The Emancipation Proclamation Then and Now

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln checked out A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin from the Library of Congress while drafting the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation?  Join us for a program with performance, scholarship and dialogue, as we listen to the historic record (Howard Wright of Simply Lincoln) and consider the Proclamation's significance and impact in the 19th century and contemporary life, with Eugene Leach (Trinity College) and Booker T. DeVaughn (CT Civil War Commemoration Commission).

Wright has performed as Lincoln across Connecticut.  He was appointed by former Governor Rell as Co-Director of the Connecticut Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

Joining “Lincoln” will be Professor of History and American Studies at Trinity College, Eugene Leach and President Emeritus of Three Rivers Community College, Booker T. DeVaughn.  Both DeVaughn and Leach bring years of professional scholarship and education to the discussion.  They will show how the Emancipation Proclamation affected people throughout the country, and how its impact and repercussions are felt to this day. 

Booker DeVaughn, Ed. D., has devoted himself to issues of race relations in the Greater Hartford community, serving on boards and task forces that strive to make positive change.  He has also received the Human Relations Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice.   Dr. Leach has written on topics such as social reform movements, American social thought and education reform.

The Emancipation Proclamation at 150: Still Relevant, Still Revolutionary.  Presented with support from our members, Lincoln Financial Foundation, State of Connecticut, Department of Economic & Community Development, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Connecticut Humanities and Travelers.

Program admission: $5/person.  Free for Stowe Center members.  Pay in advance or pay at the door.  Reservations encouraged: 860-522-9258, ext. 317 or info@stowecenter.org.