Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

🪶 Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story


I have decided to write a children’s book—because some stories are too important to wait until we’re grown to hear them. This one has lived in my heart for years, passed down through generations, whispered in family stories, and rooted in the soil of a forgotten village that shaped who I am.

Now FREE to Read Online—Because This History Belongs to All of Us.

Some stories are too important to keep behind closed doors.

Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is one of those stories—a legacy of resilience, erasure, and reclamation that shaped my family, and echoes through the roots of this country.

That’s why I’ve made the full book available to read online, free of charge. Because this isn’t just my history. It’s ours.

🌿 What Is the Barkhamsted Light House Village?

Hidden deep in the woods of Connecticut, the Barkhamsted Light House Village was home to a multiracial, multicultural community of Native, African, and European descent.

These families—Chagum (Chaugum/Chaugham), Barber, Freeman, Wilson, and others—lived together in defiance of the rigid racial and social boundaries of their time.

They were labeled “outcasts.” But they were builders, farmers, protectors, and storytellers. They were my ancestors.

📖 Why I Wrote This Book

As a genealogist and historical researcher, I’ve spent decades tracing the truth of my lineage. What I found in the Light House Village wasn’t just a forgotten settlement—it was a foundation. A place where dignity, identity, and community thrived despite systemic erasure. But their story had been distorted, dismissed, or buried.

So I wrote this book to set the record straight—not just for my family, but for every family whose truth has been silenced.This is a true American story. And it deserves to be known.

💻 Read It Now, Share It Freely

You can read the full book online, right now, for free:

👉 https://bit.ly/4oRdUDw

Whether you’re a descendant, a history lover, or someone seeking deeper understanding of America’s hidden past, I invite you to explore this story—and share it. Because healing begins with truth. And truth belongs to everyone.

🔍 What You’ll Discover – Meticulous research drawn from land deeds, court records, oral traditions, and archaeology – Personal reflections on legacy, identity, and reclamation – Illustrations that bring the village to life – A call to action to honor erased histories and uplift living descendants.

💔 Why It Still Matters

In a time when history is contested and truth is politicized, this story reminds us: the past is not gone. It lives in us. And we have a responsibility to carry it forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.

The Barkhamsted Light House Village may have been erased from maps—but not from memory. And now, through this book, it stands again.

🌿 In honor of those who came before, and for those still finding their way— To my ancestors: I see you.

📌 A Note About Access

At this time, Barkhamsted Light House Village: A True American Story is available to read online only. I haven’t yet figured out how to make personal copies available for purchase—and truthfully, this isn’t about money for me. It’s about truth. Legacy. And love.

I wrote this book to honor my ancestors and share their story freely with anyone who needs it. When the time comes to offer printed copies, I’ll make sure they’re accessible to all. Until then, I invite you to read, reflect, and share the online version with anyone who might find healing or connection in its pages.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

🪶 Coni Dubois

Descendant of the Light House Village – Keeper of Stories

Genealogist • Author • Legacy Advocate

Posted in Coni Dubois, Ken Feder

100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest Oct 6th, 2024


Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut is home to three of the state’s designated State Archaeological Preserves. Ken Feder directed the excavation of two: the metaphorically named Lighthouse community and the 2,850-year-old Walter Landgraf Soapstone Quarry.

On Sunday, October 6th, at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted, FALPS and the State of Connecticut celebrated the true essence of the “Peoples” State Forest. Attendees delved into its founding, participated in forest-related activities, watched oxen pull logs to a portable sawmill and observed the loggers milling the wood. They enjoyed a chain carving contest and witnessed dignitaries plant a ceremonial tree, among many other engaging events.

Both Robert Starr and Ken Feder remarked that it was a splendid day filled with beauty and history.

FALPS : FALPS is a group that works diligently and tirelessly to improve our forests, keep the trails clear, build bog bridges and boardwalks and fun year-round hikes and events to benefit those who visit the area.

Note: I’ll add any newspaper article links or photos of the event as they come in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the event, but I can’t wait to see all the photos taken.

CT Visit & ct.org

L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder &
Light House Descendant Robert Starr
Photo credit: Ken Feder
L2R: Ken Feder & Ginny Apple
L2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert Starr
Ken Feder Photo credit: Robert Starr
Display by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site)
Photo credit: Robert Starr
Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

Interested in checking out my YouTube channel? I’d love for you to take a look!


