The Litchfield Historical Society is proud to present a weekend of public programs to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave.
On May 3rd and 4th, the celebration, “Think What I Have Felt: Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of “Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave,” will bring together storytelling, scholarship, and film to honor the life of William Grimes, author of the first narrative written by a fugitive of slavery in the United States.
Programs
Walking Tour – Slavery Here: The Life of William Grimes
Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m.
The Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759
Registration Requested – Free for Members, $10 for non-Members
Join us for a walking tour exploring Connecticut’s complicated history with slavery through the life of William Grimes, who escaped from slavery in Georgia and wrote his autobiography in Litchfield in 1825.
Walking tours each last about 1 hour. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. Free for members and $10 non-members.
Dramatic Readings from Life of William Greams, the Runaway Slave
Saturday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m.
The Old Firehouse (40 West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759)
Registration Requested – Free
Join us on Saturday, May 3 at 3:00pm at the old Litchfield Firehouse (40 West Street), for a dramatic reading of excerpts from Grimes’s narrative with a panel discussion to contextualize his words and experiences.
Connecticut Storyteller, Andre Keitt will perform passages from Grimes’s narrative. The expert panel will feature Grimes descendent and leading authority, Regina Mason; prominent scholar of the African American slave narrative and Professor Emeritus at UNC, William Leake Andrews; and Professor of American Studies at the University of Buffalo, Kari Winter. Michael Morand, Director of Community Engagement for Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, will moderate.
Gina’s Journey: The Search for William Grimes Screening and Discussion
Sunday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Bantam Cinema and Arts Center (115 Bantam Lake Rd, Bantam, CT 06750)
Registration Requested – $35 per person
Sponsors and Partners
These events are generously presented through a combination of grants, sponsorship, and in-kind donations. The Litchfield Historical Society would like to give a special thanks to Connecticut Humanities Council, Teno A. West of West Group Law PLLC, Belden House, and Bantam Cinema & Arts Center.
