Stowe Center for Literary Activism

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on the stories, struggles, and ideals that have shaped our nation. Join the Stowe Center for Literary Activism for a community conversation about the history of America’s founding, the voices that have too often been left out of that story, and the work of building a more just future.
This gathering invites neighbors into conversation, reflection, and community connection in a welcoming space where dialogue can spark understanding and action. Together, we’ll explore what America250 means, how the past continues to shape the present, and what responsibilities we share as we imagine the next chapter of our collective story.
Come be in community, engage with others, and help turn conversation into action.

Local Event: Salons at Stowe: America 250

Hartford County

Greater Hartford

Connecticut

Salons at Stowe: America 250

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity to reflect on the stories, struggles, and ideals...

<h3>July 4 Community Celebration</h3>
Join us for a family-friendly July 4 celebration inspired by 6000+ Declarations of Independence, an America250CT project exploring how Black abolitionists declared their own freedom through storytelling, art, and activism.
Throughout the day, visitors are invited to experience history through live interpretation, creative workshops, and community gathering—reflecting on the many ways freedom has been imagined, claimed, and expressed.
<h3>What to Expect</h3>
Live interpreters portraying Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Josiah Henson Comic book workshop with artist Joe Young Kemet character appearance Readings of freedom narratives and declarations of independence Outdoor programming on the Stowe Center grounds (weather permitting)
Families and visitors of all ages are welcome.

Local Event: 6000+ Declarations of Independence

6000+ Declarations of Independence

July 4 Community Celebration
Join us for a family-friendly July 4 celebration inspired by 6000+ Declarations of Independence,...

Before we can find common ground, we must ask: are we on equal ground?
Through a story of a historical radical and his memorialization in monuments, we unpack the idea of neutrality to begin to situate our own views as part of the wide political spectrum of our time. In so doing, we help folks feel better equipped to navigate the deeply held and very different beliefs of friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers alike.
A shareable toolkit for engaging in challenging conversations is available as a supplement to this experience, giving participants what they need to engage with wildly divergent political viewpoints—and to share space, search for, and build common ground together.
This experience is made possible with support from, and in partnership with, <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Connecticut Public.</a>
Part of our America 250 CT programming.

Local Event: Common Ground for Common Good

Common Ground for Common Good

Before we can find common ground, we must ask: are we on equal ground?
Through a story of a historical radical and his...

The Stowe Prize Series continues with a powerful exploration of history, storytelling, and the enduring struggle for freedom.
This year, we bring into conversation two remarkable works: the recently discovered Phillips Manuscript, which documents the extraordinary life of Dr. William H. Phillips, and Percival Everett’s award-winning novel James. The Phillips Manuscript will be on display at each gathering.
Born enslaved in Virginia in 1841, Dr. Phillips went on to become a nationally respected minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Philadelphia. His life touches on pivotal events of 19th-century America and illuminates the resilience, courage, and intellect of Black Americans before and after emancipation. His story resonates with the themes of Everett’s James, which reframes the story of Huck Finn through the eyes of Jim.
Together, these works invite us to reflect on the essential question: What is the role of storytelling and narrative in our understanding of history and our current culture?

Local Event: Stowe Prize Series: The Phillips Manuscript and “James: A Novel”

Stowe Prize Series: The Phillips Manuscript and...

The Stowe Prize Series continues with a powerful exploration of history, storytelling, and the enduring struggle for...

Stowe Prize Series: The Phillips Manuscript and “James: A Novel”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM One tour, two stories! Come learn about the Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass&nbsp;and&nbsp;the white anti-slavery author Harriet Beecher Stowe. We’ll explore their stories from the time they were young children until they became famous authors, paying special attention to the importance of love, family, and education in their lives. Did you know that Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write in secret as a child? Or that Douglass was aided in his extraordinary escape to freedom by his wife-to-be, Anna Murray? Did you know that Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous work of anti-slavery fiction,&nbsp;Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was directly inspired by Frederick Douglass and other Black activists of the 19th&nbsp;century? Our interactive, conversation-based tour is designed to explore some of the hardest moments in U.S. history&nbsp;in an empowering, age-appropriate way. Step back in time with us, touch and hold historical objects and documents that help this history come alive, and join in a conversation about how all of us have the power to create change.
&nbsp;[Designed to be enjoyed by visitors ages 6 and above.]

Local Event: Inheriting Freedom: An Intergenerational Tour (6+)

Inheriting Freedom: An Intergenerational Tour (6+)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM  SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM One tour, two...

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Michael Lemanski

Hartford Metropolitan Area

West Hartford

Wethersfield

Newington

Jay Kenney

South Windsor

Rocky Hill

Windsor

Chris Dehnel

Manchester

Glastonbury

Farmington

Avon

Horton Farm

Experience a beautiful exhibition and sale of original oil paintings by artist Ken Dorros at the scenic Horton Farm, 194 Tryron Street, S. Glastonbury, Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 9-5.

Local Event: Ken Dorros Art Show

Ken Dorros Art Show

Experience a beautiful exhibition and sale of original oil paintings by artist Ken Dorros at the scenic Horton Farm, 194 Tryron...

