Venture Smith

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. Why Venture Smith's Narrative is an Important Part of Colonial New England History will be presented by Susan R. Waide. 

 Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library.