The 30th annual celebration honors the legacy of Venture Smith
By Susan R. Waide
Approximately 125 people attended the 30th annual Venture Smith Day last month at First Church Cemetery. The special 30th anniversary celebration brought together descendants, community members, historians, educators, and visitors to honor Venture Smith and explore Connecticut’s history during the American Revolution.
Born in West Africa, kidnapped as a young child, and enslaved in Africa, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut, Venture Smith (African birthname, Broteer Furro) endured extraordinary hardship. Yet through it all, he never gave up his determination to gain his freedom and build a life for himself and his family.
Held as part of East Haddam’s America 250 celebration and the Connecticut Freedom Trail, this event marked three decades of remembering and sharing Venture Smith’s remarkable life.
The afternoon began at 12:30 p.m. with a performance by the Moodus Drum and Fife Corps, which also performed at the first Venture Smith Day celebrations 30 years ago. At 1 p.m., East Haddam First Selectman Todd H. Gelston presented a proclamation recognizing Venture Smith Day and its 30-year history.
The anniversary program featured five speakers who presented a variety of perspectives on Connecticut history:
Dr. Matthew Warshauer presented The American Revolution Was Fueled by Sugar: Connecticut as the Provisions State and Dr. David J. Naumec discussed Connecticut’s Indigenous Troops: Army, Navy & Marines, 1775–1783.
Dr. John Wood Sweet presented Venture Smith and the American Revolution and Dr. Karl P. Stofko presented Cuff Smith, American Revolutionary Soldier.
Gary “Red Oak” O’Neil spoke about employment and how it affected the Smith and Warmsley families in 1940.
The presentations provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about Venture Smith, the American Revolution, Indigenous military service and the people and families connected to East Haddam's history.
The event also featured historical exhibits, refreshments, and the introduction of a new book, “Celebrating Venture Smith Day” by Susan R. Waide. This special edition, honors Venture’s extraordinary legacy while commemorating 30 years of remembering and sharing his story
The book presents an updated timeline of Venture’s life, an updated overview of his rare Narrative (published in 1798 in New London, Connecticut) and a look at the remarkable story preserved in his own words. This book celebrates Venture’s enduring legacy and three decades of honoring his memory, connecting his past to the continuing effort to preserve his story.
This 100-page book, “Celebrating Venture Smith Day” and commemorative 30th anniversary Venture Smith caps are available for purchase at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum or by contacting Susan R. Waide at www.waidecommunications.com.
The book and Venture Smith Day cap will also be available while supplies last at the Author Showcase, sponsored by the Friends of the East Haddam Libraries, on Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Town Street in East Haddam and at Dr. Karl P. Stofko’s talk “East Haddam Stories of the American Revolution” on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the East Haddam Historical Society and Museum at 264 Town St. and at the Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies “Holiday Market” in December.
Susan R. Waide works to preserve and share Venture Smith’s story through historical research, writing, community, and classroom educational programs. She is presently working with Dr. Karl P. Stofko on an unabridged two-book project focusing on Venture Smith and his life. This book is expected to be completed in 2027.
The 30th Annual Venture Smith Day continued a tradition of bringing Venture Smith’s story to new generations while recognizing the importance of preserving local history.
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