Ken Reiss, a Museum of Darien historian, will discuss how Darien sought its independence, the forces blocking its path, and the hero who persisted to give the town its name in an online lecture Thursday evening.

— an announcement from Darien Library

Discover what life was like 200 years ago in “History Close to Home with Ken Reiss,” a Museum of Darien Historian and the author of Darien, 1820: New Town, New Times.

This event will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. You can register here on Darien Library’s website.

About Ken Reiss

Ken Reiss’ lifelong pursuit of history has in recent years been sharply focused on the story of Darien, Connecticut, where he has made his home for the past 32 years.

In addition to his most recent work to commemorate the town’s bicentennial, Darien 1820: New Town, New Times, Ken is the author of The Story of Darien, Connecticut, a definitive history of the town.

As the historian of the Museum of Darien, Ken has served on its Board of Directors for many years and as its president for four years.

He has delivered numerous lectures and curated dozens of displays and exhibitions at the Museum, including the current exhibition: Darien 1820, which outlines the town’s road to independence and accompanies his new book.

Ken graduated from the University of Connecticut and after a career of editing and publishing business magazines, he and his wife, Sylivia Reiss, started a business selling antique prints, maps and ephemera. Together, they helped found the Antiques Council.