Community Spotlight: Cape Verde Independence Celebration

Hosted by Angelina Gardner, President of the Cape Verdean Santiago Society Inc., the community recently gathered to celebrate 50 Years of Cabo Verde Independence and the national team’s historic FIFA World Cup achievements.

Discovering Amistad Director of Community Initiatives Reeshemah Norfleet attended the event alongside distinguished guests, including Senator Cathy Osten and State Representative Anthony Nolan. Ms. Norfleet hosted an educational table and offered remarks highlighting the vibrant contributions of Cape Verdeans in our community and around the world.

Senator Cathy Osten and State Representative Anthony Nolan

Discovering Amistad’s Reeshemah Norfleet and Cape Verdean Santiago Society President, Angelina Gardner

Trail to Freedom Tours in Farmington

On Saturday, July 11th Discovering Amistad board and Staff members will be experiencing Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom presented by our partners The Farmington Historical Society. This walking tour takes patrons to multiple locations where Sengbe Pieh and the Amistad Africans visited during their time in Farmington CT in 1840. Reenactors and storytellers depict Unsung heroes from the Amistad story to deepen the impact this historical moment had for Connecticut.

There are a number of chances to experience this tour over the summer and fall. Visit the Farmington Historical Society website to find a date that works for you!

Exhibition opening of New Haven’s Unfinished Revolutions : Why Connecticut 250 Matters

Congratulations to Joanna Steinberg and all of our friends at the New Haven Museum on such a wonderful exhibit that highlights the revolutionary moments in New Haven's history while highlighting indigenous and BIPOC communities and their own fights for equality and freedom. DA Operation Manager, Victoria is grateful to have been at the opening of the exhibit which included a wonderful lecture by State Historian Andy Horowitz. 

Joanna Steinberg, the Museum’s Director of Learning and Engagement and Exhibit Project Director with Victoria Meskill, DA Operations manager.

Discovering Amistad at the Democracy 250 Summit

Our Operations Manager, Victoria Meskill, recently represented Discovering Amistad at the Democracy 250 Summit, hosted by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy at Connecticut’s Old State House. As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this timely event brought together historians and leaders to examine the past, present, and future of democracy in our state and nation.

Key Highlights:
The History: A deep dive into Connecticut's democratic roots with insights from Dr. Matthew Warshauer (CCSU) and Dr. Katherine Hermes (Connecticut Explored).
The Future: A dynamic discussion addressing the current state and upcoming challenges of our democratic institutions.

For Discovering Amistad, participating in these vital conversations ensures that diverse historical truths and the legacy of civil rights remain at the very heart of our collective future.

Senator Chris Murphy and DA Operations manager Victoria Meskill

Victoria questioning Senator Murphy

Bridging History and Stewardship: Team Waterways Visits the Amistad

Anthony Afriyie from CT Port Authority, Melissa Root from CT Port Authority, Jason Manson from CT Humanities , Thom Thurston from Yale, and several special  Waterways partners

The Amistad recently played host to a very special group at the Mystic Seaport Museum: “Team Waterways.” These stewards of our local currents represent the CT Water Trails Program, a vital initiative run by the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut.

While the Amistad tells a story of a journey toward freedom and justice, Team Waterways focuses on the very paths that make such journeys possible—our rivers, streams, and coastlines.

Who is Team Waterways?

Managed by the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, the CT Water Trails Program is the backbone of recreational water use in our state. Their mission aligns beautifully with our own goals of education and community connection:

• Mapping the Way: They develop and map water trails, ensuring that Connecticut’s beauty is accessible to everyone with a paddle.

• Clean & Safe: The program advocates for boating safety and environmental health, ensuring our waterways remain "clean, safe, and recreational."

• Stewardship: By fostering a connection between local communities and their watersheds, they protect the natural resources that define our landscape.

A Shared Current

The visit served as a powerful reminder that our maritime heritage is inextricably linked to the health of our waters. Whether navigating the complex history of the Amistad or the winding bends of a local river trail, both organizations are committed to education, advocacy, and public enjoyment.

"Protecting our rivers is about more than just the water; it’s about the stories they carry and the communities they connect."

We are thrilled to collaborate with partners like the Rivers Alliance who work tirelessly to ensure that the "trails" our ancestors sailed remain vibrant and protected for generations to come.

Fair winds and smooth paddling to Team Waterways!

Spring Cleaning: The Amistad Sheds Its Winter Coat

There’s a sure sign of spring at Mystic Seaport Museum, and it involves a lot of teamwork and heavy lifting. This week, staff and dedicated volunteers from Discovering Amistad (DA) gathered at the shipyard to officially "uncover" the schooner, removing the massive protective shrink-wrap and frames that shielded the vessel through the Connecticut winter.

