A Special Program Series on the Coastal Raids in New Haven, Fairfield, Westport & Norwalk
The Fairfield Museum & History Center, in partnership with the New Haven Museum, Westport Museum for History and Culture, and Norwalk Historical Society, is pleased to announce the 1779 British Raids Program Series, taking place July 5 through July 11, 2026. For the first time, all four organizations are collaborating on a special series of programs commemorating the much anticipated 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Each participating town will offer tours and special events on their respective anniversary of the 1779 British raids that devastated these coastal communities, inviting visitors to explore the local impact of this pivotal chapter in Revolutionary War history.
A Day in the Revolution at Pardee-Morris House in New Haven
Sunday, July 5, 2026 from 12 to 4 PM | Pardee-Morris House (325 Lighthouse Rd. in New Haven)
Join the New Haven Museum to step into the world of the American Revolution. Reenactors from the 54th Regiment of Foot—a rousting band of Redcoats—will return to the site of the Morris house which was burned to the ground by British soldiers during their raid on New Haven on July 5, 1779.
Enjoy a full afternoon of revolutionary fun.
- The 54th Regiment will demonstrate the life of a British soldier, showcasing traditional drills and demonstrating the firing of muskets. The regiment’s 18th-century “surgeon” will demonstrate his skills, helping visitors gain new appreciation for 21st-century medicine!
- Throughout the afternoon, experience the spirited fife-and-drum music by the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (chartered in New Haven in 1775!).
- Steve Salisbury, proprietor of the Big Bear Trading Company, will set up shop as an 18th-century sutler, selling to modern-day visitors some of the tools, trinkets, eating utensils, and miscellaneous goods that were popular in the 1700s.
- Families will enjoy crafts, creating lavender sachet bags and paper tri-corn hats. Colonial games for all ages will include rolling hoops, graces, and cup-and-ball.
Bring picnics and chairs to this free event at the Pardee-Morris House. Snacks will be available for purchase.
New Haven Museum thanks the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut for supporting the program, and WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
Event-related weather updates on FB/IG or newhavenmuseum.org. Sign up for e-blasts at [email protected].
Burning of Fairfield Walking Tours in Fairfield
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12 PM & Wednesday, July 8 at 12 PM and 6 PM | Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd.)
On July 7, 1779, Fairfield residents awoke to the sound of a cannon—a warning from the fort at Black Rock. A British fleet had been spotted anchoring off the coast. No one predicted the destruction that was about to occur. Join the Fairfield Museum and History Center for a special guided walking tour detailing the British raid. Discover the homes that survived the invasion unscathed and hear of the sacrifices made for American independence from British rule.
Tickets:
Registration is required. $15 for Members; $20 for Non-Members.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Burning of Fairfield Walking Tours.
Path of Patriots Walking Tour in Westport
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6 PM | Cemetery on Nyala Farms Road in Westport
Discover the heroes of the American Revolution during the Westport Museum for History & Culture’s Paths of Patriots Walking Tour—part of the Westport Museum’s Real Revolution America 250 Exhibit.
Join the Westport Museum in one of Westport’s earliest cemeteries for a powerful exploration of the town’s Revolutionary War past. Hear gripping tales of the day Green’s Farms burned, discover the resilience of everyday patriots, and uncover the extraordinary stories of enslaved Africans who risked everything in the hope of freedom and recognition. This is more than a walk—it’s an immersive journey through the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that shaped our nation. Experience Westport’s role in the Revolution like never before.
Space is limited—secure your tickets now and step into history!
Program Details:
Park on Nyala Farms Road and meet us at the marked green at the back entrance to the cemetery. The terrain is uneven, and with the possibility of warm weather, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing bottled water.
Tickets:
Tickets are $10 for Westport Museum Members and $15 for Non-Members, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited to just 25 participants per tour, so don’t wait! If demand is high, additional tours may be added. Should the tour sell out or if you’re interested in a private tour, please contact us at [email protected].
Click here to learn more about the Westport Museum for History and Culture.
Battle and Burning of Norwalk Commemoration
Saturday, July 11 from 10 AM to 3:30 PM | Mill Hill Historic Park (2 East Wall St. in Norwalk)
Join the Norwalk Historical Society to commemorate the Battle and Burning of Norwalk at Mill Hill Historic Park.
10 AM–1 PM
2nd Continental Light Dragoons “Flying Camp”
Revolutionary War history, equipment demonstrations, and children’s drill. Free admission.
10 AM–1 PM
Self-Guided Tour of Mill Hill Historic Park
Explore three historic buildings, exhibits, the cemetery, Governor Fitch Law Office, Town House, the Battle & Burning of Norwalk exhibit, and audio guides tracing the British raid route. Free admission.
2–3:30 PM
History at Play Presents “A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson”
An immersive living history performance about the first woman to fight in and be honorably discharged from the American military. Tickets may be purchased online. Light snacks and drinks included.
For more information & tickets, visit norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.