Norwich in the American Revolution

In the years before the Revolutionary War, Norwich, Connecticut was a hotbed of radicalism. As a trade and transportation center, its merchants took a leading role in objecting to British taxes and laws that threatened their livelihood. Meet the Norwich men who risked everything in the cause of Liberty: Colonel John Durkee, the warrior; and Samuel Huntington, the statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Other notable figures include Major General Jedidiah Huntington, merchant turned soldier; and Benedict Arnold, brilliant soldier turned traitor; Col. John Durkee, a commander at the Battle of Monmouth; and Dr. Philip Turner, who became staff surgeon for the Continental Army. Local author and historian Patricia F. Staley tells the story of America’s War for Independence through the stories of those from Norwich who fought to create a new nation.

Tricia Staley is a retired history teacher and school administrator. Prior to becoming an educator, she was a newspaper reporter, editor and advertising/public relations consultant.

She majored in history at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and holds a master’s degree and a sixth-year certificate from Sacred Heart University. She also has completed certificate programs in genealogy and maritime history.

Tricia has long been active in community affairs and currently serves as president of the Friends of Slater Museum.

Norwich in the Gilded Age: The Rose City’s Millionaire’s Triangle was published by The History Press in January 2014. An illustrated lecture and popular walking tour are based on her research for that book.

Her second book, Norwich and the Civil War came out in September 2015. Tricia was the 2022 recipient of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists’ Tell Your Family Story award. She is currently working on a family history and several other writing projects.

She and her husband Bob live in Norwich with their dog Rosie. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.