The atmosphere was high-energy as the team worked in tandem to peel back the layers, revealing the Amistad’s iconic black hull and gold bowsprit eagle. This annual tradition is more than just maintenance—it’s the kickoff for a season of educational programming and ship visits centered on social justice and freedom.

Want to help? Discovering Amistad is always looking for volunteers to assist with ship maintenance and educational outreach. It’s a great way to get your hands salty while supporting a vital piece of living history. Contact us here.

Honoring a Century of Truth at ASALH

Commemorating 100 years of Black History Month in D.C. Paula Mann-Agnew shares a moment with Djimon Hounsou, the actor who gave a voice to Sengbe Pieh on the silver screen.

Our Executive Director, Paula Mann-Agnew, was honored to represent Discovering Amistad at the 100th Annual Black History Month Luncheon in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—founded by the "Father of Black History," Dr. Carter G. Woodson—this milestone event celebrated a century of preserving the narratives that define our nation.

For Discovering Amistad, being in this room was a powerful reminder of our responsibility. Just as Dr. Woodson fought to institutionalize the study of Black history, our organization works daily to ensure the 1839 Amistad Uprising remains a cornerstone of our collective understanding of resistance and justice.

A true highlight of the afternoon was connecting with award-winning actor Djimon Hounsou. While many know him for his iconic portrayal of Sengbe Pieh in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, his commitment to this history goes far beyond the screen. We are so grateful for his support though his foundation @dhf_org and for his unwavering connection to the legacy of the 1839 Amistad Uprising.

As we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month, we are energized by these partnerships that bridge art, activism, and history to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Exploring History Aboard the Amistad

On November 6, Norwich Free Academy students visited the Amistad at Mystic Seaport Museum. The group of twelfth graders, joined by several eleventh graders, took part in our collaborative program to delve into the 1839 Amistad Rebellion and discover how celestial navigation guided the captives toward freedom.

We’ve heard that both the students and their chaperones found the experience meaningful and memorable—they’re still talking about it!

Discovering Amistad Honored with 2025 Connecticut League of Museums Award of Merit

Discovering Amistad is proud to announce that our “Voyage for Freedom and Human Rights” initiative has been recognized with a 2025 Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of Museums (CLM).

Each year, the League celebrates excellence and innovation across Connecticut’s museums, cultural institutions, and heritage organizations. The Awards of Merit highlight projects that deepen public understanding, build community partnerships, and elevate our shared history and culture.

Our “Voyage for Freedom and Human Rights” program engages students and the public through immersive shipboard and classroom experiences exploring the Amistad’s powerful legacy. The recognition from CLM affirms the impact of this work and the importance of keeping the story of resistance, resilience, and justice alive for new generations.

We’re honored to be named alongside inspiring organizations from across the state, including the American Mural Project, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, and others whose projects bring creativity and purpose to the preservation of Connecticut’s diverse history.

The 2025 Awards of Merit Ceremony will take place on October 21 at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, celebrating all honorees and their contributions to the cultural life of our state.

For more about the Awards of Merit and the Connecticut League of Museums, visit clho.org/news/13546961.

Discovering Amistad at the 12th Maritime Heritage Conference

Staff from Discovering Amistad will be attending the 12th Maritime Heritage Conference, taking place September 24–27 in Buffalo, New York. This information-packed event brings together organizations and participants engaged in every aspect of maritime heritage.

The conference includes representatives from maritime museums, historic lighthouses, tall ships for sail training and youth, small craft, marine art, sailing, naval and maritime scholarship, advocacy, and more. It also serves as a vital gathering of leadership from across the maritime heritage community.

Discovering Amistad looks forward to using this opportunity to educate, learn, and connect with others dedicated to preserving and advancing our maritime history.

Discovering Amistad – Honoring History, Building Connections

What a remarkable day aboard the Freedom Schooner Amistad! On July 25, 2025, we were honored to welcome students and mentors  of the Alliance of Historically Black College and University Museums and Galleries for a historic visit to Mystic.

Special thanks to Dr. Jontyle Robinson, Founding Director and CEO of the Alliance of HBCU Mueums and Galaries, Inc.for her vision and comittment to ensuring that this remarkable event take place.  

We were proud to host such distinguished guests and share the Amistad’s powerful story.

Members of the HBCU Alliance of Museums and Galleries aboard the Amistad in Mystic, CT.

