Visit These Historical Sites In or Near Hartford for Black History Month
Visit These Historical Sites In or Near Hartford for Black History Month
Black History Month offers an ideal time to learn more about the history and culture of the Black community in the U.S. Middletown residents can easily travel to several important sites located in or near Hartford. There are also places to visit in or near New Haven. The following are some places to consider visiting in honor of Black History Month.
Amistad Center for Art and Culture
Explore the connection between music and the fight for civil rights. The Amistad Center for Art and Culture in Hartford hosts an online event. This event celebrates Black musicians who have had an impact on the fight for social justice. This virtual event is called "Music and the Movement: The Story of Black Music and Social Justice in America." It takes place online on Tuesday, February 23rd at 6pm. You can also watch a panel discussion featuring the Executive Director of the Amistad Center and other speakers.
Amistad Lecture Series
Learn more about how the fight for equality continues today. Central Connecticut State University offers an online lecture on Tuesday, February 23rd from 4:30 to 7pm. This lecture is called “The Amistad and the Struggle Against Injustice in the 21st Century.” Professors from Seton Hall and Loyola University will be the featured speakers. Chicago artists, including storytellers, will also be at this virtual event.
Witness Stones Project
Head outdoors to search for brass plaques that are part of the Witness Stones Project in West Hartford. These plaques are placed on sidewalks around West Hartford. They show where enslaved individuals once lived. Local students and teachers began researching this part of the town’s history in 2018. They have continued to do so over the past few years. You can also view the research documents used for this project online. This can help you learn more about the history of the Black community in West Hartford. The project's organizers will also begin offering virtual community workshops in March. You can gain even more knowledge about the town's history from these workshops.
29th Colored Regiment Monument
Spend an afternoon at Criscuolo Park in New Haven. You can take in views of the Mill River and Quinnipiac River and explore Civil War history. The park's 29th Colored Regiment Monument pays tribute to the first Black regiment in Connecticut. These Union troops fought battles in Richmond, VA during the Civil War. They were present when President Lincoln declared the end of the war as well. Designed by Ed Hamilton, the monument has been in the park since 2008. After visiting this memorial, you can head to downtown New Haven to see another of Hamilton’s creations. The downtown monument is known as the Amistad Memorial.
When you live at Northwoods, you don’t have to go far to see these sites. Our apartments in Middletown are close to Hartford. We're also located near New Haven. Contact us to get more details about our community.