Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free at the Pardee-Morris House

New Haven, Conn. (April 6, 2026)— Kevin Johnson, a researcher with the Connecticut State Library History and Genealogy Unit, says there were an estimated 5,000 Black soldiers in Revolutionary War—including nearly 500 from Connecticut—serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities. Johson will portray one such Connecticut soldier during a free NH250 evening event “Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free,” at the Pardee-Morris House on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. Register here. Visitors are welcome to bring chairs and picnics for this special event in honor of Juneteenth. For weather updates check our Facebook/Instagram pages or call 203-562-4183.

Jordan Freeman was an African American servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Colonel William Ledyard during the Revolutionary War. Although he was not enlisted, Freeman witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Col. Ledyard.

Johnson notes some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service. His presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History.

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit, and he has been portraying Jordan Freeman for 17 years. In addition to portraying Freeman, he has been presenting as Pvt. William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for 26 years and has given more than 600 presentations. The Connecticut State Library provides high quality library and information services to state government and the citizens of Connecticut. It also preserves and makes accessible the records of Connecticut's history and heritage. The focus of the Museum and its collections is Connecticut's government, military and industrial history. Permanent and changing exhibits trace the growth of the State and its role in the development of the nation from the colonial era to the present.

New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.