From King George statue fragments to civic activism: Wilton reflects on 250 years of history
WILTON, Connecticut (WABC) -- In the heart of Wilton, the Wilton Historical Society is helping visitors connect with the stories, artifacts, and everyday people that shaped America's past -- just as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
"We think of these great characters from history driving history forward," said director Nick Foster. "But it's really the small people and communities like this that make history every day."
Foster, who joined the museum in 2016 as curator before becoming director in 2022, says the society's mission goes beyond preserving artifacts. It's about bringing human stories to life through drama, humor, and the complexities of history itself.
Inside the museum, visitors can find remarkable pieces tied to Wilton's colonial and Revolutionary War past, including a 1750s Yale diploma belonging to David Lambert, Wilton's first college graduate.
But Foster says Wilton's history extends far beyond its reputation as a quiet New England farming town.
"Wilton has some really unique stories," he explained. "There is such a unique history connected to the Revolutionary War, to the Underground Railroad, to just an interesting cast of characters who've made their way through Wilton."
Among those stories is the tale of Henry Chichester, a teenager connected to one of the Revolution's most famous acts of rebellion -- the toppling of the statue of King George III in New York City in 1776.
According to Foster, Chichester stayed overnight in Wilton while transporting pieces of the statue north to be melted down into musket balls for the Continental Army. Loyalist neighbors reportedly attempted to recover portions of the statue before it could be destroyed.
The museum also highlights more modern history, including Wilton's connection to soccer legend Kristine Lilly, whom Foster described as "one of the greatest soccer players of all time."
As America approaches its semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, the historical society is launching new programs focused on civic engagement and reflection.
Its newest exhibit, Revolution Continued, explores not only the American Revolution, but also generations of activists, political protesters, and community members who worked to create change throughout Wilton's history.
The organization is also hosting a lecture series tied to the anniversary.
Foster believes the milestone offers Americans an opportunity to reflect on the nation's founding ideals and how they continue to evolve.
"We need to be able to look at the way things were done in the past to understand how we can improve," he said. "It's an opportunity to both look back and reflect, but also to look forward and see how we can continue to be the more perfect union that we all want to be."
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