Amistad Rebellion Author Marcus Rediker to Discuss & Screen Film Evening of September 16

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For Immediate Release
Contact Chris Zaccaro
chris.zaccaro@cga.ct.gov
(860) 246-1553 (ext. 116)

Hartford, CT - Marcus Rediker gave the world a new way to look at Connecticut’s Amistad story. Often told as a tale of court cases and American abolitionists, Rediker reminds us that the Amistad captives - the men and children at the heart of the story - earned their own freedom by applying civic and leadership skills honed in Africa and used in tandem with American supporters.

Now, Rediker’s powerful book, The Amistad Rebellion: An Atlantic Odyssey of Slavery and Freedom, has a companion piece in a prize-winning documentary film.

On the evening of September 16, Connecticut’s Old State House will welcome writer, producer and University of Pittsburgh professor Marcus Rediker for a special Q&A session and screening of Ghosts of Amistad: In the Footsteps of the Rebels.

Director Tony Buba’s Ghosts of Amistad chronicles a 2013 journey to Sierra Leone where Rediker interviewed village elders about the local memory of the famous 1839 Amistad Rebellions and searched for the long-lost ruins of the Lomboko slave trading factory where the Amistad captives were held prior to their Atlantic voyage.

The film screening will take place in the Courtroom of Connecticut’s Old State House, the very same room in which the Amistad men and children made their first court appearance during the Amistad trials. Rediker will introduce the film and take part in a Q&A session where audience members can ask questions and share their feedback on his book, the film and our local memory of the Amistad Rebellion and trials. This event is free and open to the public. A start time will be announced in the coming weeks via press release and social media announcements.

Located in historic downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as a seat of
government for the Constitution State from 1796 to 1878. The Old State House Shop, located on the Main Street side of the building, provides visitors an opportunity to purchase quality-made Connecticut and Hartford themed gifts, products and apparel. The Old State House Farmers Market is currently open for the season and provides visitors the opportunity to shop for locally grown produce and Made-in-CT crafts on Tuesdays and Fridays. For more information on admission prices, upcoming events and parking discounts nearby, become a fan of Connecticut’s Old State House on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit us online at http://www.ctoldstatehouse.org.

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