Venture Smith-The Struggle For Freedom in Connecticut

The Life of Venture Smith
Life of a Connecticut Slave

Day I 

Read the summary of "Slavery in Connecticut" and review the timeline.  Have a class discussion of the African American experience in colonial Connecticut.

Day 2

1. Tale a moment to write down your definition of slavery.  As a class come to a consensus an list the elements or components of slavery on the board.

2. Make a T-Chart in your notebook titled "Slavery in Connecticut" on one side, leaving plenty of room between each element.

3. Read alone or with you teacher "A Narrative of The Life and Adventures of Venture Smith" and look for evidence of slavery as you as a class have defined it.  When you have found an event that corresponds to one of the listed elements of slavery, quote the Narrative, writing page number and corresponding line (s) on the right hand side of the T-Chart.

OR

Complete this Teacher's Domain leson plan on From Slavery to Freedom in Colonial Times.

Day 3

Discussion Questions:
1. Did slavery exist in Connecticut in the colonial period?
2. What was the African American experience in colonial Connecticut?
3. How can primary source documents help us to better understand history?

Slave Ads and 

Slave Life in Connecticut

Day 4


Advertisements offering rewards for capturing runaway slaves was a common sight in Colonial Connecticut newspapers.  Through these ads we can learn a great deal about everyday life for these enslaved people.  

1. In groups of four, analyze one of these "Connecticut Slave Sale Ads" or "Runaway Slave Ads" published in Connecticut newspapers.  As you are reading, brainstorm any and all observations and questions you might have.  Have a recorder in the group write down you group's observations and questions.

2. Have a class discussion about what we can learn about the daily lives of Connecticut slaves.  How did they dress?  What sort of work did they do?

The Living Consequences: Connecticut Apologizes for Slavery
Resolution Expressing The Profound Regret of The General Assembly

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!