Witness Stones Project, Inc.

Restoring History & Honoring Humanity

WSP

Stonington Middle School Students Uncover Story of Enslaved Couple

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Stonington Middle School eighth-grade social studies students attend the United Theatre in Westerly on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. for a screening of short films they made about Mint and Rose Palmer, two enslaved Stonington residents the students researched through the Witness Stones Project. (Carrie Czerwinski/The Day)

By Carrie Czerwinski in The Day on January 3, 2024

Westerly ― Stonington Middle School students gathered at the United Theatre in Westerly on Tuesday morning to screen short films they made on two enslaved Stonington residents.

The eighth-grade social studies students spent several weeks late last year researching Mintus and Rose Palmer, who married after gaining their freedom in the early 1800s.

The Tuesday morning event showcased eight films created as part of a Witness Stones Project overseen by social studies teachers Cindy Cassidy and Daniel Agins. It was followed by three public screenings Tuesday evening.

Last year, the district received a $5,000 NEA Foundation Envision Equity grant for the program, which was developed by the Witness Stones Project. The non-profit organization started in Guilford in 2017. Continue reading.

Project Receives American Rescue Plan Funding

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As we embrace the holiday spirit and reflect on the remarkable journey of the Witness Stones Project, we are thrilled to share some good news with you.

The Guilford Foundation has recognized the importance of the Witness Stones Project’s mission by awarding us $7500 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This generous grant is a powerful endorsement of the meaningful work we do together.

Ridgefield Middle School Students Honor Former Enslaved Residents

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Plaques honoring former enslaved Ridgefield residents Peter and Dinah were recently placed outside the Ridgefield Historical Society following a weeks-long research project by local middle school students in partnership with the historical society and the Witness Stones Project.

By Kendra Baker in the Ridgefield NewsTimes on December 10, 2023

RIDGEFIELD — The lives of two individuals enslaved in town in the 18th century have been memorialized and remembered as “undeniably human” as part of an ongoing student-led research project.

“Their names were Peter and Dinah,” a local eighth grader said during a Nov. 15 ceremony outside the Ridgefield Historical Society, where plaques honoring the two former slaves were recently placed. “Both were enslaved in this very town. Neither had any reason to be enslaved, but they were. They were undeniably human, but they weren’t treated as such.”

The ceremony followed weeks of research by eighth graders from East Ridge and Scotts Ridge middle schools, in partnership with the historical society and the Witness Stones Project. It was all part of a project-based learning experience that allows students to honor former enslaved residents whose stories have not been fully told.

Plaques commemorating Dinah and Peter were placed next to two installed last year in honor of Lidia and Quash outside the David Scott House, which serves as the Ridgefield Historical Society’s headquarters.

Continue reading.

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