Join the Stanley-Whitman House as they welcome guest Witness Stones Project Director of Operations Liz Lightfoot for a workshop that will take participants through an intro to the history of slavery in Connecticut and then a discussion of the five themes developed by Dennis Culliton, Founder of Witness Stones Project. Then, explore/interpret documents related to the enslavement of Pharaoh/Pharo/Robin by enslaver John Stanley as evidenced by a bill of sale, a primary source document, from the archives of Stanley-Whitman House. Lightfoot has done some preliminary research into his “seller” and “purchaser” and has some thought- and question-provoking details to have attendees begin to unpack, including additional information about others enslaved by the same individuals.
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Worship & Dedication
With more than a dozen sites on the Connecticut Freedom Trail, Farmington enjoys a reputation as a longtime supporter of Connecticut’s African American community in the struggle toward freedom and human dignity. The First Church of Christ, Congregational, 1652, its ministers, and parishioners played an important role in that history, opening the church’s doors to leading Abolitionists and offering shelter and support to Mende captives. Farmington was also reportedly home to several safe houses on the Underground Railroad, earning itself the nickname “Grand Central Station.”
And yet, this is not the full story. An exploration of records from Farmington’s earliest years shows evidence of the enslavement of African-descended and Indigenous individuals by some of its most prominent residents, including at least one First Church minister.
This collaboration with the Witness Stones Project™ and the Stanley-Whitman House cultivated empathy, compassion, and a sense of social justice among these young Confirmands in their own spiritual journey. We hope you will join us.
Witness Stones Project to Partner with the Farmington’s First Church of Christ, Congregational, and the Stanley-Whitman House to Recover the History of the Enslaved
The Witness Stones Project, a nonprofit educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities, today announced a new partnership with the First Church of Christ, Congregational, and the Stanley-Whitman House, both in Farmington, Connecticut. The church and the museum will be using the Project’s research, curriculum, and landscape markers to help uncover, share, and memorialize the history of the enslaved individuals who lived in Farmington.
The First Church of Christ, also known as First Church 1652, is an historic church, whose mission is to serve and build a welcoming faith community shaped and enlightened by the love and teachings of Jesus, in covenant with each other; empowering and assisting one another to do justice and grow in the love of God, neighbor, and self.
The Stanley-Whitman House is a living history center and museum that teaches through the collection, preservation, research, and dynamic interpretation of the history and culture of early Farmington, Connecticut. Programs, events, classes, and exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning, and engaging in colonial life and the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture.
