A Continental Congress

The 2025 Congress convenes in Uncasville, Connecticut, July 12-18

SAR Magazine
Fall 2024, Vol. 119. No. 2. pp. 6-7
Louisville, KY

The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is thrilled to invite you to the 135th Annual Congress, taking place from July 12-18, 2025, in Uncasville. This year’s event is a special celebration of our shared commitment to patriotism as we honor the Mohegan Tribe.

Historical Background

Originally named by English Colonists for Uncas, the 17th-century Mohegan sachem who became their ally, Uncasville is the home of the Mohegan tribe and the first Native American to die in the American Revolution, Samuel Ashbow, who was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. The Connecticut Colony was officially established on March 3, 1636, by John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton. However, the area had been explored by European explorers well before this formal establishment. In 1614, Adriaen Block, representing the Dutch, navigated the Connecticut River, marking the beginning of European exploration in the region. The initial settlements of the Connecticut Colony included Windsor, established in 1633; Wethersfield, founded in 1634; and Hartford and Springfield, which were settled in 1636. These early colonies were primarily established by Puritans seeking religious freedom and new opportunities.

Long before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Nipmuc, Sequin, Mattabesec and Pequot-Mohegan. The name “Connecticut” comes from the word Quinnitukqut of the Algonquian-speaking Mohegans, translating to “long tidal river” or “upon the long river,” which most likely refers to the Thames River, given the location of the settlement. In 1638, just two years after the establishment of the Connecticut Colony, Colonists formally recognized the sovereignty of the Mohegans through the Treaty of Hartford. This treaty established a framework for coexistence and cooperation, and its principles have been maintained through to the present day.

Connecticut played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and Norwich, Connecticut—located just steps from the Mohegan Sun Resort—was a notable center of activity for the Sons of Liberty. The city was also the birthplace of Benedict Arnold, the notorious traitor of the Revolution. Several prominent figures from Norwich made significant contributions to the Revolutionary cause, including Jedidiah Huntington, a member of the Sons of Liberty and aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington; Samuel Huntington (cousin to Jedidiah), who served in the Continental Congress and was president of the body when the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781; and Christopher Leffingwell, a wealthy purveyor of provisions, who played a key role in supplying the Continental Army during the Revolution.

While in the area, consider visiting nearby historic SAR- and DAR-owned properties. SAR properties include the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in East Haddam, the Gov. Jonathan Trumbull War Office in Lebanon, and Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London. DAR properties include the Oliver Ellsworth Homestead and Matthies Hall in Windsor, and the Gov. Trumbull House and Wadsworth Stable in Lebanon.

Experience the Mohegan Sun Resort

Our Congress will be hosted at the Mohegan Sun Resort, a premier destination nestled on 185 acres along the scenic Thames River. The resort boasts an array of world- class amenities and facilities designed to make your stay memorable. The resort offers two luxury towers, the Sky Tower and Earth Tower, with rooms starting at 365 square feet with either a king or two queen beds in all standard “deluxe” rooms. Each room features a full-size working desk, relaxing loungers, marble bathrooms and modern conveniences including video in-room dining menus and ordering and free Wi-Fi. Each tower also features a spa, a fitness center, and a pool for your relaxation.

The Mohegan Sun Resort is renowned for its extensive recreational options, including: Game On, a sprawling, 23,000-square-foot space featuring an interactive restaurant, a 65-foot bar, an eight-lane bowling alley, and an array of games and entertainment options; Championship Golf Course, located just 20 minutes away in Baltic; Mohegan Sun Arena and three award-winning entertainment venues; and Cyber Quest, a professionally supervised arcade offering the latest non-violent arcade games. For thrill-seekers, Supercharged Mohegan Sun Indoor Kart Racing and Trampoline Park is located just 20 minutes away in Montville, offering kart racing, trampoline fun and axe throwing. Childcare is also available for children 6 weeks to 12 years old through Kids Quest. Daily and hourly rates and hours of operation can be found on the Mohegan Sun website. Military discount is available.

Travel Information

The Mohegan Sun Resort is easily accessible, situated on Interstate 395, a few miles from Interstate 95, making it convenient for travelers. For those traveling by plane, there are numerous airport options available. The most convenient are Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), both approximately 60 minutes from the resort. For guests traveling by train, Union Station (NLC) is only 10 miles from the resort. A shuttle service is provided to and from the resort from Union Station for any guest holding valid ferry or train tickets with New London, giving easy access to Amtrak and the Cross Sound Ferry terminal with service to Orient Point on Long Island, N.Y. Amtrak serves the New London area with daily trains on the Northeast Regional and Acela lines. Connections are available in New Haven, New York, Boston and many other major cities.

A variety of parking options are available at the Mohegan Sun Resort. Self and valet parking are complimentary. If self-parking, electric vehicle charging stations are available, as well as reserved parking for a fee in the Riverview Garage. Handicapped parking is located in several locations, including Floor 2, Sky side of the Riverview Garage; Floor 5, Sky and Earth side of the Riverview Garage; Floor 1 of the Winter Garage; and in the Winter Parking Lot. Wheelchairs are available on a first- come, first-served basis. Electric scooters can be rented by calling 860.862.8125 or 888.320.4577. Electric scooter reservations should be made as soon after April 1 as possible to ensure availability during your stay. Bell staff is available at the resort for assistance with luggage.

Congress Schedule

Please note that this year’s Congress schedule differs from last year’s event in Pennsylvania (ref.). Following is a preview of the week’s activities: EXCOM/SARF will meet on Saturday, July 12. Long tours and the host reception will be on Sunday, July 13. The Trustees meeting, Memorial Service, and First Lady’s Tea will be on Monday, July 14.
The opening session, Youth Luncheon and Minuteman/ National awards night will be Tuesday, July 15. The Ladies Luncheon and PG’s Banquet will be Wednesday, July 16. The final session of Congress, short tours and Installation Banquet will be held on Thursday, July 17. More information about Congress tours will be coming soon.

Potential tours include visits to Fort Griswold, Mystic Seaport, Lebanon War Office and Congregational Church and Old Wethersfield, the site of the first permanent European-American settlement in the state of Connecticut.

We look forward to celebrating with you and making this Congress a memorable event. Join us as we honor our shared heritage and strengthen our bonds of patriotism in the beautiful setting of Uncasville.

Fundraising

The CTSSAR has developed the Connecticut Sons of Liberty Campaign to help raise funds to cover the expenses associated with hosting the 135th Annual Congress in 2025. Each donor will receive a CT Sons of Liberty lapel pin in recognition of their donation with their first pledge payment.

For pledge donations of $250 or more, donors will also receive an NSSAR certificate with their name, pledge donor level, and Patriot Ancestor. For information, visit Connecticut’s website and click on “Donate” to learn more about the Sons of Liberty Campaign, or “Merchandise” to see our Congress shop. A Congress medal set, coin and ladies pin are currently available for purchase.