Helen Taft comes to life

NORTH FAIRFIELD — Residents are invited to enjoy an evening of culture, history and community at a special event. The North Fairfield Historical Association is hosting "An Evening With the First Lady Helen Taft," a captivating living history performance by Anne McEvoy of the Lakewood-based organization Women in History, according to a news release. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the American Legion, 523 SR 162 West in North Fairfield. This Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant venue offers sufficient parking for all attendees. Admission is free, though donations are welcome and all are invited to attend, the release states. "Each spring, we see pictures and hear stories about the beautiful cherry trees in Washington, D.C. Do you know that those trees are the result of a trip to Japan made by a woman from Cincinnati, Ohio?" said Ruth Earl, of the association. "That is only one of the many accomplishments of Helen Herron Taft, wife of our 27th president, William Howard Taft." Mrs. Taft was the first First Lady to publish her memoirs and was a passionate advocate for classical music, women's rights and the American Red Cross, the release states. A skilled pianist and cultural influencer, she brought music and elegance to the White House. Despite suffering a stroke early in her husband's presidency, she remained resilient and an influential figure.