BIKE WEEK AT THE OLD STATE HOUSE (Sept. 16-20): Antique Bike Exhibit & The American Dream Machine: Bicycles Past, Present & Future (Sept. 16 at Noon)

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For Immediate Release
September 9, 2014
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@ct.cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116

How did a Civil War veteran become the father of the American bicycle and turn Hartford into the
bicycle capital of the world? How did he predict trends in transportation and go on to build other dream machines?

 

Join Steve Goddard, author of Colonel Albert Pope and His American Dream Machines, on Tuesday, September 16 to discover how one Hartford factory became the largest employer in New England, producing everything from high wheelers to bicycles to electric cars. Following Mr. Goddard’s talk, join in a panel discussion about making Connecticut more bike-friendly and promoting bike racing among Connecticut kids with Mr. Goddard, Aidan Charles, the Founder and Executive Director of the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program, and Kelly Kennedy, Executive Director of Bike Walk Connecticut. The Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith will moderate the conversation.

Following the program, enjoy Wheels for All, a wonderful, temporary exhibit that showcases six bikes dating from 1869 to 1914, on loan from the Connecticut Historical Society. The antique bikes, which include Lakin’s Improved Velocipede (1869), the Pope Manufacturing Company’s Columbia Ordinary (1881) and the Woman’s Chainless Safety bicycle from the League Cycle Company (1894), will be on display at Connecticut’s Old State House from September 16-20. General admission rates apply to this exhibit.

The American Dream Machine: Bicycles Past, Present & Future begins at Noon, attendees are encouraged to enjoy their lunches during this free event inside Connecticut’s Old State House. This program is funded by Connecticut Humanities.

Located in Hartford, a short walk from the Wadsworth, Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. The Old State House Shop, located on the Main Street side of the building, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase great, quality-made Connecticut and Hartford themed gifts, products and apparel. The Old State House Farmers Market, the oldest of its kind in the state, is open Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit us online at http://www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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