Tag: #historicallecture

Bringing Women’s History Out of the Shadows

When we think of history, it’s easy to picture the famous kings, generals, and founding fathers—but what about the women whose lives were woven into the tapestry of revolution and empire? The Middlebury Historical Society invites you to a fascinating lecture, “Four 18th-Century Women of the Time of Rochambeau,” where these stories finally take center stage. Join historian and author Jini Jones Vail on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Shepardson Community Center for a fresh look at women who made their mark—often in the background, but always essential.

Vail’s talk will introduce you to remarkable figures from every corner of society: Queen Marie Antoinette, shining brightly at Versailles amidst growing unrest; Countess de Rochambeau, balancing diplomacy and the uncertainties of military life; Martha Washington, standing steadfast beside her husband through war; and an unnamed camp follower, whose tireless support kept armies marching. By sharing these diverse experiences, Vail brings to life a more vibrant and complete picture of the American Revolution.

After the video presentation, you’ll have the chance to join an in-person discussion with Jini Jones Vail herself. Whether you’re a dedicated history buff or simply curious, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and connect with fellow community members.

Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Location: Shepardson Community Center, Middlebury, CT
Details: middleburyhistoricalsociety.org
This event also highlights the Society’s ongoing work on the Rochambeau Monument Project at Meadowview Park, commemorating the pivotal 1781 French army encampment in Middlebury. If you’re interested in supporting this effort or learning more about the project’s impact, please visit the Society’s website. Let’s celebrate the past—and the remarkable women who shaped it—together!

JanetLeave a comment

Dr. Ray Sullivan Returns to Present “The Hill That Made Middlebury Famous — or Infamous”

The Middlebury Historical Society is delighted to welcome back Dr. Ray Sullivan, M.D., for another captivating evening of local history and storytelling. On Wednesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Sullivan will present his brand-new lecture, “The Hill That Made Middlebury Famous — or Infamous,” at the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury. Admission is free and open to all.

Artistic rendering of Rochambeau’s French troops marching up Breakneck Hill, Middlebury, autumn of 1782.


Dr. Sullivan, a retired surgeon and acclaimed historian, is no stranger to Middlebury audiences. He gained a devoted following with his previous lecture, “Rough Medicine: The Medicine and Surgery of the American Revolution,” which packed the house and left attendees inspired by tales of 18th-century courage and innovation. This time, Dr. Sullivan turns his attention to a legendary chapter in Middlebury’s own past: the story of Breakneck Hill.

Nestled just outside town, Breakneck Hill is more than a scenic landmark—it’s the site where French troops under General Rochambeau camped during their arduous journey home from Yorktown in 1782. The hill’s forbidding name speaks to its perilous slopes and the countless legends that have grown up around it. Through a lively blend of historic maps, original documents, and firsthand accounts, Dr. Sullivan will separate fact from folklore, exploring how this dramatic episode put Middlebury on the map during the closing days of the War of Independence.

Dr. Ray Sullivan in period attire.

What sets Dr. Sullivan apart is his unique perspective as both a surgeon and a historian. Drawing on his medical background, he paints a vivid picture of the suffering and resilience experienced by soldiers—exhaustion, wounds, and illness—as they struggled through the New England landscape. At the same time, his meticulous research uncovers how these hardships forged powerful bonds between allies, and how the memory of this brief but significant encampment became woven into the fabric of local identity.

This special lecture also supports the Middlebury Historical Society’s ongoing Rochambeau Memorial Project, which will soon see a bronze monument rise at Meadowview Park in tribute to the French soldiers who shared in America’s fight for independence. Dr. Sullivan’s engaging presentations and scholarly work continue to illuminate the human stories behind these historic events, reminding us all why places like Breakneck Hill still inspire reflection and gratitude today.

Dr. Ray Sullivan served for over thirty years as a general and oncologic surgeon at Waterbury Hospital Health Center, including as chief of staff. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Medical Advisor for the Brookfield Health Department, he is also an author, lecturer, and Revolutionary War reenactor whose passion for the past brings history to life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience living history in your own backyard! No reservations are needed. For more information, visit www.middleburyhistoricalsociety.org
or email president@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org.
Come early—seating is first-come, first-served. We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening!

JanetLeave a comment