The Derby Historical Society will be offering a book signing event and guided tours at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mary Ruth Shields, the author of “Naugatuck Valley Textile Industry” recently published by Arcadia Books, will be doing the book signing. The book may be purchased for $21.99.
“The textile industry found its roots in Connecticut along the banks of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers between Waterbury and Bridgeport. From the early 1800s, when David Humphreys, former aide-de-camp to General George Washington, brought the woolen industry to the United States to Seymour, Connecticut in 1804, to the 1950s, the textile industry shaped the life in the Naugatuck Valley.”
The story of the textile industry is a story of Yankee ingenuity.
Mary Ruth Shields, a transplant from Virginia, has lived in Shelton for 9 years. She is a mother of two sons, Mathew age 13 and Ryan age 18. She is the Chair of the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing departments at Lincoln College of New England (formerly Briarwood College) in Southington. She recently completed her second Masters Degree, an MFA in fashion design and consumer self-image at Goddard College.
Her first book published in 2010 by Fairchild Publishing, New York is entitled “Industry Clothing Construction Methods.” Mary Ruth is also a member of the Valley Arts Council and serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Valley Arts Council Center of the Arts in Derby.
Led by docents, the tour covers the keeping room, Sarah Riggs Humphreys’ parlor, Reverend Humphrey’s study and a bedroom off the keeping room. Spinning and weaving rooms are also included in the one hour tour. The tour costs $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 8 to 16, $3 for seniors 65 and older; children under 8 years old are free. There are no reservations required.
For questions, please telephone (203)735‑1908.
