FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington Historical Society has launched the fifth season of its "Odyssey of the Amistad: A Trail to Freedom" guided walking tour with expanded storytelling, new historical perspectives and additional opportunities for visitors to explore Farmington's role in the Amistad story and the Underground Railroad.
Organizers said the 2026 season builds on growing interest from visitors and scholars from across the country, while incorporating new research and feedback gathered since the program debuted.
This year's tour introduces Singbe Pieh — known in the United States as Joseph Cinqué — as a speaking figure during the opening presentation.
Organizers said the addition is designed to give visitors a more personal understanding of the experiences of Pieh and the other Mende Africans who were kidnapped and transported aboard the schooner La Amistad.
For the first time, audiences will also hear portions of the Mende language during the presentation.
The enhanced opening program has been expanded to approximately 30 minutes.
It places greater emphasis on the lives of the Mende people, Farmington's abolitionists, and the anti-abolitionist sentiment that also existed within the community during the 19th century.
Following the presentation, guides lead participants on a 1.5-mile walking tour through historic Farmington, tracing the footsteps of the Mende Africans and highlighting sites connected to the Underground Railroad.
The tour's writing and research team — Sarah Jean Willett, Kim Silva and Joanne Lawson — continues to update the program through ongoing historical research.
Carla Dean, also a member of the writing team, is portraying Fannie Freeman this season after previously performing the role in 2025.
Organizers said the program continues to evolve based on weekly participant surveys and consultation with historians, writers and museum professionals.
Re-enactors wear period clothing alongside Afro-centric garments and authentic African textiles, a choice organizers said reinforces cultural connections between the historical events and contemporary African American culture.
The 2026 season also marks a transition for the cast. After portraying abolitionist Charlotte Cowles during the first four seasons, head writer Sarah Jean Willett is retiring from the role, with a new performer taking over the character.
Public tours begin at 10 a.m. at First Church of Christ, 75 Main St., Farmington, and include the opening presentation followed by the guided walking tour.
Advance registration is recommended. According to the Farmington Historical Society, each tour is limited to 25 participants.
Tickets are $20 for adults (19 and older), $15 for seniors (65 and older), and $10 for children ages 18 and younger. More information and reservations are available through the Farmington Historical Society at fhs-ct.org.
For more information and to register for a tour, click on this link.
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