Glitz and Glamour: The Gilded Age in Southeastern Connecticut with Essex Library

In the so-called Gilded Age from the 1870s to the 1910s, New London and Groton became playgrounds of the wealthy. New London's Pequot Colony and Groton's Eastern Point attracted the wealthy and influential including U.S. presidents, celebrities, artists, Supreme Court justices and families such as the Plants and Harknesses. In turn, the region also benefited from the philanthropy of these people of power and privilege.  Learn about the people and places of the Connecticut shoreline during this era of excess with Gail B. MacDonald. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. 

About Gail B. MacDonald Gail B. MacDonald is a veteran journalist, recently retired University of Connecticut journalism professor and author of three history books, one of which focused on the Gilded Age. She regularly leads historic-themed tours, including ones focused on the Gilded Age, for Uncovering New London - One Story At A Time, and previously was a docent for the Thames River Heritage Park. She is a New London resident.