Photo AI created/generated @conidubois

To view:

Coni Dubois YouTube Channel

As I prepare for the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering, which marks its 10th year since its inception, I am also revamping and modernizing my various social media channels. My goal is to streamline all of my content and make it easily accessible. Additionally, I am working on creating new research materials for the upcoming occasion.

With that said, I have tons to share and more stories to tell and looking forward to catching up with everyone.

🤗 Coni

Posted in Coni Dubois

🚨 Calling all Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village People


  Mark your calendars for October 5th and 6th, 2024 because it’s going to be a celebration like no other! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest and we want all descendants to be a part of it. Whether you can make it or not, you are welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s going to be an unforgettable event!

Note: Map Date 6/18/2009 (need newer version)

Sunday, October 6th, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the State of Connecticut in celebrating what truly is the “Peoples” State Forest. Learn about its founding, watch and participate in various forest-related activities, see Oxen pull logs up to a portable saw mill and watch the loggers mill the wood, watch a chain carving contest, join dignitaries in planting a ceremonial tree and much more. Free and open to all.

Hi everyone 👋

The Barkhamsted Light House Village has been experiencing a lot of great things lately and I am excited to announce an upcoming event that everyone should know about. Although I am not certain if I can attend (it is marked on my calendar as a possibility), I am considering organizing a virtual alternative for event if not going to make it. I hope many will plan to attend this amazing event.

Help Us Celebrate 100 Years!

Barkhamsted forest group receives funding for film, study – By Emily M. Olson, Staff Writer – Oct 31, 2023

_________________________________________

Couple messages sent to family on event:

1. Via Facebook Messenger from Ginny Apple to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni. Hope you’re doing well. I don’t know if you know it or not, but the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests are, in concert with DEEP, planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Peoples State Forest on October 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest. 

We believe a presence of the Lighthouse Community family would be an important addition to the event.

We have planted around 60 trees already, in Celebration, and will be joined by the Governor and the DEEP Commissioner for a ceremonial tree planting.

We hope that you’ll be able to come and, as such an important part of the history of the Forest, it would be a major presence for us.

Hope all is well. 

Thanks, 

Ginny

________________________________________________

2. Via email from Paul Hart to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni-

Hope all is well with you.  I just wanted to let you know that we are planning for a big celebration for the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest.  Peoples was dedicated on October 4, 1924. They had a huge event with thousands of people attending back then.  Our plans are coming together for a two day celebration: on Saturday evening, October 5 we will have a kickoff gathering, and then on Sunday October 6 during the day, we are going to have a bunch of programs, exhibits and displays recognizing this important birthday of Peoples Forest, which is a resource much appreciated by the community here.  This will all take place in the Matthies Area (more or less across from Squire’s Tavern).

 Let me know your thoughts and wish you the best.

Paul Hart

Barkhamsted Historical Society

_______________________________________

Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗

Posted in Coni Dubois

Barkhamsted Lighth ouse Threw It’s Beams Afar


Hello everyone! With the 2nd Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering of July 2025 on the horizon, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information and historical context, so in the coming year I will be posting some of the Barkhamsted Light House Village story for you via research/documents/photos/newspaper articles… Etc.

The Springfield Daily Republican

Springfield, Massachusetts · Sunday, June 24, 1923

Newspapers.com

Posted in Sherry Lyn Carsten

Reclaiming our Native American Culture…


I have known my whole life that my maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry. When I was a teenager my US History teacher gave us some extra credit work of creating a family tree. So I went to my grandmother and asked her to share what she knew.

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Ruth Ann, Edith and Sherry (unknown date)

Her grandfather was Frederick Roy Webster. And he claimed to be the grandson of an Indian Chief in a newspaper article about their wedding anniversary as well as his obituary. He was the son of Solomon “Ol Sol” Webster and Mary Wilson (Though his death certificate states his mother was Sarah Charugn, which is completely wrong). As stated in a previous blog, Solomon was the son of Montgumery “Gum” Webster of Mehegan descent. Mary Wilson was the daughter of William P. Wilson Jr and Harriet Wilson. William was the grandson of James Chagum (of Narragansett descent) and Molly/Mary Barber, of the Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, Connecticut.

