Stories of Survival

February 26       2 PM – 3 PM

Most Connecticut residents interested in history know the story of Prudence Crandall, Connecticut’s official state heroine, who braved public censure to open a school for African American girls in Canterbury Connecticut in 1833.  But how many of you know the story of Sarah Harris, the young African-American girl whose request for higher education spurred Prudence Crandall to take this action? 

Join us at Windsor Historical Society on Saturday, February 26 at 2 p.m. to hear gifted storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti tell of 19-year-old Sarah Harris who dreamed of opening her own school for African-American children.  At this time, white and African-American children received free education in Connecticut’s district schools, but higher education was not available to black students.  Sarah’s acceptance to Prudence Crandall’s boarding school set in motion a chain of events leading to boycotts, harassment, and attacks on the school. 

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti is an award-winning storyteller and living history performer.  She brings the history of those she calls “invisible” people to light for audiences of all ages.  Hear this inspiring story of how Sarah Harris surmounted prejudice and bigotry to follow her dream. The cost for this program is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $4 for Windsor Historical Society members. This performance is supported in part by an Arts Presentation Grant from The Connecticut Commission for Culture and Tourism.