Historical Society Lecture Shows How History Can Be Reclaimed and Interpreted through Newport’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Zoom Lecture on Newport’s Slave Trade Kicks off Historical Society’s Partnership with
Witness Stones ProjectMarch 16  6- 7pm

Cemeteries are largely seen as final resting places – an end. But God’s Little Acre, a Colonial African burying ground in Newport, Rhode Island is the beginning point to a rich cultural tapestry that is Newport’s African and African American history. Recognized as the oldest and largest existing enslaved and free African heritage burying ground in America dating back to 1705, the historic site contains the remains of men, women and children who are directly connected through the African Diaspora and back to West Africa.

Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group, and a descendant of a family buried at God’s Little Acre, will lead a discussion of the colonial African community, and the contributions many have made to the development of Newport. Through research and primary source documents related to people buried at God’s Little Acre, he will show how this unique history can be reclaimed and interpreted for today’s audiences.

The lecture is part of a series of events designed to shine a light on the history, humanity and contributions of enslaved individuals who resided in Greenwich as early as the 1600s through the Historical Society’s partnership with Witness Stones Project. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information and to reserve, click here.

Founded in 2019, the Witness Stone initiative seeks to teach school-age children about enslaved persons using primary sources like deeds, wills, and letters. The program culminates in the installation of a marker in the vicinity of where the person lived or worked. Greenwich is the fourth Connecticut town following Guilford, Madison, and West Hartford to place memorials with the Witness Stones Project.

 

 

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Submitted by Cos Cob, CT

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