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Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collection, 2015.196.463.1, Connecticut Historical S ...
Exhibit Opening: Hartford History Center West Indian Exhibit
Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collection, 2015.196.463.1, Connecticut Historical Society, Copyright Undetermined

Exhibit Opening: Hartford History Center West Indian Exhibit

Date2018 June 7
Mediumborn digital photography
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collections
CopyrightIn Copyright
Object number2015.196.463.1-.10
DescriptionPhotographs from the opening of and talk about the exhibit "A Home Away From Home: Greater Hartford’s West Indian Diaspora” at the Hartford History Center at the Hartford Public Library on June 7, 2018.

2015.196.463.1: Image of Kenneth Bennett and other visitors inside the Hartford History Center.

2015.196.463.2-.8: Images of the Island Reflections Dance Theatre Inc. performance.

2015.196.463.9: Image of Kenneth Bennett speaking at the podium.

2015.196.463.10: Image of Barbara Henderson and her family, including her sponsor.
NotesSubject Note: On June 7, 2018, the Hartford History Center at the Hartford Public Library opened a new exhibit “A Home Away From Home: Greater Hartford’s West Indian Diaspora.” Over 70 community members came to view and learn about the exhibition, from curator and writer, Dr. Fiona Vernal, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies, University of Connecticut. In addition to Dr. Vernal’s talk, there was a welcome from West Indian Social Club president, Richard Gordan, Esq., and a brief historical note and dance presentation by Stephen D. Hankey, Artistic Director of Island Reflections, and dancers from the company. There were also brief stories shared by two people featured in the exhibition, Kenneth P. Bennett, one of the early Jamaican immigrants who came to Hartford to work tobacco and Barbara Henderson, who was sponsored by a family in West Hartford to live and attend school. (Source: “CEO Report August 2018 FINAL.” Page 18. Hartford Public Library, Aug. 2018.)


Biographical Note: The mission of Island Reflections Dance Theatre Inc. is “to illustrate the heritage and culture of the Caribbean through narrative dance with the emphasis on children and young adults. Research shows creative dance is a therapeutic way to help students express themselves.” The company, formed in 2012 and based in Hartford, is led by Artistic Director Stephen D. Hankey. The company provides training to students throughout Connecticut ranging from ages 3 to adult, and performs Caribbean Folk, Ballet, Modern/Contemporary, African, and other world dance styles.


Cataloging Note: This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-245929-OMS-20.
Status
Not on view