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Fred Webster Family
(I got the photo from my grandmother Edith Webster Lash (daughter of Bert), she told me that this was her father’s family on the day of her mother’s funeral (July 1921) it was with other photos of Berts girls with their cousins, Nora’s daughters. Grandma had all the names right except for Almo & Bryon Judson Price, I sent this photo to Onalee Ordiway Potter (Byron’s granddaughter) & she named the people. Also the date on the photo says “OCT 56” this can’t be, since both Mary & Fred Webster died in 1942)

…Some in Michigan are Living…

Calling me back “home,” beckoning me is a little piece of land. Ironically it is called Barkhamsted Lighthouse. I ponder the inhabitants of the Lighthouse “Tribe” even thought what it’s name would mean to those coming after them. To me it is a beacon deep in my heart. A passion that was my mother’s and my grandmother’s to stand where the Websters & Chagum’s once stood. To see the old cemetery & foundations of the homes, that are barely noticed today. To somehow feel their presence from the past. To visit the town’s Historical Society and Records vault, to find my ancestors name in some forgotten record.

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Photo from The Legend of Barkhamsted Light House, by Lewis Sprauge Mills, (Lewis Sprauge Mill, publisher. Barkhamsted, CT).

In Lewis S. Mills book, “The Legend of the Barkhamsted Light House” page 93 he writes…

“Molly Barber and James Chaugham
Dead and Buried-gone forever:
Scattered now are their descendants.
Some are in the Town of Woodbury
Busy digging graves and hunting;
Some in Riverton and Colebrook
Some in Harwinton and Winsted,
Some in Michigan are living.

… Generations speeding onward
In an ever widening circle,
Carry far the blood of Chaugham
And his spouse, brave Molly Barber…”

My family are part of that “…SOME IN MICHIGAN ARE LIVING….”

During my childhood my mom and my grandma always tried to find out more about our ancestors and our culture. We went to a couple of Pow-Wow’s here in Saginaw area of Michigan and I was mesmerized by the drums and dancers. When I was older some Native American singers called Rain Song came to the church we were attending and played. That is where I came up with the name to my blog “Echo’s of Lost Footprints.”

Fred & Mary’s marriage record below…

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I found a quote somewhere on the web that I wrote down, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave!” I believe this is a call to arms for me. I believe it’s the echo’s of my ancestors that are calling out for me to find them & learn about the “tracks” they left for me to find. Also, it’s a challenge for us, to leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren & beyond… a legacy of purity, wholesomeness of heart & bravery.

In March our local library was part of the One Book Shiawassee, is a Community Read effort with the goal to invite Shiawassee County residents to collectively read the same book at the same time. We read FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, and I got to see/hear her at an authors event hosted by One Book Shiawassee.

Some other events were the Deer Hide bracelet craft with Reg Pettibone, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he shared with those attending about deer and the cultural significance to village life and Native American culture. And later Reg, along with his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, & their daughters presented a unique and engaging cultural performance that amazes, entertains and educates. Reg, draws on his traditional upbringing to provide the audience with a better understanding of true native culture through dance, song, stories and audience participation. Here are some photos I took during these events.

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Here is my daughter, Shelbi with Reg Pettibone after the Deer Hide Bracelet Craft event (I didn’t realize his eyes were shut). She was so proud to learn about the Native culture. My ancestors were Mohegan and Narragansett, so things would be different with some similarities.

Logos above are the Narragansett & Mohegan Tribes logos.

Much Love from Michigan, Sherry Lyn

Posted in Coni Dubois

Connecticut Public Radio: Series on Connecticut Slavery


Got an email from Liz Lightfoot I wanted to share:

Via Liz: (Witness Stones Project)
On that note, I wanted to mention that all this week Connecticut Public Radio has been doing a series on Connecticut slavery. Today’s final episode of the series, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery, focuses specifically on how students have responded to doing Il Witness Stones Project. As you will see, Dennis Culliton (WS founder/executive director), Joy Burns (WS director of outreach), and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond (poet, my former teaching colleague/WS collaborator) are featured, as are several remarkable students. Hopefully you’ll get a sense of what this experience meant to the students and how deeply they engaged…

If you’re interested, here is the full CT Public series: https://www.ctpublic.org/2024-03-15/slavery-north-connecticut-new-england-students-history.

All best,
Liz 

(Note) Here are 2 link for you if above link doesn’t work:

1. https://www.pbs.org/video/historical-examination

2. https://www.pbs.org/show/unforgotten-connecticuts-hidden-history-of-slavery/

Posted in Coni Dubois

Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village is now a part of the Witness Stones Project


The Witness Stones Project is a non-profit educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.

