Join us for Conversation Club at Stanley-Whitman House with guest speaker and researcher John Mills!

Unlocking Untold Histories: Inclusive Storytelling with John Mills

Join us on a meaningful exploration at Stanley-Whitman House on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4:00 pm, as we welcome guest John Mills. Together, we’ll navigate the intricacies of storytelling within colonial heritage sites and seek pathways to greater inclusivity. As historic houses like Stanley-Whitman House endeavor to tell the challenging history of enslavement with sensitivity and context, we aim to ensure that all visitors feel a sense of belonging.

About The Program

John Mills brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. His recent presentation, “Representing the Declaration: Centering Black and Brown Narratives,” delivered at the Central Connecticut State University 250th Conference, underscores his dedication to inclusive storytelling. Join us on May 16, 2024, at 4:00 pm, at the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington, CT, as John delves into the intricacies of storytelling within colonial heritage sites and explores avenues for greater inclusivity.

About John Mills

John Mills is the founder and president of Alex Breanne Corporation. This non-profit organization provides research, interrogation, and the presentation of lesser-known stories representing the life experiences of the American enslaved, presented from an African American perspective. Their mission is to use research and broader context to identify and address the many reverberating effects of chattel slavery. The Alex Breanne Corporation, with each selected subject, researches genealogy and the life, environment, and times they lived. After assimilating and establishing the context from an African American perspective, they intend to engage institutions of education and local municipalities to help disseminate a broader context regarding their lives. John Mills is an architecture director at CIGNA Healthcare, a researcher, genealogist, and equity advocate. He shares captivating teachings and stories while simultaneously being an independent scholar, a descendant of enslaved peoples, and a descendent of enslavers.

About Stanley-Whitman House

Located in the heart of the historic village of Farmington, Stanley-Whitman House stands as the town’s inaugural museum, offering vivid insights into early colonial life. Beyond traditional exhibits, our museum provides immersive experiences through dynamic programs, events, classes, and hands-on exploration opportunities, including living history demonstrations, publications, exhibits, a library, an archive, and a permanent collection. Our centerpiece is a circa 1720 National Historic Landmark house with period antiques, offering a glimpse into colonial Connecticut life. Surrounding the house, visitors can stroll through period-raised bed gardens, explore an apple orchard, and admire heritage stone walls, immersing themselves in the past. Since 1935, Stanley-Whitman House has operated under the auspices of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich history and culture of 17th-19th-Century Farmington, Connecticut.

About Conversation Club

Inspired by the rich tradition of “The Conversation Club,” established in 1818, our monthly gathering offers a dynamic platform for engaging dialogue. Join us on the third Thursday of each month as we delve into lively conversations rooted in history. Through re-examining the past, our club fosters meaningful discussions that inspire learning, reflection, and a shared vision for the future.

Join the Conversation

This program isn’t just about listening but actively participating in the dialogue. Please bring your questions, perspectives, and curiosity as we navigate the complexities of telling inclusive histories together. Register online at https://www.s-wh.org/conversation-club or call (860) 677-9222 to reserve your spot.

Support Stanley-Whitman House

This is a free, in-person program, although donations are graciously accepted.

We believe in access and equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage and participate in our museum programs and events. As part of our commitment to accessibility, we offer this program free of charge. However, we would like to ask those who can donate to support our ongoing programs to do so. Your generosity plays a vital role in our mission to maintain accessibility and continue organizing and hosting these events. By donating, you help us expand and diversify our range of activities and subjects, ensuring our programs remain accessible. Thank you for your support in making our mission possible.

Sherra Palmer and David Palmer (1942 – 2024) have generously supported this program.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversation-club-john-mills-tickets-809038625307?aff=oddtdtcreator