The Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court Building holds original materials relating to the Amistad incident. The library and court building became an important repository of local and state archival material in the late 19th and early 20th century, as well as a reference library for legislators and the public. The library's growing collection prompted the construction of this 1910 Beaux-Arts style building. New York architect Donn Barber designed the building in relation to the nearby State Capitol, and was influenced by contemporary library design, notably the New York Public Library.

The State Library's collections include original printings of the arguments of Roger Sherman Baldwin and John Quincy Adams before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as a collection of abolitionist publications from the 1830s and 1840s such as The Charter Oak. The Museum of Connecticut History occupies a portion of the building, including Memorial Hall, the magnificently restored display gallery, and three adjoining exhibit areas. The museum focuses on Connecticut's government, military and industrial history. A recent addition to the museum's permanent collection is the Connecticut Freedom Trail Quilt, with the Amistad Incident as a central theme. The stunning quilt, the work of 186 quilters, contains 78 squares depicting historic moments along the Freedom Trail, Connecticut's African American heritage trail.

The Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court Building is located at 231 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. The library is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Museum of Connecticut History is open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For further information call 860-566-3056 or visit the library's website.

Credits and Sources:

National Park Service. "A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary, Amistad: Seeking Freedom in Connecticut." http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amistad/sitelist.htm.

Photo courtesy of Museum of Connecticut History