  • In Sept 2023 I was contacted by Historian Paul Hart of Barkhamsted Historical Society about the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village being featured in one of the Witness Stone projects.
  • Paul Hart was in touch with one of the project leaders and included them in our email correspondence. Shortly after, I received a message from Laura McCarthy Ed.D., the Director of the Academic Success Center. Having recently visited the Lighthouse site, she expressed interest in learning more about the village and its inhabitants. She asked if I would be willing to assist with the project. Without hesitation, I gladly agreed to help in any capacity needed.

The Witness Stones Project is a critical necessity for our country. The effort is not critical solely because it restores the humanity that was stolen from the enslaved. It is critical because it can change a student’s empathetic orientation to the hard facts of our country’s past. It is critical because we need a truthful telling of America’s history that acknowledges the contributions of all Americans.

Our history is not without pain. Neither is our present. Nor will our future be unless we own our history and grow from it together. Our real history is our children’s right. It is their legacy. And it must be their truth. And if we do this right, the ability to discuss, understand, acknowledge, and reconcile our collective history will be our children’s power.”

Pat Wilson Pheanious, JD, MSW
Chair of the Board of Directors
Witness Stones Project, Inc.

Follow this link to view the article on one of their projects: https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/New-Haven-Witness-Stone-brings-former-enslaved-16220702.php

Their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Hey there, we’re all about diversity, equity, and inclusion! It’s super important to us that everyone feels valued and respected, no matter who they are. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where all voices are heard and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together to make our community awesome for everyone!

The Witness Stones Project’s purpose is to uncover, restore, and honor the history and humanity of enslaved individuals.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion must be at the center of how we think and act in order to fulfill that mission.

We value the diversity of the students, educators, parents and families, communities, staff and board members, and funders, and we recognize how each stakeholder contributes to the development of the organization in unique, impactful ways.

We seek to create equitable access to our curriculum and program resources, along with opportunities within and in partnership with the organization.

We prioritize creating spaces where all are recognized, honored, and welcomed.

Approved by the Board of Directors, 2022.

  • On Sept 13th 2023 they accepted us as one of their projects (super exciting) and started with plans to move forward with project.

Laura McCarty emailed me the rundown of activities:

  1. The Witness Stone Project: We will be following the curriculum of The Witness Stones Project to commemorate the life of those who were enslaved in Connecticut. We’ve chosen to commemorate the life of James Chaugham, as he was enslaved in Rhode Island. https://witnessstonesproject.org/ We will produce two pieces to commemorate James Chaugham’s life, a book and a ceremony. The ceremony will be held in April/May and we will host and event to share our learning’s about his life, share our reflections, and lay a Witness Stone.
  2. The students participating in the project: the students who will be going through this project are from a few different Northwestern Connecticut Community College groups—Team Success Scholars, History Association, and Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for two-year colleges). The majority of students will be from Team Success Scholars. The Team Success Scholars program has to do Community Action Projects, which is affiliated with Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. Two of the students will be going to Oxford University to talk about their work on the Lighthouse Community in March, 2024.
    1. One group of students will be looking at the genealogy of the Lighthouse Community. I am asking this group to interview three descendants on their connection to the Lighthouse Community. I am hoping that you would help us with this!
  3. Troutbeck Symposium: The Troutbeck Symposium is the culmination of local history project-based education. This symposium is held the historic Troutbeck Inn, which was the site of two critical meetings of the NAACP. The symposium will be held April 28-30th. Here is a website that hosts the work that has been done to this point: https://coloringourpast.org/

We are kicking off our year tomorrow with a tour of the Lighthouse Community. The WitnessStones Project will share a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut on Sept. 28th, and then the students will be broken into their workgroups to make the plans. They will present their workplans on October 13th at Quinnipiac University. This presentation is part of the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights work. 

Thanks! Laura

Email via Laura McCarthy: The students and I toured the Lighthouse Community yesterday to give them a sense of this project. On September 28th from 12:30-1:45pm, we are having Liz Lightfoot from The WitnessStones Project give a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut.  This will be in Founders Hall Auditorium and is open to the public. You are welcome to join. This initial work is laying the foundation for the students to conceptualize the life and times of James Chaugham. 

Thank you for your assistance! Laura

  • I was overjoyed to discover that the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village archaeologist and author Kenneth (Ken) Feder was also participating in the project.

Ken is also the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project which studies the prehistory of the region in northwest Connecticut and author of books on that of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.

