Relive the History of the Amistad in Connecticut

In 1839, over 50 captives being transported to America as slaves rebelled and took control of the schooner La Amistad. They demanded to be returned to Africa, but were deceived by one of the ship's crew and ended up in the waters off Connecticut, where the US Navy took them into custody. Since the slave trade was illegal, their cause became a rallying point for northern abolitionists, and their subsequent trial became widely known across the country.

Today, several of the sites central to the Amistad story are open to the public in and around New Haven, serving as a history lesson on the abolitionist movement and the brave African men, women and children who rose up for their freedom, as well as the Americans who defended them.

Freedom Schooner Amistad

A decade ago, spurred by the popularity of the Stephen Spielberg film Amistad, a replica of the ship was built at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. For much of the summer, the schooner - now designated as the state's official Flagship and Tall Ship ambassador - is docked at either Long Wharf in downtown New Haven or at Mystic. It is operated by a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on the history of slavery, discrimination and civil rights. The ship has sailed to ports around the world in support of the causes of the organization, Amistad America Inc.

New Haven Museum and Historical Society

In an on-going exhibit entitled "Cinque Lives Here," the museum houses thelargest collection of Amistad related artwork and artifacts in the world. The exhibition is named after Sengbe Pieh, who came to be known in the United States as Joseph Cinque, the leader of the African rebels, and includes Nathaniel Jocelyn's stirring portrait of Cinque, painted in 1840. The Museum is located at 114 Whitney Avenue in New Haven, and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Amistad Memorial

On Church Street in New Haven, you will find the official Amistad Memorial. It's a 14-foot high bronze relief that stands on the exact site of the jail where the kidnapped Africans were held before and during their celebrated trial. The captives were found to have been kidnapped and were ordered to be freed, but the federal government appealed the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court , where the Africans were represented by former President John Quincy Adams, arguing against the position of then-current President Martin van Buren. The three-sided memorial features Sengbe Pieh in Africa, a scene from the trial, and Joseph Cinque as he boards a ship back to his homeland.