The Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park to present An Evening with Dolly Madison

“I have pressed as many Cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation.” During the War of 1812, these were the words Dolly Madison wrote to her sister as she prepared to flee from the invading British enemy. Since she successfully saved from the invaders many of the official Cabinet documents,  White House furnishings, and the revered portrait of  George Washington, she is often referred to as “The Heroine of the War of 1812”,

   Dolly was the first of the presidential wives to forge a highly public role for herself. Through her attire, entertaining, and vivacious personality, she strove to serve not only the President but also the United States.  She believed that the citizenry was her constituency as well as that of her husband’s.

 On Sept. 26, 2013, at Fort Trumbull State Park, Carolyn Ivanoff will portray Dolly, relating some of her brave deeds and significant accomplishments. Ms. Ivanoff, who is an assistant principal at Shelton Intermediate School, was named Preservationist Teacher of the Year in 2003.  She writes and speaks frequently on American history to a variety of schools and organizations.  The Connecticut League of History Organizations recognized her educational programming with Awards of Merit in 2010, 2011 and an honorable mention award in 2013.

 The meeting will be held in the Conference Center at 7 p.m.  The public is welcomed to attend and new members are always welcome.  Our interesting Gift Store will open at 6:30 p.m. so that before the meeting people can examine the many historical items for sale.  For more information go to www.fortfriends.org