The CT Historical Society: The Amistad & Slavery in Connecticut

Today the Project:LUCID students went to visit the Connecticut Historical Society and Museum.  The students participated in a hands-on activity that helped bring alive the experience of Slavery in Connecticut.  The students read slave advertisements and discussed what can be learned about the life of the runaway slaves written about in the advertisements.

Next the students learned about journey from Africa to America aboard a slave ships by discussing their reaction to excerpts from the narrative of Olaudah Equiano's.  They also participated in a hands-on simulation that allowed them to "experience" the cramped conditions on a slave ship.

The highlight of the day was the multimedia "Amistad" Exhibit.  There the Project:LUCID students experienced the story of Cinque and his fellow Africans who revolted against their Spanish captors aboard the slave ship "The Amistad" and fought to return home to their native Sierra Leone.  The story of Cinque and his fellow Africans struggle for freedom is a part of Connecticut history as the trial of the Africans takes place in New Haven and Hartford.  Ultimately, the Africans are found to be free men by the US Supreme Court and allowed to return to their homeland.

The group very much enjoyed the day and we look forward to our next face to face in April!