Mapping our Roots: The History and Purpose of the Connecticut Freedom Trail
The February public presentation from the CT Freedom Trail series will be a conversation with the Honorable Toni N. Harp and Alfred Marder. Alfred Marder is the “Architect” of the Connecticut Freedom Trail. It was Al’s idea and vision to bring together people and institutions from all corners of the state to commemorate and designate sites connected to history related to slavery, abolition, and the contributions of African Americans in Connecticut. Toni N. Harp has led a life of public service, serving as an elected official for over thirty years. Toni Harp has served on the New Haven Board of Alders, served twenty years as a member of the Connecticut State Senate (representing the 10th District), and finally served 6 years as the 50th Mayor of the City of New Haven. In 1995, then Senator Harp introduced the legislation to formally create the CT Freedom Trail. Freedom Trail founder, Al Marder affectionately refers to Mayor Harp as the “Godmother of the CT Freedom Trail”. Both Alfred Marder and Toni Harp will be joined by Charles Warner, chairman of the Connecticut Freedom Trail.
Harp, Marder, and Warner will share their efforts and experiences surrounding the creation and formal establishment of the CT Freedom Trail. They will also discuss the importance of the past, present, and future work of the CFT, and some highlights of the CFT. CT Freedom Trail Outreach Director, Tammy Denease, will moderate the program
