Connecticut’s Old State House Commemorates Amistad Trials Along with Visit from Historic Schooner

Hartford, Conn. – The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House welcomes the reproduction schooner Amistad to Hartford with a special program on Friday, September 17 from 4-6:30 p.m. commemorating the anniversary of the famous trials held there.

Fifty-three kidnapped Africans rebelled against their captors at sea on the original Amistad and continued their fight for freedom through trials that began in the Old State House courtroom. This is the first time in 20 years that the reproduction ship and the Old State House have been united in Hartford to tell this story. Starting on September 17, 1839, told their story, proclaimed their legal freedom, and defended their actions during the Amistad rebellion. In the course of the Old State House trials, piracy and murder charges against the Africans were dropped and the focus of the case became the status of the captured Africans’ freedom.

The commemorative program will feature a performance by renowned living history actor, Tammy Denease, remarks about the trial, and live music from The Voices of Hartford. This program is being held in conjunction with Discovering Amistad and Faith Congregational Church as part of the Amistad Journey to Freedom. Come early and take a tour of the Amistad, which will be moored in Hartford at Riverfront Plaza for most of the month of September.

The program will also be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Located in historic downtown Hartford at 800 Main St., Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. For more information about Connecticut’s Old State House, virtual school programs, and upcoming online and in-person events, follow Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit the museum’s website at ctoldstatehouse.org.

The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) inspires people of all ages to engage in civic life and strengthen their communities. We envision a society where everyone is empowered to participate in our democracy. Learn more about CTDC and its programs at CTDemocracyCenter.org.

For more information on the Amistad Journey to Freedom, contact Paula Mann-Agnew, Executive Director of Discovering Amistad – pmann-agnew@discoveringamistad.org or Mara Siladi – maras314@gmail.com.
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