On Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Ridgefield Historical Society will host Mike Allen, former journalist and producer of the podcast Amazing Tales About History, who will present an illustrated talk, “Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Most Misunderstood Traitor,” at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.
While Benedict Arnold is known locally as a hero of the Battle of Ridgefield, Allen will explore Arnold’s life, battlefield achievements, and ultimate betrayal, including a detailed look at his attempt to hand over West Point to the British.
Tickets are limited and non-refundable: $15 for Ridgefield Historical Society members and $20 for those who are not yet members. Tickets are available online at
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/benedict-arnold-connecticuts-most-misunderstood-traitor
To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society to enjoy discounted admission and other benefits, go to:
https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/
Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending.
When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. Following the rapid, consecutive deaths of three children, and a sharp downturn in his business, Benedict Arnold’s father turned to alcohol. His dependence led to the collapse of his business and the ruination of the family’s finances. The family thus had to abandon plans to send Benedict to Yale. Their social status collapsed. The teenager endured public ridicule when he had to routinely retrieve his inebriated father at taverns and from the local jail after his arrests for public drunkenness. All of this left young Arnold bitter and feeling somewhat cheated as well as under-appreciated in life, despite his considerable talents.
Before he switched allegiances and joined the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side – a reputation that was well earned on several battlefields, including in Ridgefield. He was highly admired and trusted by George Washington. His brave exploits, though, left him virtually unable to walk, having been badly wounded twice in the same leg. Despite his success and sacrifices, promotions and honor eluded him. The impatient Arnold never seemed to see his own shortcomings in the art of diplomacy as playing a role in his situation. Criticism of his administrative leadership in Philadelphia led to a reprimand from Washington, an action that ultimately drove him to seek prestige, a higher rank, and more money fighting for the British.
Mike Allen uses his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking to bring history to life. He has hosted and produced the weekly podcast Amazing Tales About History since 2021, where he interviews experts on a variety of historical topics. Mike’s journalism career includes documentary production at NPR’s Boston affiliate WBUR as well as being news director at Connecticut radio station i-95 FM (WRKI-FM). He’s also been published in The New York Times. Mike served as Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury, and, during a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked, lived, and traveled internationally, specializing in marketing, communications, and public speaking. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years and currently resides in Danbury.
For more information contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at
aW5mbyB8IHJpZGdlZmllbGRoaXN0b3JpY2Fsc29jaWV0eSAhIG9yZw== or 203-438-5821, or view ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
Painting: Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart – From the Anne S. K. Brown Collection at Brown University
Also check out other Arts events in Ridgefield, Fine Arts events in Ridgefield.
