“Were There Slaves in Southbury?” This is the question given to Southbury Historical Society president, Melinda K. Elliott, to answer in a History Talk at Southbury Public Library on Friday, February 24 at 1pm.
The simple answer is ‘Yes, there WERE slaves in Southbury.” Mrs. Elliott’s research on the subject included an analysis of the town’s census records from 1790 to 1940, several historical books including Sharpe’s Sketches of South Britain and Cothern’s History of Ancient Woodbury, cemetery records, military records, and primary source documents. The talk will cover a brief history of slavery in New England and Connecticut. We will then explore a few personal stories of slaves in Southbury, some based on their own writings. Kevin Bielmeier, the Economic Director of Southbury, will read an emotional letter written in 1860 by a former Southern slave. The content is just as relevant today as it was the time it was written.
History Talks is a program in corporation with the Friends of the Southbury Public Library, Southbury Historical Society, and the 350th Anniversary Committee. Reservations are requested: