Witness Stones Memorials Will Recall Lives of EnslavedIndividuals in New Haven

New Haven,Conn. (May 18, 2021)— Students from The Foote School will install commemorative Witness Stones Memorials recalling the lives of Pink and Stepna, two enslaved individuals who once lived in the Morris House, now known as the Pardee-Morris House, during two ceremonies at the site on June 2, 2021, at 12:30 pm. The students will give presentations based on their research of Pink and Stepna.

Witness Stones Memorials are cement and bronze markers bearing the names of enslaved individuals, their trades, and whether they were emancipated or died enslaved, along with corresponding dates. One of the stones at PMH honors Stepna Primus, a farmer enslaved by Amos Morris, Isaac Forbes and Enos Hemingway. He was emancipated in 1796 and died in 1818. The second stone will honor Pink, Stepna’s wife and a mother, who was enslaved by Amos Morris and later became a landowner. She was emancipated in 1800 and died circa 1850.

“With the help of these students in researching the history of Pink and Stepna, we are able to begin reconstructing the memory of them in the written record,” says New Haven Museum Directorof Education and Engagement Khalil Quotap. “This partnership with the schoolshas enriched us all by uncovering their stories.”

The students’ research will be sharedduring the installation ceremonies for the Witness Stones,and later published in a commemorative pamphletand archived on the WitnessStones website.

Attendees are asked to follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and observe social distancing. For more information on the WitnessStones Project visit www.WitnessStonesProject.org.