It’s a history lesson many of us didn’t get in school: Slavery has deep roots in Connecticut and across New England. Enslaved people helped build the foundation of much of this state. Get to know some of these men and women and the lives they lived. Hear from descendants who reflect on their loved ones. And learn from historians and experts going on a journey of discovery to recover this history.
In this five-episode podcast from Connecticut Public, reporter/producer Diane Orson and editorial consultant and curator Frank Mitchell talk about efforts to shed light on this history and they explore why it matters.
Visit ctpublic.org/unforgotten to learn more, including videos, photos and digital stories.
Episodes premiere on Thursdays, starting on March 21.
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Experts, historians and volunteers have been uncovering Connecticut’s ties to slavery. It’s one thing to unearth this forgotten history, but how do we not forget it? Meet some of the people working with students to make sure that the stories of enslaved Connecticut residents endure.
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In our fourth episode, reporter/producer Diane Orson and editorial consultant and curator Frank Mitchell highlight how Sawney Freeman’s music challenges the way most people think about the lives of the enslaved.
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Venture Smith's story is the first published narrative by an enslaved person in the U.S. It’s also one of the few published narratives of slavery in New England. He describes his capture in Africa and life in Connecticut.
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Reporter/producer Diane Orson and editorial consultant and curator Frank Mitchell discuss what slavery looked like in Connecticut, recovering family stories, and ethical questions that arise when restoring ancestral histories.
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There’s a deeply-rooted perception that the North was home to the “good guys,” the abolitionists. The truth is far different. Hear from people who are shedding light on this history and why it matters.
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Connecticut Public's special podcast series premieres March 21, 2024 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.