Connecticut State Library News

All State Library facilities will be closed on Saturday, May 25th and Monday, May 27th for the Memorial Day holiday. 

The April 2013 issue of the CONNector Newsletter is now available in pdf format at:  http://www.ctstatelibrary.org/sites/default/files/13aprildraftfinal2.pdf

This latest issue of the Connecticut State Library’s newsletter includes the following:

• Surprises at the State Library by Ken Wiggin
• After Thirty Years: Visual Surprises from the State Archives by Mark Jones
• Publication of Volume XX, The Public Records of the State of CT, 1819-1820 by Douglas Arnold
• Cryptographic Curiosity from the Connecticut State Library by Bonnie Linck
• Across the Cataloger’s Desk by Bill Anderson
• 10 Myths about CT Public Libraries by Tom Newman
• Gems by Jenny Groome
• Adoption of the Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording by LeAnn R. Power
• Third Thursdays at the Connecticut State Library

CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY “3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH”BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES

Professor Jon Purmont will discuss his new book Ella Grasso: Connecticut’s Pioneering Governor at the Connecticut State Library on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from Noon to 12:45. Purmont, who served as Grasso’s executive assistant when she was governor, draws on his diary from that time, research in Grasso’s archives, and interviews with Grasso’s family and friends, to give us a rich and intimate portrait of this political pioneer. When Grasso ran for governor of Connecticut in 1974, she had not lost an election since she was first voted into the state’s General Assembly in 1952. She was the nation’s first woman to be elected governor in her own right capping a long and successful career dedicated to public service, effective government, and the democratic process. During her tenure as governor, Grasso’s leadership was tested in the face of fiscal problems, state layoffs, and budget shortfalls. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she endeared herself to her constituents during the great Blizzard of 1978, when she stayed at the State Armory around the clock to direct emergency operations and make frequent television appearances.

Thursday, May 16, 2013
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Connecticut State Library ~ Memorial Hall

Purmont’s talk is part of the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History’s Third Thursday BrownBag Lunchtime speaker series which features a variety of speakers on various aspects of Connecticut history. All programs are free and open to the public.

About the Speaker: Jon E. Purmont is a lifelong resident of Connecticut. He received a B.S. degree from Georgetown University, a Masters Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Doctorate in the Teaching of History from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1979, he became Executive Assistant to Governor Ella Grasso and also served on the staff of Governor William O’Neill. In 1992, he joined the History Faculty at Southern Connecticut State University and taught courses in Connecticut History, Colonial U.S. History, and served as the Department Coordinator of the Teacher Certification program. He retired from the University in 2009. Wesleyan University published his recent biography of Ella Grasso entitled Ella Grasso Connecticut’s Pioneering Governor.

About the State Library: The Connecticut State Library is an Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. The State Library provides a variety of library, information, archival, public records, museum, and administrative services to citizens of Connecticut, as well as the employees and officials of all three branches of State government. The Connecticut State Archives and the Museum of Connecticut History are components of the State Library.

The State Library recently had this new volume printed and sent copies to all public libraries, libraries of institutions of Higher Education, and the State Documents Repository System. A limited number are available for purchase until the supply runs out. Each volume costs $25.00 plus state sales tax and postage. If you wish to have a copy, please contact the State Archivist via e-mail (mark.h.jones@ct.gov) or by letter sent to Connecticut State Library/231 Capitol Ave./Hartford, CT 06106. Provide your name, mailing address and the number of copies that you want. Do not send cash, money orders, or checks. A bill will come with the order. The Historical Documents Preservation Fund made this volume possible.