THIS CAPTIVATING, EXTENSIVELY RESEARCHED BOOK…
places 19th century Essex and the Connecticut River Valley at the center of America's early economic story. The main narrative is the personal journey of Amelia and Henry Champlin, whose deep faith, love of family, and commercial determination guided them through the opportunities and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.
PRE-ORDER NOWBook release on November 17th, 2026
As the new nation found its place in the global economy, the extraordinary rise of New York as America's biggest port created new avenues for trade, commerce, and prosperity. Through the Champlin’s experiences, readers will discover how seafaring families in Essex and throughout the Connecticut River Valley were connected to a vast maritime trade network stretching from New England to New York, the nation’s Southern ports, Great Britain, France, and beyond. Henry and Amelia's story highlights their ambition and enterprise, as well as the devotion and resilience that sustained them while building a future together.
BY WEAVING AN INTIMATE FAMILY NARRATIVE…
into larger historical events and the forces of economic change, the book illuminates a largely forgotten chapter of American history. Faith and Fortune is both a compelling personal story and a vivid account of the family ties, beliefs and community traditions that helped connect a young nation to an expanding world of commerce and opportunity.
MEET THE AUTHORS
GEOFFREY PAUL
is a native of Essex, Connecticut, whose lifelong passion for local history has inspired decades of research into the people, places, and events that shaped the Connecticut River Valley. His discoveries of long-forgotten archives and historically significant artifacts have expanded the understanding of Connecticut’s maritime past, with pieces from his collection now housed in leading museums. Geoffrey lives in the former home of Captain Henry and Amelia Champlin, where his ongoing research continues to uncover new chapters of American history.
STEVEN UJIFUSA
is an award-winning historian and author whose work explores America’s maritime, business, and social history. His acclaimed books have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and National Public Radio. A recipient of the Washington Irving Award for Literary Excellence, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction, and a MacDowell artist residency, Steven is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Pennsylvania and lives with his family in Philadelphia.
PRE-ORDER NOW
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY
Book release on November 17th, 2026
GET YOUR SIGNED COPY
Signed copies are available through the Griswold Inn store Goods & Curiosities located in Essex, CT.
Click the link below for more information.
LEARN MOREPaul Foundation Collection; Essex, Connecticut
Top left: Champlin Family Home Exterior. Top right: View of Essex, ca. 1850.
Bottom left: Henry Champlin in retirement and Amelia. Bottom right: The Devonshire.
BOOK TALK & MEDIA INQUIRIES
GET THE LATEST
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND NEWS SUBMIT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW
FULL WEBSITE COMING SOON
Faith & Fortune is a preservation and educational project of The Paul Foundation