The Sally: Exciting Adventures of a Connecticut Merchant Sloop During the American Revolution at Weston History & Culture Center

A fascinating chapter of Connecticut’s Revolutionary War history will be explored on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 pm to 3 pm at the Weston History & Culture Center, 104 Weston Road, Weston, CT 06883.

Historian Edward Eckert will present a slide lecture titled “The Sally – The Exciting Adventures of a CT Merchant Sloop During the American Revolution.” The program tells the true story of the Sally, a Connecticut merchant vessel that was converted into a Continental sloop of war during the American Revolution. The talk will examine Fairfield County’s maritime role in the conflict and the daring exploits of the ship’s four successive captains, crew members, and notable passengers.

The presentation will also explore the connection between the Sally and Connecticut patriot Nathan Hale, including the vessel’s role in his ill-fated espionage mission. Through stories of privateering, coastal raids, and intelligence gathering along Long Island Sound—known in the period as the treacherous “Devil’s Belt”—the lecture offers a vivid look at the dangers and intrigue of wartime maritime operations.

This event is part of the America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library, the Weston History & Culture Center, and the League of Women Voters of Weston, with support from the Weston America 250 Advisory Group.

Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. To reserve a spot, visit https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/weston-history-culture-center/the-sally-exciting-adventures-of-a-ct-merchant-sloop-during-the-american-revolution.