Exhibit Opening Reception: War, Maps, Mystery: Dutch Mapmaker Bernard Romans and the American Revolution

We invite CMCH members and special guests to join us for the opening reception for War, Maps, Mystery: Dutch Mapmaker Bernard Romans and the American Revolution.

This exhibit will share the little-known story of Revolutionary War Patriot and mapmaker Bernard Romans. Romans came to the American colonies in 1757 during the French and Indian War, surveying for the British along the Atlantic seaboard.  Romans became a supporter of American independence, joined the Continental Army, and eventually settled in Wethersfield, CT. Both the British and Americans used Romans’ maps during the American Revolution.  In 1780, he was captured by the British and died in 1784, mysteriously, while a prisoner.

Incredibly rare maps from the CMCH collection, published by Romans and his contemporaries, as well as earlier Connecticut maps from the 17^th and 18^th centuries, will be displayed.

Please let us know if you are able to join us by October 18. Call (860) 236-5621 x238 or email rsvp@chs.org.  Remarks begin at 5:45pm. Doors open at 5:00pm; come early to view the exhibit!

Image:  Detail of Boston in 1775 from Bernard Romans’ Map of the Seat of Civil War in America. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History collection, 1988_212_0