Step Aboard the AMISTAD LOG
The journey continues on shore — explore our latest educational programs, community events, and social justice initiatives.
Exciting Changes to Our Board Leadership
We are thrilled to announce a new chapter in our Board Leadership!
First, we extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair Robert King and Vice Chair Sally Whipple. Their commitment and leadership over the years have expanded our reach across the state, laying a strong foundation for our continued growth. Thank you both for your incredible service.
Please join us in welcoming our new Board Chair, Nicholas Caruso, and Vice Chair, Dr. Karen Francis-Barnes. We are excited to see how their combined expertise, dedication, and vision will further advance the DA mission and honor the Amistad Legacy.
Photo (left to right): Kenny Green (Treasurer), Rev. Dr. Penny Liebold (Board Member), Karen Francis-Barnes, Ed.D. (Vice Chair), Robert King (Outgoing Chair), Sally Whipple (Outgoing Vice Chair), Nick Caruso (Chair), Thomas Thurston (Board Member)
From Nicholas Caruso, Board Chair
I have long been fascinated by the story of the Mende captives and their journey – from freeing themselves to the legal battles that ultimately allowed them to return home. It is a major part of pre-Civil War history and important for everyone to learn. Being part of Discovering Amistad allows me to help get the story out to generations of students, and adults, who can learn from the example of the Mende, and those who stood up to help them, so they can stand against social or racial injustice when they encounter it.
The ship, the Amistad, is a replica of the original La Amistad and stands as a living symbol of the Amistad Rebellion. I hope that my time as chair will help keep Connecticut’s flagship sailing proudly.
From Dr. Karen Francis-Barnes, Board Vice Chair
The story of the Amistad is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can take extraordinary stands for freedom and justice. After seven years on the Discovering Amistad Board, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this work in a new leadership role as Vice Chair. I look forward to helping expand the reach of this important story, deepen its connection to social justice, and ensure that its lessons continue to inspire meaningful change.
Honoring History:
The Life and Legacy of James Mars
Discovering Amistad and Connecticut’s Old State House presented "In His Footsteps: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of James Mars” this past Spring.
The event commemorated James Mars — born into slavery in Connecticut in 1790 — who authored his own memoir and spent his life advocating for true liberty and justice. The evening featured an inspiring keynote address by his descendant, Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best, who reflected on the power of historical narrative, agency, and leadership in shaping our shared future.
Missed the live event? You can now watch the full recording to explore this powerful story of courage, heritage, and resilience.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-feIDAVtWlU
Learn more: https://www.discoveringamistad.org/news-events/james-mars-event
Through the lens of the fight for freedom of the Amistad Uprising of 1839, we educate and collaborate to dismantle systemic racism and to achieve continue the fight for justice & equality today.
From our Board of Directors to the Amistad crew to our communities, funders and partners, we are in this together.
Discover how we educate and collaborate aboard our schooner, in classrooms, online and at historic institutions to facilitate learning, dialogue, action and ultimately, change.
Upcoming Events – Discover where we are and where we’re going. We hope you will join us.
Our Impact
