Amistad Arrives in Norwich

The boat arrived on Tuesday afternoon.

Residents of Norwich can today catch a glimpse of one of Connecticut’s most famous ships.

The Freedom Schooner Amistad entered Norwich Harbor just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

At one point, it looked like the boat would be delayed until Wednesday because of strong tides and some minor maintenance that was performed at the Amistad’s permanent home at the Mystic Seaport.

Then, a determination was made that the ship could still pass safely under the Mohegan Pequot Bridge. The boat was due in around 4:30 p.m., but the boat was early.

This is the first time the ship is docking in Norwich. Its appearance there is a part of the city’s Freedom Weekend, where they will be casting the first Emancipation Proclamation bell in the country. 

The Freedom Schooner Amistad is a recreation of the famous ship where slaves revolted in 1839, leading to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case.

The Amistad has toured the U.S., as well as the Caribbean and has been visited by hundreds of school groups. 

According to the Mystic Seaport, the ships aim is to “raise the awareness of the history of Atlantic Slave Trade and the stories of resistance waged by black and white abolitionists.”
Norwich’s Freedom Weekend will take place from June 14 to June 16. 

For details on the weekend or the Emancipation Proclamation Bell, visit www.norwichfreedombell.com or call, 860-859-5349.

 

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