Dive into the American Revolution in Litchfield!

To 18^th century Connecticut residents, the American War for Independence was a fight between the North American colonies and the English King George III. But the conflict meant something different for every individual who experienced the struggle—an opportunity for self-governance, control of community values, unjust rebellion, freedom from enslavement, changes to personal rights. These values created complex motivations for those who choose to fight on both sides or remain neutral.

Familiar narratives arose from the war that many of us have come to know, as specific events, certain battles, and famous figures are now synonymous with the revolution. The actions taken during the rebellion led to the creation of local legends chronicling how and why events came to pass. Tales passed down to future generations highlighted struggles, success, and failures—but do these accounts truly record the revolution or give us a nostalgic picture of these events?

Examine the tales told here to discover how the revolution was understood by different storytellers during the war. Draw out the changes these narratives underwent as storytellers grappled with what the revolution represented to them and decide for yourself what the fight for freedom means today.

On display April 18 – November 29, 2026

As the emerging United States established the country’s founding principles, depictions of those involved were being crafted. Prints for public consumption and personal mementos were commissioned by artists both professional and amateur. These artworks generated some of today’s most recognizable images of our nation’s revolutionary leaders.
Despite their popularity they don’t tell the complete story of the people they portray. What did these figures live through? What would they accomplish in the future? And what about the many people who never had their likeness recorded at all? Traces of these Americans can be found by looking closely at their portraits, as well as their words and the objects they left behind.
Examine these portrayals to meet those involved in the earliest days of the republic. Explore the stories of each individual to gain a fuller understanding of the people beyond the paint.

On display April 18 – November 29, 2026