Learn something about East Haddam history – Venture Smith Day Sept. 15

The descendants of famous freed slave Venture Smith gather at his grave in East Haddam, CT to celebrate his life each September. Photo source: www.venturesmith.net 2009

The 16th Annual Venture Smith Day Celebration will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Venture’s gravesite in First Church Cemetery on Town Street (Route 151) in East Haddam, CT.

All are welcome.

Venture Smith’s Grave is one of the original sites on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.  Celebrations at the various Freedom Trail sites are held throughout Connecticut in the month of September.

Saturday’s program will include a proclamation, speakers, a presentation by 6th grade Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School students, refreshments, entertainment by Nzinga’s Daughters, a reunion of the descendants of Venture Smith(1729-1805) – East Haddam’s most famous slave/freeman.

In case of rain, the celebration will move into the Parish Hall of the First Church of Christ, Congregational next to the cemetery.

Posted September 15, 2012

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