Our Current Course: in Mystic, Conn.
This month's Amistad Leaders Spotlight is Luca Rivera
Luca is one of our outstanding leaders in the Amistad Leadership Academy Alumni and Youth Voices program. Throughout his journey with Discovering Amistad, Luca has consistently used his voice to uplift history, community, and meaningful dialogue. He played an active role in our campaign efforts and participated in our DEI Retreat, bringing thoughtfulness, leadership, and passion to every experience.
Luca shared:
“Working with Discovering Amistad has truly been a privilege and an honor. The program plays an instrumental part in keeping New Haven’s history alive, not only preserving its legacy but also honoring and acknowledging the lived experiences of some of the colony’s first African citizens. It serves its community as an interactive reminder of how far we’ve come as well as where we are going, one that I believe is worth investing in.”
Through his leadership and commitment to preserving history while inspiring future generations, Luca continues to embody what it means to be an Amistad Leader in Action , and we congratulate him!
This Juneteenth, the Discovering Amistad team is traveling to share the powerful story of the Amistad rebellion and to connect it to our shared, ongoing journey toward freedom.
Through storytelling and open conversation, we’ll honor the strength of the 53 Mende Africans and celebrate their lasting impact on human rights.
Join us at a location near you to explore how elevating forgotten history and reclaiming untold narratives can inspire freedom, equity, and hope today.
Where to find us:
June 13 – 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
South Hampton African American Museum (SAAM)
245 N Sea Rd, Southampton, New York
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
June 19 – 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, Connecticut
Juneteenth Open House (Ship open house)
June 19-21 – Noon - 5:00 p.m. each day
Norfolk | Nauticus Museum
One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginiaeach day
Juneteenth, Harborfest & Sail 250th
June 20 – 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Newport | Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, Rhode Island
250th Juneteenth Semiquincentennial Living History Celebration
June 20 – Noon - 3:00 p.m.
New Haven | Dixwell “Q” House
197 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, Connecticut
Juneteenth New Haven Event
Please Note: the Amistad ship itself will remain docked at Mystic Seaport for these events.
Supported by
Discovering Amistad: Looking Ahead
As we continue our dedicated multi-year effort to secure the funding needed for the Amistad’s new masts, the ship will remain docked for this warm weather season. However, our journey is far from paused. This year, our team is honored to take the spirit and story of the Amistad on the road as we participate in many 250th events, as well as hosting several of our own.
As communities nationwide reflect on 250 years of American history, we’re excited to share the lessons, legacy, and inspiration of the Amistad with new audiences. Our educators, storytellers, and crew will be bringing powerful programming, hands‑on learning, and meaningful dialogue to celebrations throughout the year.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue this important work. We look forward to connecting with you at USA 250th events and celebrating this historic milestone together.
Through the lens of the fight for freedom of the Amistad Uprising of 1839, we educate and collaborate to dismantle systemic racism and to achieve continue the fight for justice & equality today.
From our Board of Directors to the Amistad crew to our communities, funders and partners, we are in this together.
Discover how we educate and collaborate aboard our schooner, in classrooms, online and at historic institutions to facilitate learning, dialogue, action and ultimately, change.
Upcoming Events – Discover where we are and where we’re going. We hope you will join us.
Our Impact
