"200 Years in the making. The courageous and historic story of a town and
people's growth towards distinction as a community of affluence and leadership.
This film documents the remarkable efforts of stewardship as a bicentennial
marks the start of a new branch into the future."
Available for purchase May 12, 2007
The video is a 90 minute historical documentary produced on DVD and
sold as a commemoration of Middlebury's 200th year of incorporation. It is
a beautifully produced record of the town’s early days, woven together by
interviews with longtime residents who share their memories and stories. The
video will have significant archival value and copies will be sent to libraries
and historical societies around the state.
Having trouble viewing the trailer?
Please send an E-Mail to
bicentennial@middlebury-ct.org
or call Terry McAuliffe at 758-1492 and describe the problem.
Audience
The video is a 200 year history of Middlebury colored by narrative from the
citizens themselves. Dozens of people of many ages and backgrounds were
interviewed in the video using techniques often described as "History
From Below". Each person brought a distinct perspective of life in
Middlebury as it had been experienced first hand along with family remembrances
and stories.
Using themes that relate the Middlebury of today with the Middlebury of
yesteryear, the video is intended to appeal to students, adults, and seniors. Familiar landmarks,
such as the greenway, are shown changing through the years from a popular walking trail
back to
the trolley ne of the 1900’s. The
Ken Burns interview style illustrates
the spoken remembrances of residents by using “pan and zoom” of historical photos
and documents. Important family names, such as Bronson, Judd and Whittemore are traced back through the historical timeline using narration and historical
reenactment.
Public Showings and Availability
A private premiere showing for sponsors was held on May 12, 2007 followed
by free public showings at the Middlebury Public Library on Tuesday May 15 and
Thursday May 17th at 2:00 and 6:00PM, and on Saturday May 19th at 10:00AM and
2:00PM. A special showing for seniors was held at the Middlebury
Firehouse on Monday May 14th at 12:30PM.
The video is still available for sale on DVD for $25.00, tax included,
$25.00
plus $2.98 S&H
This is a great keepsake for your family.
Proceeds go to the Middlebury Historical Society.
Production Credits
Photos, film
footage, documents and other artifacts have been made available courtesy of the
Middlebury Historical Society, Middlebury Public Library, Westover School, Waterbury Republican-American,
Prime Publishers, Quassy Amusement
Park, Mattatuck Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Hill-Stead Museum, Shore Line Trolley Museum, Brass
Workers History Project, Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Library of
Congress, Naugatuck Historical Society, Litchfield Historical Society, Woodbury
Historical Society, Watertown Historical Society, as well as several private collections
and publishing companies.
Aerial footage of Middlebury was filmed in a hot air balloon to enhance some
of the story telling.
Legacy Sponsors
The video was sponsored by five multi-generation families in Middlebury.
1. The Fenn Family
2. The Goss Family
3. Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Sperry, Jr.
4. "In Memory of Donald Seymour Tuttle, Jr." by his wife and children
5. Robert Whittemore
The project team thanks Bill Perrotti
for donating the use of a project room
at his restaurant.
Middlebury Bicentennial and the Middlebury Bicentennial Logo® are Registered Trademarks.
Products using the words "Middlebury Bicentennial" or using the Middlebury Bicentennial Logo
must be licensed by the Town of Middlebury Connecticut Bicentennial Committee
Photos, film
footage, documents and other artifacts have been made available courtesy of the
Middlebury Historical Society, Middlebury Public Library, Westover School, Waterbury Republican-American,
Prime Publishers, Quassy Amusement
Park, Mattatuck Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Hill-Stead Museum, Shore Line Trolley Museum, Brass
Workers History Project, Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Library of
Congress, Naugatuck Historical Society, Litchfield Historical Society, Woodbury
Historical Society, Watertown Historical Society, as well as several private collections
and publishing companies.