  • I donated my research & genealogy book I have been working on – of the Lighthouse People. Sent them several files to help the students.
  • It was at this time, that I was also introduced via email to Liz Lightfoot (Director of Operations – Witness Stones Project), Dennis Culliton (Witness Stones Project), Jessie DePonte and team.

On Oct 23rd 2023 I received an update via email from Laura McCarty

Hi Everyone! 

Thank you all for your support with the Lighthouse Project. I feel like we are officially launched. Our students have a firm understanding of the project and its parameters. On October 13th, they presented the project at the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. It was a real delight to see them be able to communicate the project and its importance to faculty from Oxford University, Quinnipiac University, Bridgewater State University, and Sonoma State University. 

We have broken the students into teams—Genealogy, Narrative Writing, and Social Media. We will begin meeting with these teams to launch their individual work in the next two weeks. The students’ goal is to produce a documentary film, with assistance from Ben Willis. Ben is funded through the Troutbeck Symposium and is free to us! We have begun a repository for film documenting our work…. We have aspirations for a social media presents and a book. Of course, all of this will conclude in May with a placing of a WitnessStone in James Chaughum’s memory. 

The leads for these projects are: Genealogy—Jessie DePonte, Narrative Writing—Todd Bryda and Laura McCarthy, and Social Media/Event—Maggie Sullivan. We will be reaching out to Liz and Coni for research support with the students’ work. Coni, thank you for your years of dedication to documentation and researching your family. These connections and documents are impressive! Thanks to all your work, I easily located another descendant, who is a former student of mine, Jess Tessman! I worked closely with Jess when she was a student here and having her involved makes this project so much more significant to me personally. 

I will be attending a presentation by Kenny Feder on Sunday at the American Indian Studies Institute in Washington, CT. Mr. Feder did the monumental archeological work of uncovering the remains of the Lighthouse Community. 

Thanks! Laura

  • Email from Liz Lightfoot 0n Oct 26, 2023:

Hi again, Coni. I just wanted to say again how terrific it was to speak with you, how grateful we are for your remarkable research and your generosity in sharing it, and how much I admire you for devoting so many years (and so much love) to this important work. What an extraordinary job you do – it’s truly inspiring and vitally important! 

All best, Liz

  • Sometime in November 2023 Ken Feder and I had a video conference with the students.
  • Feb 2024 I receive an email from Liz Lightfoot:

Coni, your research was beyond helpful! What a phenomenal job you have done, and clearly it’s been a labor of love. I’m so excited to see what the students come up with. 

Thank you all for helping me learn about this fascinating man and his family. It’s a story everyone should know.

All best, Liz

  • Upcoming: I will be Zooming with students this week to answer questions they have prepared for me~
    • “I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of this incredible project and its team. Collaborating with the entire team has been an amazing experience and I am eagerly anticipating the final results from the project’s students.

My final thoughts,

It is crucial to share the entire story, holding nothing back. By allowing others to follow the Barkhamsted Lighthouse narrative, we can present a fresh perspective to younger generations. Witnessing their unique viewpoint on this piece of history will undoubtedly be intriguing. Let’s not shy away from the truth and embrace the opportunity to educate and inspire the future.
Coni Dubois

  • We’re currently in the process of finalizing the times and dates for the placement of the Witness Stone at Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. As soon as they are confirmed, we will make sure to keep everyone informed.
  • Thank you for your patience.

Books by Ken Feder via Wikipedia

  1. Feder, Kenneth (1998). Lessons From the Past: An Introductory Reader in Archaeology. McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. ISBN978-0-7674-0453-2.
  2. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Michael Alan Park (1989). Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-0-87484-828-1.
  3. Feder, Kenneth (2019). Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology 10th edition. Oxford University Press Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. ISBN978-0190096410.
  4. Feder, Kenneth (1993). A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-55934-255-1. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – David A. Poirier (2001). Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology. Bergin & Garvey. ISBN978-0-89789-801-0.
  5. Feder, Kenneth (2006). Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory. Mcgraw-Hill College. ISBN978-0-07-310770-7.
  6. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Michael Park (2006). Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology. McGraw-Hill. ISBN978-0-07-304196-4. Feder, Kenneth (2007). Linking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology. Oxford University Press. ISBN978-0-19-533117-2.
  7. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Thomas R. Hester; Coauthor – Harry J. Shafer (2009). Field Methods in Archaeology, 7th Edition. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-59874-428-6.
  8. Feder, Kenneth (2010). Encyclopedia of Dubious Archaeology: From Atlantis to the Walam Olum. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN978-0-313-37918-5.
  9. Feder, Kenneth (2016). Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites to See for Yourself. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN978-1-4422-6312-3.
  10. Feder, Kenneth (2023). Native American Archaeology in the Parks: A Guide to Heritage Sites in Our National Parks and Monuments. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN978-1-5381-4586-9.
  11. Feder, Kenneth L. (2023). The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN978-1-5381-8085-3.
Posted in Coni Dubois