LiteBox

<h2>Married by the Mob — Immersive Mafia Wedding Dinner Show</h2>
Saturday, June 28, 2026 &nbsp;·&nbsp; 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM &nbsp;·&nbsp; Hartford, CTMarried by the Mob — Live Immersive Mafia Wedding Dinner ExperienceFrom the creator of Mob Wives comes an unforgettable live experience starring Renee Graziano — and YOU are part of the family.
Married by the Mob drops guests into the middle of a high-stakes mafia wedding where old grudges surface, champagne flows, and loyalty is tested in real time. This isn't dinner theater — it's full immersion. Expect drama, laughs, surprises, and a night you'll be talking about for weeks.
Perfect for girls' nights out, bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or anyone who wants something totally different to do in Hartford this summer.
⭐ Starring Mob Wives' own Renee Graziano 🎭 Created by Jennifer Graziano, creator of Mob Wives 🎟️ Limited seats — get yours at MarriedByTheMob.com/Shows
Come for the wedding. Stay for the chaos. Leave as part of the family.Entertainment Nightlife Theater Dining Girls Night Out Celebrity

Local Event: Married by the Mob 

Married by the Mob 

Married by the Mob — Immersive Mafia Wedding Dinner Show
Saturday, June 28, 2026  ·  2:00 PM – 4:30 PM  ·  Hartford, CTMarried...

Plainville High School

Lace up and mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Petit Family Foundation 5K Road Race &amp; Fitness Walk is coming soon!&nbsp;
Sunday, July 12, 2026&nbsp;
Plainville High School&nbsp; 
Plainville, CT 06062

Join us for a day of movement, community and purpose - whether you run, walk or cheer along the way!



Their legacy of compassion and kindness—Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit—shapes the work we do every day.
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/petitfamilyfoundation?__cft__[0]=AZbYUDEFMUbY4JAiL0q1976GcDBvGuI-9wPH_LcXwMkNv9h3f_GJLZeopzDULEbQXanJMF5uYT_6WfjVxI0oE_4Lm1EyZ07XpC857WrTc1ql8EPRSu3N6LmBYUkCOgOWLBex2-XhigXZvRQcz381DxmLPkWkM9bYC03LZZYTM3sZ-Gabd_I1YI931XddGidwqT8&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#PetitFamilyFoundation</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/5kwithpurpose?__cft__[0]=AZbYUDEFMUbY4JAiL0q1976GcDBvGuI-9wPH_LcXwMkNv9h3f_GJLZeopzDULEbQXanJMF5uYT_6WfjVxI0oE_4Lm1EyZ07XpC857WrTc1ql8EPRSu3N6LmBYUkCOgOWLBex2-XhigXZvRQcz381DxmLPkWkM9bYC03LZZYTM3sZ-Gabd_I1YI931XddGidwqT8&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#5KWithPurpose</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/communitystrong?__cft__[0]=AZbYUDEFMUbY4JAiL0q1976GcDBvGuI-9wPH_LcXwMkNv9h3f_GJLZeopzDULEbQXanJMF5uYT_6WfjVxI0oE_4Lm1EyZ07XpC857WrTc1ql8EPRSu3N6LmBYUkCOgOWLBex2-XhigXZvRQcz381DxmLPkWkM9bYC03LZZYTM3sZ-Gabd_I1YI931XddGidwqT8&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#CommunityStrong</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/makingadifferencetogether?__cft__[0]=AZbYUDEFMUbY4JAiL0q1976GcDBvGuI-9wPH_LcXwMkNv9h3f_GJLZeopzDULEbQXanJMF5uYT_6WfjVxI0oE_4Lm1EyZ07XpC857WrTc1ql8EPRSu3N6LmBYUkCOgOWLBex2-XhigXZvRQcz381DxmLPkWkM9bYC03LZZYTM3sZ-Gabd_I1YI931XddGidwqT8&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#MakingADifferenceTogether</a>

Local Event: 19th Annual Petit Family Foundation Road Race & Fitness Walk

Plainville

19th Annual Petit Family Foundation Road Race &...

Lace up and mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Petit Family Foundation 5K Road Race & Fitness Walk is coming soon! 
Sunday,...

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National Edition

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Posting Activity

Salons at Stowe: America 250

JUL

1

6:00 PM

Stowe Center for Literary Activism, 77 Forest St, Hartford, CT

6000+ Declarations of Independence

JUL

4

11:00 AM

77 Forest St, Hartford, CT

Common Ground for Common Good

JUL

15

6:00 PM

77 Forest St, Hartford, CT

Stowe Prize Series: The Phillips Manuscript and “James: A Novel”

JUL

22

6:00 PM

77 Forest St, Hartford, CT

Inheriting Freedom: An Intergenerational Tour (6+)

AUG

7

10:00 AM

Stowe Center for Literary Activism, 77 Forest St, Hartford, CT

Ken Dorros Art Show

Married by the Mob

19th Annual Petit Family Foundation Road Race & Fitness Walk