“La Amistad” Sailboat to Dock in New London

I would like to notify you of an upcoming educational opportunity taking place in New London: “La Amistad” will be docked at the Custom House Pier from May through October.

La Amistad was a schooner (sailing ship) used to transport slaves from Sierra Leone, Africa to Cuba. During a slave transport in 1839, the Africans took and held control of the ship before being captured by the U.S. government and brought to court to determine their fate. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the captives and restored their freedom – taking an important step toward the abolition of slavery.

The historical replica of the Amistad coming to New London is an educational tool which provides history and context on the slave trade, the Amistad Incident of 1839 as well as a deeper understanding of human trafficking history.

The New London Maritime Society (NLMS) is hosting tours for school, homeschool, and summer camp groups according to the following schedule:

• May-June: School groups may arrange visits on Tuesday & Thursday mornings between 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• July-August: Homeschoolers and camp groups may arrange visits on Thursdays between 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• September-October: School groups may arrange visits on Tuesday & Thursday between 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.

The NLMS also suggests that interested visitors see the Amistad: A True Story of Freedom exhibition at the Custom House Maritime Museum.

A basic visit to both the Amistad ship and the Amistad exhibition, located only blocks away from each other, costs $6 per student and takes about two hours. Students are welcome to bring their lunch and eat either at the museum or on the New London waterfront.

For more information, or to make tour reservations now, please contact Susan Tamulevich at 860-447-8700 or via email at: nlmaritimedirector@gmail.com.