Celebrate Juneteenth this year like never before. Gather around the fire on grounds once walked by Windsor’s enslaved people to share in the dramatic reading of James Mars’ personal account of his life in 19th-century Connecticut. Join us on Wednesday, June 19, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM outdoors at Windsor Historical Society for Written By Himself: The Life of James Mars, A Slave Born and Sold in Connecticut.

Firelight, the place of storytelling in traditional African communities, is the setting for this powerful experience. James Mars, a Black man born into slavery in 1790, gained his freedom and went on to become an activist and publish a narrative account of his life. Read the words or just listen to this audience-led reading of his personal narrative and share in an understanding of Juneteenth’s meaning to those enslaved in early Connecticut. Admission is free; however, registration is encouraged

FREE. Registration encouraged.

Rain date: June 20.