Tuesday, January 20, 2015

To Protest or Not to Protest? Connecticut's Old State House to Explore the History of Protesting Jan. 27

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For Immediate Release
January 20, 2015
Contact: Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116

On Tuesday January 27, join prize-winning historian Dr. Warren Goldstein, author of William Sloane Coffin, Jr.: A Holy Impatience, at Connecticut’s Old State House as he discusses the life and work of civil rights and anti-Vietnam War activist Reverend William Sloane Coffin, Jr.  

Using Reverend Coffin as an example, Dr. Goldstein will explore the question of whether popular protests have been an effective means of political activism in recent American history.

Why did some civil rights protests “work,” while others failed? 

What does the history of civil rights and anti-war activism have to teach us about present day protests?

What have we learned from the Tea Party movement, Occupy Wall Street and the recent protests and unrest seen in Ferguson and New York City?

Following his talk, Dr. Goldstein will be joined by Debra Cohen of Activate CT and John Mueller from the University of Hartford for a discussion on protests past and present. The Connecticut Network’s (CT-N) Diane Smith will moderate discussion and take questions and comments from the audience. Audience members are encouraged to bring their lunch and be a part of the conversation. The program begins at noon and lasts an hour. This program is co-sponsored with Connecticut Explored.

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 interactive History is All Around Us exhibition by the Connecticut Historical Society, located in the Mortensen Gallery of the lower level of the Old State House, allows visitors to explore over 300 years of Hartford and Connecticut history. 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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