World Premiere of Documentary "Home of the Brave: When Southbury Said No to the Nazis"

The premier of an important documentary, “Home of the Brave” will take place on Sunday, November 18th at 2pm at the Pomperaug High School.  The documentary covers the events of 1937 when the people of Southbury stood up against the American Nazi movement who wanted to establish a training camp in Southbury.  The documentary has been created by award winning filmmaker Scott Sniffen under the auspices of the Southbury Historical Society working in close collaboration with the Southbury Clergy, Town of Southbury, community organizations and local businesses. 

The documentary showing is just one part of a series of events planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the actions taken by the people of Southbury.   There is an essay contest for High School and Middle School students.  The Southbury Library has exhibits and books on display regarding the events of 1937.  The Southbury Historical Society will also have a series of exhibits at their museum in South Britain.  On Tuesday, November 20th, there will be the annual interfaith Thanksgiving service at South Britain Congregational Church, which is fitting as it is where the major meetings of the people of Southbury took place in 1937 – the Town Hall was too small to accommodate the large turnout.

“I think the resolve of the people of Southbury in 1937 is an important story that needs to be told to more people.  We have been surprised to find how few people in Southbury and beyond are aware of the actions taken in 1937.  At that time, they were front-page news throughout the region.   The story has so many lessons that go beyond the events of 1937”, said First Selectman Ed Edelson.