WRITE YOUR STORY!

• Decide which factual and specific life experiences you would like to
  write about.

• Participate in short brainstorming, writing, and drawing exercises that will bring back memories.

• Create and outline what you would like to include in your life story.

• You’ll be guided through the writing process and will be encouraged to share what you have written with other workshop participants.

• Editing help will be provided during the workshop.

• Publishing options will be explored.

• Preregistration required.

• Space limited to 10 participants.

• Zoom workshops available at this time. (In person workshops will resume when possible).

• For more information and to sign up for an upcoming workshop, please leave a message on the Contact Us page.

WHY VENTURE SMITH’S NARRATIVE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF COLONIAL NEW ENGLAND HISTORY

 Meets 1 time for 2 hours in person or 1-1/2 hours on Zoom (Fee $150.00)

 Description: Son of an African king, Venture Smith became the first black man to document his capture from Africa and life as an American slave and later a successful black freeman in Connecticut.

 Well-known and respected, Venture Smith spent most of his freedom years in Haddam Neck and East Haddam, Connecticut. His grave is one of the original sites on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

 His narrative, a 32-page booklet published by the Charles Holt company in 1798, is still in print today. In this rare document, Venture Smith takes his readers on his incredible journey from Africa to life in Colonial New England. In this presentation you will learn how Venture bought his freedom back and became a successful black businessman in Colonial Connecticut. 

 Venture Smith Day has been held in theFirst Church Cemeteryin East Haddam where he is buried since 1996. Venture’s descendants,Colonial period scholars, and others interested in learning more