2025 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering


Hello everyone!
I am pleased to announce that I am back to conducting research after a long hiatus. Due to a year of illness, I took a break from the internet and my research. My main focus has been on recovering, and I am happy to report that I am finally feeling like myself again and in good health.

With that being said, it’s time to start planning our 2025 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Gathering! I hope to see many of you there, and now is the time to request your time off from work. The gathering will take place on the weekend of July 4th, 2025 at the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Archaeological Preserve in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. The event is set on Facebook (make sure to let us know if planning on attending via event page in link)

If you are not on the descent list, please contact me to be included. I will be confirming all descendants and issuing descendant cards at a cost of $30 each. This fee covers the production costs, and the remaining funds will be used for the gathering in 2025.

I am in need of a team in Connecticut to assist with organizing and setting up the event, as I currently reside in Louisiana. Additionally, my cousin Veronica Lee Hawkins and I are looking for an Airbnb to rent for the weekend in 2025. If anyone knows of one that will be available, please let me know so we can secure it.

Furthermore, I will be creating a Barkhamsted Lighthouse Newsletter to keep everyone informed of all the events and activities planned for the gathering. For now, you can find info on BLVD Association & download the descendant’s packet at: https://conidubois.com/111-2/association/

Links for 2025 Event

Facebook Group: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village

Facebook Messenger: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering Chat Room

Stay tuned for more updates and I am excited to get to see all of you in 2025!

2015 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering
Descendants Cards
Posted in Coni Dubois

“Love Beyond Boundaries: The Inspiring Tale of Molly Barbour and James Chagum in Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village”


In Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Connecticut in the 1800s, lived a remarkable couple named Molly Barbour and James Chagum. Molly, a spirited white woman, defied societal norms of the time and married James, a proud Indian man. Together, they embarked on a journey that would shape their lives and touch the hearts of the entire village.

Molly and James were blessed with seven children, each embodying the unique blend of cultures that their parents represented. The family’s home, a symbol of their love and unity, stood tall amidst the rolling hills, its light shining brightly as a beacon of acceptance and understanding.

Despite the challenges they faced, Molly and James persevered, teaching their children the values of compassion, tolerance, and the importance of embracing one’s heritage. The village, initially skeptical of this unconventional union, gradually came to admire the couple’s unwavering love and the beautiful family they had created.

Molly, with her gentle nature and nurturing spirit, became an advocate for harmony between different communities. She organized cultural exchanges, inviting people from all walks of life to the village to share stories, traditions, and experiences. Through these gatherings, prejudices were shattered, and friendships were forged, fostering a sense of unity and respect among the villagers.

James, on the other hand, shared his deep connection to nature and taught his children the wisdom of the land. They would spend hours exploring the nearby forests, learning about medicinal herbs, and understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The family’s bond with nature became a source of inspiration for the entire village, instilling a profound appreciation for the environment.

As the years passed, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village flourished, becoming a symbol of hope and harmony in a world often divided by ignorance and fear. Molly and James’s children grew into compassionate individuals, each contributing to their community in their unique ways.

Their eldest son, Solomon, became a respected storyteller, preserving the rich history and traditions of both cultures. Their daughter, Hannah, followed in Molly’s footsteps, working tirelessly to promote education and equality for all. The other children, too, found their callings, from art to agriculture, each leaving a lasting impact on the village and all who knew them.

Molly and James lived their lives with grace and dignity, their love for each other and their children serving as a testament to the power of acceptance and understanding. Their legacy echoed through the generations, reminding the villagers of the transformative power of unity and the beauty that lies in embracing diversity.

In the embrace of Barkhamsted Lighthouse House Village, the barriers of race and culture were transcended, allowing the human spirit to thrive. Molly and James, forever remembered as pioneers of love and acceptance, left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew them, forever illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.