The Witness Stones Installation Ceremony took place on the Wooster School campus, organized by the 8th-grade team, on May 30, 2023. As part of their participation in the Witness Stones Project, the students had been delving into the intricate history of enslavement in Connecticut through their research.
The Witness Stones Project is a “K-12 educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities. The Project provides research assistance, teacher development, and curriculum support to help middle school students study the history of slavery in their own communities.”
Engaging with primary sources, the 8th grade students critically examined various aspects related to the treatment of enslaved individuals, including their agency and resistance against the practice of enslavement. In commemoration of Ned, a man who was enslaved in Redding Center and tragically lost his life during the 1777 raid of Danbury in the American Revolutionary War, the students organized a public ceremony and installed a Witness Stone on the Wooster campus. During the event, they shared more details about Ned's life, and the gathering included teachers, school administrators, parents, and community leaders.
A keynote address was delivered by John Mills, the President and Co-Founder of the Alex Breanne Corporation. This non-profit organization focuses on advocating for equity, conducting research, and promoting education in various domains.
To learn more, visit http://www.woosterschool.org/ or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.