Events to mark Killingworth’s 350 anniversary kicking off

2017 marks the 350th anniversary of the naming of Killingworth and January marks the start of our year-long celebration of all things Killingworth.

The 350th Anniversary Town Committee has been hard at work putting together a series of events, fun things to do and educational programs which will culminate with a grand celebration parade and town picnic at Parmalee Farm during Labor Day weekend.

January kicks off our celebration and some important deadlines for residents and local businesses are fast approaching. The Chamber of Commerce is publishing a 350th keepsake anniversary booklet. We are looking for stories and photos from Killingworth’s past. Please submit your stories, photos and ad requests to krier@killingworthct.com with the subject line: “for 350th booklet.”

Residents who wish to donate and become patrons or sponsors can find forms at the Town Hall and library. Checks can be written out to the “KCC” and mailed to P.O. Box 780, Killingworth, CT 06419. Please indicate your submitted fee is to be applied to the 350th booklet project.

Our first official 350th event will be held Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Killingworth firehouse. Author and historian Martin Podskoch will give a presentation on the Civilian Conservation Corps and Camp Roosevelt, now known as Chatfield Hollow State Park.

Podskoch is the author of “Connecticut Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Memories and Legacy,” the definitive book that records the CCC experience of the men who passed through its cleansing days of hard work, army discipline and camaraderie to help support their families during the Great Depression.

The CCC was a public works program that operated from 1933 to 1942 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It targeted young men and veterans in relief families who had difficulty finding jobs during the Great Depression, providing unskilled manual labor related to environmental conservation and development of natural resources in rural areas. Podskoch’s book, available for purchase and signing at the presentation, describes the history and projects of the 21 camps located throughout the state. The event is free, but registration is required at 860-663-2000.

A timeline of the history of Killingworth has been produced by town historian Tom Lentz and is available for sale at the Town Hall or can be borrowed at the library. The timeline chronicles Killingworth events from the 1600s to present day and is a great keepsake on Killingworth’s history.

Please join us in celebrating 350 years of Killingworth, our town, people, places and history throughout 2017. All of Killingworth is going to party like its 1667!