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you can explore family friendly travel destinations in America, and plan a
journey to international travel destinations with weekly articles with photos.
Travel along the Connecticut Freedom Trail and you'll find 17 historic stops
which include buildings that were reported to have been used on the Underground
Railroad, sites associated with the Amistad case and gravesites, monuments,
homes and other structures that represent the movement towards African
American’s freedom.
The Amistad
Trail
The Amistad Trail encompasses numerous
sites across the state to follow the fascinating saga of rebellious slaves
defended and freed by former President John Quincy Adams, an event that
established the principle that all human beings are naturally free under
American law. New Haven is home to the Amistad Memorial at City Hall, a three
panel bronze sculpture that depicts the three phases of the Amistad Incident
and the New Haven Museum features, “Cinque Lives Here,” an exhibition that
showcases the largest collection of Amistad related artwork in the world.
Mystic Seaport, where the replica of the Amistad was built, will celebrate
Black History Month with weekend workshops exploring traditional African
instruments and dance. One session allows participants to make their own
instrument.
Those Who Have
Defended Freedom
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of
the famous anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” moved to Hartford in 1864
and lived there until her death in 1873. Her home is now operated as a museum
by the Harriet Beecher Stowe Visitor Center that also includes a research
library with collections focusing on 19th century literature with an emphasis
on race relations. Harriet Beecher Stowe is among many individuals who played a
vital role in the African American fight to establish freedom. Prudence
Crandall, Connecticut’s state female heroine, established the first school in
America to educate black women. Even though the school was open for less than
two years, (due to a violent attack on the house and frequent harassment)
Prudence Crandall’s efforts to provide equal education helped solidify
attitudes against slavery. Her home is now a National Historic Landmark and
museum in Canterbury that features changing exhibits, period furnishings and a
research library.
The late jazz great, Jackie McLean
and his wife Dolly made a huge impact on cultural life in Hartford. After a
recording career, McLean taught at the University of Hartford, setting up the
school’s African American Music Department (now called the Jackie McLean
Institute of Jazz) and, with Dolly, created the city’s renowned Artists’
Collective, an arts organization dedicated to preserving the art and culture of
the African diaspora. It continues to offer educational programs, performances
and instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual arts.
The Yale
University Collection of African Art
In New Haven, the Yale University
Collection of African Art is a must for anyone interested in the African roots
of American culture. The Yale University Collection of African Art features
over 1,000 objects in wood, ivory, metal, ceramics and other materials make it
one of the world’s most important collections. There are a number of
wonderful museums and historic sites in Connecticut where you can explore our
nation's historic past. Connecticut offers visitors a multi-faceted wealth of
attractions, historical, cultural and recreational activities, diverse and
beautiful natural landscapes, parks, beaches and wilderness sure to fulfill any
getaway need.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of
the famous anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” moved to Hartford in 1864
and lived there until her death in 1873. Her home is now operated as a museum
by the Harriet Beecher Stowe Visitor Center that also includes a research
library with collections focusing on 19th century literature with an emphasis
on race relations. Harriet Beecher Stowe is among many individuals who played a
vital role in the African American fight to establish freedom. Prudence
Crandall, Connecticut’s state female heroine, established the first school in
America to educate black women. Even though the school was open for less than
two years, (due to a violent attack on the house and frequent harassment)
Prudence Crandall’s efforts to provide equal education helped solidify
attitudes against slavery. Her home is now a National Historic Landmark and
museum in Canterbury that features changing exhibits, period furnishings and a
research library.
The late jazz great, Jackie McLean
and his wife Dolly made a huge impact on cultural life in Hartford. After a
recording career, McLean taught at the University of Hartford, setting up the
school’s African American Music Department (now called the Jackie McLean
Institute of Jazz) and, with Dolly, created the city’s renowned Artists’
Collective, an arts organization dedicated to preserving the art and culture of
the African diaspora. It continues to offer educational programs, performances
and instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual arts.