CT’s Early Water Mills: J. Cilio
The Energy of Falling Water: CT’s Early Water Mills with Historian John Cilio
Friday, August 7 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Registration is required to attend In-Person.
Zoom link life on the day of event at our website
In 1650, water-powered mills revolutionized Connecticut. Back then, each small village had to rely on itself for everything, with no electricity or steam power in sight. But water-powered mills changed everything! Villages sprung up around sawmills and gristmills, and soon factories producing cloth, hats, buttons, clocks, cider, plaster and paper emerged.
By the mid-1800s, Connecticut’s water-powered mills were serving a global market. The importance of securing the right river sites for these mills cannot be overstated. Mark Twain himself once said, “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” Join John Cilio for a fascinating exploration of Connecticut’s historic water-powered mills and get ready to be amazed by the ingenuity and innovation that helped make Connecticut great!
John Cilio is a historical storyteller, author and researcher who has been captivating audiences with his tales of the past for over 15 years. As a member of the Organization of American Historians, the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, and the Connecticut League of Museums, John’s goal is to make history relevant, engaging and enlightening. He has shared his knowledge through numerous articles in national magazines and newspapers and is the author of eight historical books.
Oliver Wolcott Library
160 South Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
2026-08-07
