Bridging History and Stewardship: Team Waterways Visits the Amistad
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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!
