Central to celebrate hometown visionary Elihu Burritt on 215th anniversary (rescheduled)
CCSUNews
Central to celebrate hometown visionary Elihu Burritt on 215th anniversary
Scholars and students will examine Burritt’s political life and intellectual legacy
CONTACT: 860-929-1177
MEDIA ADVISORY: April 2, 2026
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – The Elihu Burritt Library at Central Connecticut State University will host a special symposium commemorating the 215th anniversary of Elihu Burritt on Wednesday, April 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Founders Hall. Founders Hall is located within Davidson Hall on the Central campus.
The symposium was rescheduled in February due to excessive snowfall in the region.
Born in New Britain in 1810, Burritt was an abolitionist, pacifist, linguist, and global reformer whose lifelong commitment to self-education made him one of the most remarkable intellectual figures of the 19th century. A champion of access to learning and civic responsibility, Burritt’s values continue to resonate at Central, where the university library bears his name and serves as a cornerstone of scholarship and research.
The symposium will explore Burritt’s life, legacy, and enduring relevance through scholarly presentations and artistic tributes.
Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Robert Wolff, presenting “Elihu Burritt in the United Kingdom.”
- Sherrod “Rod” Skinner, a Burritt descendant, presenting “The Burritt Family Ethos, from a Descendant’s Perspective.”
- John Loughery, presenting “Elihu Burritt’s Political Life and Our Historical Memory.” Loughery will sign copies of his new book, "A Radical Vision: The Life and Times of Elihu Burritt, Abolitionist, Pacifist, and Linguist," following the program.
Central students also will participate as speakers, and the program also will include a poetry reading by Dr. Julien Strong, an assistant professor of English, and Dr. Eilyn Lombard-Cabrera, an assistant professor of Spanish. Assistant professor of Italian Dr. Simone Puleo will perform an original song inspired by Burritt’s life and work.
The event is free and open to the public.
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