An illustrated talk by architectural historian Wes Haynes.
“Independence sparked 250 years of change in Stamford, and its transformation from an isolated rural colony into today’s vibrant city,” says Haynes. “Today this story hides in plain sight in the places where we live, work, play, or just drive by every day.” In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the program will offer a virtual tour of existing buildings, structures, monuments and infrastructure that hold stories of the people and forces - immigration, industries, and technological innovations -that shaped our city over time.

The program is presented by the Emerson Hall Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the building and expand its use as a space for artists, musicians, and educators to gather, create, and share their work and thoughts. Built in 1870 by the Second Universalist Congregation, the church is one of the finest examples of English Country Gothic houses of worship in the tri-state area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and part of the Downtown Historic District. “We’ve long wanted to offer programs to showcase the architectural and cultural importance of Emerson Hall,” said the Foundation's President Sarah (Bonnie) Currie. In 2023, UUC’s membership voted to name the Sanctuary building Emerson Hall in honor of the influential 19th-century Unitarian minister, philosopher, and public lecturer Ralph Waldo Emerson. Today, Emerson Hall is owned and operated by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Stamford.

Co-sponsors include Avon Theater, Ferguson Library, Merritt Parkway Conservancy, Mill River Collaboration, Soundwaters, and Stamford Harbor Lighthouse Restoration, with additional support provided by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Stamford. All proceeds will be held in reserve for the restoration of Emerson Hall.