September 12, 2013

GOV. MALLOY RELEASES STATEMENT ON CEREMONIAL BURIAL SERVICES FOR 18TH CENTURY MAN

Event Today At The Capitol

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released the following statement regarding the burial of the former slave Fortune, of Waterbury, who died in 1798. Fortune's remains were donated to the Mattatuck Museum in 1933.

"Fortune was a Waterbury man who worked, lived and died in our state at a time when African Americans were denied basic civil rights. After 215 years, he will finally be laid to rest," Governor Malloy said. "While we can't undo the wrongs of the past, we can honor those who were affected and push for positive change in the future. I commend the Mattatuck Museum, St. John's Episcopal Church clergy and other committee members who worked for years to ensure a proper burial service for Fortune."

St. John's Episcopal Church will hold a ceremony today at 10 a.m. at the Capitol. The memorial service will take place at the church in Waterbury at 4 p.m. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. For more information, visit www.fortunestory.org .

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For Immediate Release: September 12, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy