHP + LAAM Members Early Bird* – $15
Non-member Early Bird* – $20
*Early bird rate is valid through February 5, 2025.
Presenter Bio
James King received his training in archaeology and geology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. After working as a field archaeologist in central Texas and Arkansas, he turned his interest in geology to mineralogy, then mining, finally settling on the study of historic mines and mining techniques. His interest in Colonial mines of Connecticut began in 1984 as the archaeological monitor of The Wallingford Copper Mine, the oldest commercial mine in America. This led to his interest in the Colonial iron industry in the state. Presently living in Preston, he has been a historic restoration technician since 1986.In 1775 Elijah Backus cast anchors and cannon for the newly formed Connecticut Navy. From its founding Parliament decreed that the refining, smelting or forming of metallic substances was forbidden. The Iron to cast cannon and anchors was discovered in Salisbury Connecticut. Join us as Jim King discusses the iron deposits in Connecticut and its journey to Norwich to be forged into the tools of revolution.