**Title: Exploring the ‘Their Kindred Earth’ Virtual Lecture Series**
**Synopsis:**
The Florence Griswold Museum’s ‘Their Kindred Earth’ virtual lecture series offers a powerful exploration of Connecticut’s historical and cultural landscapes through a diverse array of perspectives. This series delves into the complex narratives and legacies of race and enslavement, underscored by a commitment to more inclusive storytelling.
A standout session, **”Connecticut & Color: Little Known Stories of the Black Experience in Connecticut”** by John Mills, highlights the personal and historical implications of his family’s journey from enslavement. Mills not only shares his genealogical research and insights but also sheds light on community initiatives aimed at acknowledging past injustices and celebrating the contributions of Black individuals in Connecticut. This lecture is an essential part of understanding the broader Black experience within the state and provides a platform for continued dialogue and awareness.
Another key session is **”Learning to See: Connecticut’s Landscape of Captivity”** by Anne Farrow. This lecture provides a detailed examination of Connecticut’s economic entanglements with slavery, uncovering the often-overlooked aspects of the state’s historical complicity. Farrow draws upon her extensive research, beginning with a journalistic assignment that eventually led to the publication of two influential books on the topic. Her presentation challenges attendees to reevaluate preconceived narratives about slavery in the Northern United States, emphasizing the socio-economic underpinnings that have shaped present realities.
Overall, the “Their Kindred Earth” series is enriched by the contributions of historians, scholars, and artists like William Earle Williams, whose photographic exhibition accompanies the lectures, further illustrating moments of history and memory tied to Connecticut’s landscape of captivity. Each lecture invites attendees to engage critically with history and its ongoing impact, underscoring the importance of remembering and recontextualizing the past to inform a more equitable future.
The series is supported by numerous organizations, including CT Humanities, HSB, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, and others, reinforcing its educational and cultural significance. Tickets are affordably priced, with discounts available for members, ensuring accessibility for all interested in these vital conversations. For those unable to attend live, recorded sessions are available, ensuring flexibility for participants.
By digging deep into Connecticut’s intertwined narratives, **’Their Kindred Earth’** prompts a reconnection with our shared heritage and highlights the continued relevance of historical inquiry in addressing modern societal issues.