Elihu Burritt 215th Anniversary Symposium at Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University will commemorate the 215th anniversary of hometown visionary Elihu Burritt with a special symposium on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2 pm to 4 pm in Founders Hall, located within Davidson Hall on campus, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, February 26.

Hosted by the Elihu Burritt Library, the program honors the New Britain native born in 1810 who became known as an abolitionist, pacifist, linguist, and global reformer. A passionate advocate for self-education, civic responsibility, and access to learning, Burritt remains a defining figure in the university’s intellectual heritage.

Scholars and students will explore Burritt’s political life and enduring legacy through a series of presentations and artistic tributes. Featured speakers include Dr. Robert Wolff on “Elihu Burritt in the United Kingdom,” Sherrod “Rod” Skinner, a Burritt descendant, offering reflections on the Burritt family ethos, and John Loughery presenting “Elihu Burritt’s Political Life and Our Historical Memory.” Loughery will sign copies of his new book, A Radical Vision: The Life and Times of Elihu Burritt, Abolitionist, Pacifist, and Linguist, following the program. Central students will also participate, with a poetry reading by Dr. Julien Strong and Dr. Eilyn Lombard-Cabrera, and an original song inspired by Burritt’s life performed by Dr. Simone Puleo.

The event is free and open to the public, and guests are invited to remain after the program to enjoy birthday cake in Burritt’s honor. Advance registration is requested at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=cMUpI4C1I0KAO0J9gA6Btg4oVM-1LapAutdRTT-Hi_FUMjNTMlA2NkJYMkhLNUI5TzVZSTVOUVhQVC4u&route=shorturl. For more information, call 860-929-1177.