Behind The Scenes Tour: Black History Beyond the Amistad at CMCH

This behind-the-scenes tour of our collections spaces will highlight items that tell the story of black Connecticans, both ordinary and extraordinary, from the 1600s to today.

You’ll learn about a Harlem Renaissance writer, Ann Petry, who carefully preserved artifacts chronicling the black community of Saybrook. Examine daguerreotypes by Augustus Washington, who abandoned a successful Hartford photography business to build a new nation in Africa. Browse through the photo album of a Hollywood actress who became a champion of labor rights for black entertainers. Marvel at the gorgeous costumes created by CT’s West Indian community for their annual MAS celebration. And get to know James Pennington, a hero of the anti-slavery movement whose words later became an inspiration for Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tours last approximately 1 hour and are appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Questions? Call (860) 236-5621×289 or email natalie_belanger@chs.org.

$10 for CMCH members, $15 for non-members. REGISTER ONLINE HERE.