Historical society hears talk about Derby's black governors

At annual Thanksgiving reception

Warren Perry, Director, Africana Studies Archaeology Lab at Central Connecticut State University, answers questions last week at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby about Derby's black governors. He was keynote speaker at the Derby Historical Society's 24th annual Thanksgiving reception.

Two of Connecticut's black governors in the 1800s were from Derby. 

William Miller, Jr. past president of the Derby Historical Society, left, presents the Dr. John I. Howe Award to Ned Miller at the Derby Historical Society's 24th Annual Appeal Thanksgiving Reception last week at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.
The honor is given "to those whose presence has consistently benefited the Valley in the spirit of its namesake through activism, perseverance and/or philanthropy to the extend that they will be remembered in a historical context by future generations."
He was a physician who became a successful businessman. He lived in Derby in 1832 when he invented a machine that mass produced pins. 

Photo submitted by Randy Ritter

My daughter Allegra and I enjoyed Warren's presentation about the history of the Freeman family that produced two black governors here in Derby.


Please check out my story posted today in the Valley Independent Sentinel.