William Hosley, "Emily S. G. Holcombe: Champion of Connecticut State Pride"

Lecture: William Hosley, "Emily S. G. Holcombe: Champion of Connecticut State Pride"

Wednesday, March 20 | 5:30 - 7:00 pm | $5 for CHS members | $10 non-members

Celebrate women's history month by learning about Emily Seymour Goodwin Holcombe with acclaimed historian and lecturer, Bill Hosley. Preservationist, activist, collector, museum-maker, and civic visionary, Emily Seymour Goodwin Holcombe (1852-1922) was a champion and advocate for Connecticut State Pride. Mrs. Holcombe was a pioneer among the first generation of antiquarians, collectors, and preservationists, and her path-breaking projects--including the first large-scale restoration of a graveyard in the United States, launching the campaign that saved the Old State House, transforming the Oliver Ellsworth House in Windsor into one of Connecticut's first house museums, and organizing the largest public display of early American antiques ever mounted at the St. Louis World's Fair--are only part of her legacy. She shared her passion for history with her family and was the mother and grandmother of accomplished leaders in historic preservation and heritage education, including her grandson, the late Shepherd M. Holcombe. William Hosley has spent his career teaching and advocating for Connecticut's rich history. He has written five books, scores of articles and delivered lectures all over the United States on topics ranging from art and Americana to urbanism, place-making, and historic preservation.