Historically Speaking: An infamous birthday remembered

Benedict Arnold was born on Jan. 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut. Arnold’s childhood was marred by tragedy; by age 20, he was an orphan struggling to make his way in the world as an apothecary.

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with the word traitor. Despite Arnold’s defection to the British, he was a fierce patriot for the Continental Army and often put himself in the thick of battle with little regard for his own safety. There are two sides to Benedict Arnold – patriot and traitor – yet often it is difficult to reconcile both aspects of his complex profile.

Recently, the Norwich Historical Society created a series of self-guided walking trails called Walk Norwich. The Benedict Arnold Trail explores Arnold’s upbringing in Norwich while allowing visitors to judge Arnold’s treason for themselves. The trail discusses Norwich during the colonial period and its role throughout the Revolutionary War.

The Benedict Arnold Trail can be accessed via walknorwich.org and trail brochures are available outside at the Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors Center.

Similar to how Salem, Massachusetts, has developed its tourism industry under the controversial Salem Witchcraft Trials, Arnold’s international name recognition represents an opportunity to invite visitors to reexamine his dual history.

Recently, Arnold has seen a resurgence in pop culture references such as Brad Meltzer’s novel "House of Secrets," Nathaniel Philbrick’s new book "Valiant Ambition," and he is featured as a prominent character on AMC’s TV series, "Turn: Washington Spies."

This renewed interest in Benedict Arnold is a phenomenon that should not be ignored by his hometown and as such, Arnold deserves his place at the head of Norwich’s heritage tourism efforts. Over the past couple of years, the Norwich Historical Society has brainstormed and executed unique efforts to capitalize on the valuable history tied to this important yet decidedly controversial figure.

Join the Norwich Historical Society as we acknowledge Benedict Arnold's birthday by turning off the City Hall Christmas Lights on Friday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. Please practice social distancing during the event.

After the event, please consider patronizing one of the many downtown Norwich restaurants and businesses. Thank you to the city of Norwich for its support.

This event is free and open to the public. Norwich may never have asked for Arnold nor his treason, yet Arnold is our history, and that piece of our history deserves to be told.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Historically Speaking: An infamous birthday remembered