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Historic ferry boats will be discussed in Seymour.
SEYMOUR — The nation’s oldest ferry service was launched in 1655 and still carries passengers and vehicles across the Connecticut River. The colorful story of these historic boats and their crews will be the focus of a Seymour Historical Society program on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m.
In all, more than 100 boats have worked the river, with the earliest propelled by poles and later models powered by horses and steam engines. In this program, Connecticut historian Wick Griswold – co-author of the book “Connecticut River Ferries” — will tell tales of captains, crews and well-known passengers.
Audience members will learn how Captain Ham Sandwich got his name and how a female captain befriended a famous actress who was a frequent rider. And finally, you’ll learn how the ferry service has managed to survive in a modern world where, after all, the river can be easily crossed on any number of concrete and steel bridges
The Seymour Historical Society is located at 59 West Street, near the Trinity Episcopal Church. Admission is free for Seymour Historical Society members and $5 for non-members. Seating is limited to 65 people, so arrive early to claim a seat. Doors open at 1 p.m.
For more information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), call 203 – 881-2156 or visit www.seymourhistoricalsociety.org.
