On June 14, 1919 West Hartford held a Welcome Home Reception to honor the town’s men and women who served in the World War. The town presented returning veterans with a medal and a certificate of service and provided a supper in the Old Town Hall, with Civil War and Spanish-American War veterans as guests. There was dancing in the Town Hall from 8 p.m. until midnight.

The 100th anniversary of this reception provides an opportunity to examine the many ways in which the town and its residents responded to the First World War. Whether serving on committees on the home front or serving in the trenches on the battlefield, West Hartford residents contributed to the war effort. Drawing upon the collections of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, the Hayes-Velhage American Legion Post 96, and the Connecticut State Library, David Corrigan, Curator of the Museum of Connecticut History, will present an overview of the town’s activities during the war years, focusing on the work of the town’s War Bureau and examining the military service of many town residents.

This event is free and open to the public. No advance registration required. Donations gratefully accepted.