This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Smith Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/xY.2ADI/786 Message Board Post: The East Haddam First Church of Christ Congregational Cemetery Committee is holding their annual Venture Smith Day as part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail Celebration on Saturday, September 10, 2005. It will be the 200th anniversary of the death of Venture Smith this year. Ceremonies, including wreath laying, will be held at Smith’s grave site at the Church grounds on Town Street (Route 151) in East Haddam, CT. Speakers include Dr. Karl Stofko, Town Historian, Cora Murray from the State Historic Preservation office, and Chandler Saint , from the Beecher House Center. Bring a chair or blanket for nice weather. In case of rain, programs will be held inside the church. Program: 10:15 – 12:00. In addition, there will be a short bus trip to Smith’s home site in Haddam Neck. Please note that reservations are recommended for the trip as it is limited to the first 50 participants. The committee will provide dessert and beverages to compliment your “brown-bag” lunch before the trip. Trip time: 12:45-2:45. All events are free. The public as well as the descendants of Venture Smith are invited. Please contact First Church at 860- 873-9084 for more information or to sign-up for the bus trip.