Paula Mann-Agnew, Discovering Amistad Executive Director, with: 
Dr. Mark Aronson, Deputy Director and Chief Conservator at the Yale Center for British Art;
Dr. Jontyle Robinson, Curator and Assistant Professor at the Legacy Museum, Tuskegee University;
Dr. Kathryn Coney-Ali, Co-Executive Director of the Gallery of Arts, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Honoring Culture and Community in Southampton

Discovering Amistad Executive Director Paula Mann-Agnew attended the Southampton African American Museum’s Art and Culture Brunch on July 20. The vibrant event celebrated culture, community, and history in support of the museum’s mission.

Paula is pictured here with:
Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society in Sag Harbor;
Brenda Simmons, Event Host and Founder/CEO of the Southampton African American Museum;
Novi Brown, leading actress and museum honoree

Honoring Legacy: A Visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center

This weekend, Paula Mann-Agnew, Executive Director of Discovering Amistad, visited the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland—a powerful space dedicated to the life, courage, and enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest freedom fighters.

“I had reasoned this out in my mind: there was one of two things I had a right to—liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other.” – Harriet Tubman

Farewell Captain Alley!

We are celebrating the retirement of Amistad Captain Nicholas Alley. We couldn't be happier for him and are so very grateful for everything he has done for Discovering Amistad. He will truly be missed.

To show our appreciation, the DA team presented Nicholas with this plaque.

His last day is May 2nd. If you want to stop and give him a farewell come visit the ship at Mystic Seaport Museum.

Thank you for everything Captain Alley!

“Rethinking the Amistad Rebellion” at the New Haven Museum

What an incredible evening! Executive Director Paula Mann-Agnew and Operations Manager Victoria Meskill had the honor of meeting and speaking with Dr. Marcus Rediker, author of The Amistad Rebellion.

Following their conversation, they attended Dr. Rediker’s lecture, which offered deep insights into the rebellion and its lasting legacy.

A truly unforgettable night.

Thank you to CT Humanities, The New Haven Museum, the Amistad Committee, and the Gilder Lehrman Center for presenting such a powerful and enriching program.

Empowering Women in Leadership: Lessons from "The Time is Now" Panel

Our team had the opportunity to attend The Time is Now: Engaging Women in Public Leadership, a thought-provoking panel discussion presented by the Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls.

Director of Community Initiatives, Reeshemah Norfleet, Operations Manager, Victoria Meskill, and Lead Educator Arianna Williams represented our organization at this inspiring event, which centered on the importance of women embracing leadership at all levels. The panelists encouraged attendees to "use their space"—leveraging their voices, skills, and influence to create meaningful change in their communities.

We extend our gratitude to The Fund for Women & Girls for hosting such an engaging and educational event. Conversations like these are crucial in shaping a future where all women feel empowered to lead.

At Discovering Amistad, we are committed to continuous education on civil rights history. Last week Executive Director Paula Mann-Agnew visited the Black History exhibit in Atlanta, Georgia.

DA Executive Director to Receive “100 Women of Color” Award!

Paula Mann-Agnew, Discovering Amistad Executive Director, has been chosen to be honored at the Tenth Annual 100 Women of Color Gala and Awards on October 10th at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center. 

The gala honors 100 influential women of color from Connecticut and western Massachusetts, celebrating their achievements in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and government, as well as their positive impact on their communities.

Sponsored by Eleven28 Entertainment, the gala’s goal is to support programs and scholarships for the advancement of young women of color. 

CT Humanities Grant for DA's 250th Interactive Experience Project

The board of directors of CT Humanities has approved $203,479 in Capacity, Planning, and Implementation grants to 13 cultural organizations to support humanities projects throughout the state.

Discovering Amistad announces with gratitude that it has received one of these CT Humanities grants – a $20,000  “Planning and Implementation Grant.” This grant funding will go towards creating Amistad-CT 250th Interactive Experience (ACT250) – an initiative to advance Discovering Amistad’s “floating classroom experience” for America’s 250th, by developing a variety of interactive exhibits that elevate the narratives of “unsung heroes” of 1839 Amistad Uprising. DA will use its inclusive and culturally relevant approach to share BIPOC American stories and foster civic engagement, including upgrading/creating dockside exhibits, interactive ship portals, narratives and other multimedia components for ship, dockside and virtual.

“We are pleased to support opportunities for the public to connect and engage with humanities content and themes, and these projects are stellar examples,” said Dr. Jason R. Mancini, executive director for CT Humanities. “Through our grant funding, we help our cultural organizations cultivate the curiosity, knowledge, and understanding that is essential to a healthy democracy.”