Former State Representative Pat Wilson Pheanious will share the significance of her family’s history and why she believes it’s vital to restore Connecticut’s history of slavery. Recently featured on ‘Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery,’ a special series by Connecticut Public, Pat revealed her family’s story through radio storytelling, videos, digital narratives, and more. As Chair of the Witness Stones Project™ Board since 2019, Pat is committed to restoring the history and honoring the humanity of enslaved individuals who contributed to our communities. Through impactful research, Pat uncovered her family’s hidden legacy, discovering her 6th great-grandparents were enslaved in colonial Guilford, CT, in 1727. She also learned of her 5th great-grandfather’s service in the American Revolution and the struggles faced by her family through ten generations of American history. This journey, untaught in traditional schooling, deeply impacted Pat. In her presentation, she will share her personal journey, the evolution of the Witness Stones Project™, and discuss the rationale behind the project. Additionally, she will explore methods and outcomes of teaching “hard history” in middle and high school settings.
Witness Stones
Leadership Transition
After many years of dedicated service, our Co-Founder and Executive Director, Dennis Culliton, has decided to step down from his current role. Dennis founded the Project as a teacher at Elisabeth C. Adams Middle School in Guilford, Connecticut. Over seven years, he has worked with more than 100 schools, churches, museums, and civic organizations across six states. Thousands of middle and high school students and their communities have participated. The curriculum and public programming have won praise from descendants, students, teachers, and community leaders. We are immensely grateful for Dennis’s vision and leadership, which have shaped the organization since its inception. His commitment and passion have guided our mission to honor the contributions of enslaved people and educate communities across the region.
While Dennis steps back from his executive role, we are thrilled to announce that he will continue with us as Director of Education and Special Projects. In this new capacity, Dennis will focus on deepening our educational initiatives and expanding the reach of our programming.
As we transition, we are excited to welcome Patricia Wilson Pheanious as our new Executive Director. Pat is a seasoned public servant, attorney, and advocate for social justice. She has served as a Connecticut state representative, where she was a champion for equitable policies, and as a Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Her work has consistently focused on addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for marginalized communities.
Pat holds degrees in law and social work, and her extensive experience in leadership roles reflects her deep commitment to education, justice, and community empowerment. A descendant of people once enslaved in Connecticut, Pat’s personal history fuels her passion for uncovering and honoring the stories of those who have been forgotten by history. Her leadership, integrity, and dedication to justice make her a fitting and visionary Executive Director for the Witness Stones Project.
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Dennis and a warm welcome to Pat as we continue to advance our work together.
Juneteenth Joyfully Celebrated at FloGris Museum with Jazz & Poetry
In LymeLine.com on June 16, 2024
OLD LYME—On Saturday, June 22, Witness Stones Old Lyme presented a celebratory event filled with jazz and poetry on the lawn of the Florence Griswold Museum. This event honored Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and offered a vibrant fusion of music and spoken word.
Over 150 attendees experienced a powerful, moving, and joyful afternoon enriched by a harmonious blend of jazz and poetry.
Acclaimed Connecticut poets Marilyn Nelson, Kate Rushin, Rhonda Ward, and Antoinette Brim-Bell offered a range of work that mixed humor with poignant recollections and included tributes in verse to those once enslaved in historic Lyme. The poets’ words memorably captured forgotten voices and vividly brought to life the experience of bondage in the Lyme-Old Lyme community.
The celebration showcased the Nat Reeves Quartet, with Nat Reeves on bass joined by saxophonist Abraham Burton, pianist James Austin, Jr., and percussionist Michael Ode. Both Nat Reeves—a renowned figure in the jazz world for over 40 years—and Abraham Burton have contributed significantly to the genre as performers and educators, who train and inspire new generations of jazz musicians.
The quartet’s stirring presentation combined with the poets’ voices offered attendees a reflective and uplifting experience honoring the legacy and cultural contributions of African Americans.
The Juneteenth celebration, held on a former site of enslavement, highlighted the importance of remembering and honoring the past and served as a reminder of the continuing struggle for freedom and equality.
