(Hartford, CT) — Discovering Amistad will celebrate the life and legacy of an “unsung” American hero – by hosting In His Footsteps: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of James Mars at Connecticut’s Old State House on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hear passages about his experiences and the lived accounts of his descendants from his personal memoir, self-published in 1869. In place of an admission fee, we kindly invite guests to consider a suggested donation of $10. Register here: https://da-james-mars.eventbrite.com
Come explore and elevate the narrative of a man who defined the struggle for true liberty. Born in 1790, James Mars lived the paradox of American freedom – born and sold as a slave in a state that claimed to be “The Land of Steady Habits.”
“This event will give a place for the community to come together and honor the life and legacy of one of Connecticut’s most prolific activists, James Mars. A man who fought for the freedom of himself, his family, the Amistad Africans, and many more,” said Chris Menapace, Director of Education for Discovering Amistad. “We can’t wait to host fellow activist and James Mars descendant, Dr. Rev. Shelley D. Best, and our other amazing speakers and performers for a night of powerful reflection and celebration.”
This event will include a keynote address by James Mars Descendent Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best, founder of Creative Disruptor® and the author of Creative Disruption: How Artists and Innovators Build Influence, Drive Change, and Shape the Future. A Yale Divinity School–trained minister, visual artist, and social innovator, she is known for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of narrative, creativity, and leadership.
Rev. Dr. Best’s work centers on the power of narrative as a force for personal agency and systemic change. Drawing from history, spirituality, and lived experience, she helps leaders and institutions reimagine the stories they tell, the futures they design, and the impact they are called to create.
Today, she invites audiences into deeper reflection, not just how we lead, but how the stories we carry shape the world we are building together.
The event will include special performances by Nia Arts, storyteller Andre Keitt, and gospel music by The Walkers.
Connecticut’s Old State House is located at 800 Main Street in Hartford. Parking is available at State House Square parking garage, located at 75 Market Street, just steps away from Connecticut’s Old State House. Parking is capped at $10 with a ticket validated at the museum’s visitor services desk. Free on-street parking is available after 6:00pm and on weekends. Follow posted parking instructions.
For additional information, please contact info@discoveringamistad.org.
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Through the lens of the fight for freedom of the Amistad Uprising of 1839, we educate and collaborate to dismantle systemic racism. Our mission is to connect people of all ages with the Amistad story, motivating them to act and work to change systems that perpetuate racism, to ensure human rights for all. For more information, visit https://www.discoveringamistad.org.
For Immediate Release
April 9, 2026
CONTACT:
Victoria Meskill, Operations Administrative Manager
Discovering Amistad
(203) 617-9756
vmeskill@discoveringamistad.org