A Tale of Two Coats: Living History with Historian Dayne Rugh
He arrived in Farmington dressed for war.
Join us at the Stanley-Whitman House on Sunday, May 17, at 2:00 PM for A Tale of Two Coats, a living-history presentation featuring historian and author Dayne Rugh as Colonel John Durkee: soldier, Son of Liberty, and one of Connecticut's most forgotten Revolutionary heroes.
Rugh will open in character, presenting in the first person as Colonel Durkee in period regimental clothing for thirty minutes, bringing the Revolutionary era to life inside a c. 1720 National Historic Landmark. He will then step out of character for an illustrated presentation drawing on his biography, John Durkee: The Forgotten Story of Connecticut's Bold Man from Bean Hill, the first definitive account of a Norwich-born colonel who served under General Washington, fought in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, and helped shape the course of a nation.
Since his death in 1782, John Durkee became a virtual footnote in American history. Dayne Rugh spent years recovering that story, and it is fitting that he tells it here. The Stanley-Whitman House was already a half-century old when Durkee answered the call to fight, and Farmington sent its own sons into the same war. This is not a story from somewhere else brought to a neutral venue. It belongs in this room.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at $20.00. Registration is free. A suggested donation of $10 per person supports FarmingtonCT250 programming at the Stanley-Whitman House. Space is limited. Reserve your place today.
Part of the FarmingtonCT250 programming series at Stanley-Whitman House. Stanley-Whitman House is a proud official affiliate of the America 250 | CT Commission. Join us for these commemorative events.
Highlights
First-person living-history portrayal of Colonel John Durkee in period regimental costume
Illustrated biography talk by author and historian Dayne Rugh
Books available for purchase and signing at $20.00
Good to Know
This program takes place in the Speare Classroom in the museum's Annex, which is fully accessible. The historic house will be open for self-guided visits before and after the program. Check-in begins at 1:45 PM. Free parking on site. Contact [email protected] with accessibility questions.
FAQ
How much does this program cost?
Registration is free. A suggested donation of $10 per person supports our programming. No one will be turned away.
Is the venue accessible?
This program takes place in the Speare Classroom in the museum's Annex, which is fully accessible. The historic house will be open for self-guided visits before and after. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available on site. Enter from High Street. Additional street parking is available opposite the museum, and the Barney Library lot on Main Street is a short walk away.
What is a living-history presentation?
Dayne Rugh opens in character as Colonel John Durkee for thirty minutes, then steps out for an illustrated talk and Q&A. No prior knowledge needed. Audience questions are encouraged.
Do I need to register in advance?
Registration is encouraged as space is limited, but walk-ins are welcome as capacity allows.
