Black History Month at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum February 9, 2008

In honor of Black History Month, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield will offer a special tour focusing on the enslaved and free African Americans who lived in town during the 18th century, as well as a performance by a costumed interpreter who will take on the character of a former Wethersfield slave.
On February 9 and 23, the museum will host tours that provide a unique look at the struggles and triumphs of the African Americans who resided in Wethersfield, including in the Joseph Webb and Silas Deane houses.
Visitors will hear the inspiring stories of many African Americans, such as Quash Gomer, who was captured in Angola and became a slave in Wethersfield. He later bought his freedom from his owner, married Elenor Smith and had 10 children. The tour will also reveal the Revolutionary War’s impact on slavery.
Tammy D. Richardson, a storyteller/teaching artist and performer will debut her new character of Clo Pratt, a Wethersfield slave who was given her freedom upon the death of her master, on February 23 at 2 p.m. in the Silas Deane house. Richardson will provide an intimate look at a woman who earned a living making and selling cloth and working in the homes of Wethersfield’s most affluent residents.
Tours: February 9 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours leave every 30 minutes; the last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.
Performance: February 23 at 2 p.m.
Three-house tours cost $8 for adults, $7 for seniors over 60, AAA members and those active in the military and $4 for students and children ages 5 to 18. $20 per family (two adults and children). The performance by Tammy Richardson costs $20. This price includes the performance, a tour of the museum and a dessert reception. Reservations are required. Please call (860) 529-0612, ext. 12 to reserve a seat.