Witness Stones Project Inc.

Restore History, Educate, and Honor Humanity

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Wallingford’s 350+2 Jubilee a Success

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Carol Naamon-Kelly, of Meriden learned more about her family’s history of enslavement during a presentation on WHPT’s “Enslaved Wallingford” project at the Wallingford Public Library.

The Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust took part in many events during the week-long 350+2 Jubilee Celebration. On June 18,, a replica of the Nehemiah Royce House, celebrating its 350th anniversary (1672-2022), was part of the 350+2 parade.

On Juneteenth, WHPT Board President Jerry Farrell and WHPT Director of Operations, Lorraine Connelly, both Directors of the Wallingford 350th Jubilee Committee, were hosts to the All-Faiths Service and Juneteenth Observance at the Seymour St. John Chapel on the campus of Choate Rosemary Hall. Sheehan High School vocalist Sajag Timilsina led attendees in a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” accompanied by Dr. Jeanette Gross, organist of First Congregational Church in Wallingford. The interfaith service was led Rev. Aaron Rathbun, Choate Rosemary Hall’s Chaplain.  After the service, all were invited to attend the opening of WHPT’s “Enslaved Wallingford” exhibit at the Nehemiah Royce House, delving into enslavement of Black Americans in Wallingford between 1710 and 1840.

A dedication of Wallingford’s first Witness Stone in honor of Black Revolutionary War soldier Dick Freedom was held at the Royce House. A second dedication of Witness Stones in memory of Grace and Esau, enslaved in Wallingford, took place at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. WHPT has partnered with the Witness Stone Project, Inc. to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved through research, education, and civic engagement.

Wallingford Celebrates Juneteenth with Dedication of Witness Stones

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Liz Lightfoot, Chris Menapace, Kristin Liu, Amy Foster, Jane Smith, and Dennis Culliton pose outside St. Paul’s Episcol Church in Wallingford on Sunday, June 19, 2022, to celebrate the dedication ceremony of the Witness Stones of Esau and Grace, who were enslaved by the Brockett family in honor of Juneteenth. | Nicole Zappone, Record-Journal.

By Nicole Zappone in the Record-Journal on June 20, 2022

WALLINGFORD — It was a sunny and breezy day Sunday, and especially busy at the Historical Society’s Nehemiah Royce House, where locals recognized Juneteenth and honored the lives of enslaved men and women.

The Historical Society opened the doors at the Royce House, 538 N. Main St., to host the historical exhibit “Enslaved Wallingford,” which chronicles the experience of enslaved Black Americans in Wallingford between 1704 and 1840.

The opening of the exhibit was held in conjunction with the dedication of three Witness Stones — the first ones dedicated in Wallingford. The stones commemorate the lives of enslaved individuals. Continue reading.

Wallingford Slavery Project Reveals ‘History That Affects Us Today’

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Carol Naamon-Kelly, of Meriden, holds a portrait of her great grandfather Allen Lorenzo Washington on Thursday during an interview at the Record-Journal office in Meriden. Naamon-Kelly recognized her family’s name during a presentation on enslaved people at the Wallingford Public Library last year and then traced her family’s history of enslavement in Wallingford. Photos by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

By Devin Leith-Yessian in the Record-Journal on May 12, 2022

WALLINGFORD — The descendants of a man who was enslaved on a Virginia plantation before coming to Wallingford with Union soldiers are reconnecting with their family’s history with the help of local researchers working on the Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust’s “Enslaved Wallingford” project.

Meriden resident Carol Naamon-Kelly first learned of the journey Allen Lorenzo Washington, her great grandfather, made from Virginia through the work of Bobbie Borne, who was writing about Washington’s life for a magazine article published in June 2021. Continue reading.

Witness Stones Project Installation Ceremony to Honor Essau and Grace

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Sunday, June 19, 2022
3:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Wallingford Historic Preservation Society at
The Nehemiah Royce House
538 North Main Street, Wallingford, Connecticut

The Wallingford Historic Preservation Society will bring the community together to remember and honor Essau and Grace and to place Witness Stones in their memory.

A Black History Trail for Wallingford

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Powder Horn of Dick Freedom courtesy of the Nehemiah Royce House.

By Lorraine Connelly in My Record Journal on February 11, 2022

Wallingford has many trails — a wine trail, a Trail of Terror, numerous walking trails, and the historic George Washington Trail to name a few. According to our town’s website, Gen. George Washington made two trips through town, one in 1775 to gather provisions for his troops and the other in 1789 as president. His route to Durham, known as the George Washington Trail, runs from the center of town through East Wallingford. Cement markers can be found along the trail.

In conjunction with the 350+2 Jubilee Celebration this June, Wallingford’s Descendants’ Committee is restoring and adding two new locations to the GW Trail — one in front of the Water Division on South Cherry Street, and another on North Branford Road south of the Water Division’s gate to the Ulbrich Reservoir dam. “The Wallingford Public Works Department will be installing them in the spring,” notes Bob Beaumont, chairman of the Descendants’ Committee. There will be a total of 14 commemorative plaques when the project is completed.

Along with honoring the lives of Wallingford’s descendants, the Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust will honor our Black colonial ancestors — who are related to us by their long historical roots in this town. Many of these ancestors have been forgotten and not commemorated formally. Continue reading.

Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust Becomes WSP Affiliate

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The Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust is the owner and caretaker of the Royce House and the American Silver Museum at the Franklin Johnson Mansion. Its mission is threefold: 1. To acquire, preserve, interpret and educate the public about historic structures and culture in early Wallingford.  2. To feature the 1840-1980 period of silver manufacturing in Wallingford and Meriden. 3. To support a more fully accurate portrayal for all, WHPT commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable nation.

In Spring 2022, they will be hosting the Witness Stones Project to explore the local history of slavery.

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