Historical Society program on Jewish Farmers of Connecticut

Author and historian Mary Donohue will present an illustrated talk on the Jewish Farmers of Connecticut, the dynamics that propelled this phenomenon, and the affects upon the Connecticut agricultural community. Mary Donohue will mention: "For years, people traveling through Connecticut have been surprised to find small Jewish synagogues in rural (or once-rural) farming towns. Therein lies one of the state's more unusual immigration stories. In the 1880s, masses of Eastern European Jews began emigrating, fleeing long-standing persecution that had gotten worse after the assassination of the Russian Czar Alexander II in 1881. The Russian government condoned pogroms and organized raids on Jewish communities that included killings and destruction of property. Jews in Europe and the United States organized to help the refugees." The public is welcome to attend, and the building is handicapped accessible. Parking for the lecture is available along Pleasant Street, off Forest Street (no on-street parking) as well as in a small lot next to the History Center. $3 for non-members, $1 for Society members, and free for children under age 16.