Experience 300 Years of Norwich History
The primary goal of this website is to educate the public about Norwich, Connecticut’s rich heritage and history spanning the 300-year period from 1659 to 1959. The site offers quick and easy access to an extensive collection of media, focusing on Norwich’s historical events, places, and other interesting tidbits.
This site is entirely free of charge
IconicNorwich.org features over 3,000 concise articles and numerous historical maps of Norwich. The articles are organized into more than 30 categories. The Bibliography connects you to thousands of historical web-based links from Norwich. Several quizzes, prepared presentations, and crossword puzzles are provided to enhance the learning environment.
You are invited to add or contribute to new or existing placemarks by filling out the form in the “Contribute Article” section.
Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
Updated: Sarah Kemble Knight: Click Here
Added: Caleb B. Rogers Biography: Click Here
Added: Winslow Tracy Williams Biography: Click Here
Added: Sarah Osgood Biography: Click Here
Added: John C. Perkins Biography: Click Here
Added: George W. Kies Biography: Click Here
1819-1898 William H. Jennings
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
William H. Jennings was born in Eagleville, Connecticut, on August 10, 1819. He came from Revolutionary War ancestry and was raised in a large family of eight children. After his father died when he was only four years old, Jennings was forced to rely on his own determination to secure an education and prepare himself for a career in teaching. As a young man, his professional journey led him to Norwich, where he taught school in the village of Greeneville. He succeeded as an instructor, earning a reputation for maintaining excellent classroom discipline while remaining popular with his pupils.
After a brief but successful two-year venture to California during the 1849 Gold Rush, Jennings returned to Norwich to permanently establish his roots and embark on a new pioneering career. He became the city’s pioneer photographer and was among the first to produce daguerreotypes in the area. Over thirty-five years, he operated his studios—first in the Boswell building and later above the Boston Store—gaining renown as the best-known and most artistic photographer in eastern Connecticut. After retiring from business, he dedicated his time to managing his private property on Laurel Hill.
Click HERE to learn more about William Jennings
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
City of New London Near the Banks of Thames River ~ November 23, 1871
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” is normally published here every Friday.
The next issue will appear here on Friday, November 6
William H. Jennings
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An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Company. Click image to see.
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees