Join us at Historic New England’s Bowman House on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. to celebrate the installation of Stopping Stones, commemorating Cicero and Cornelius, two enslaved Black men who lived and worked here. Nov. 1 is the 251st anniversary of the day Cicero self-emancipated and walked away to join George Washington’s Continental Army. 

Independent journalist and historian Bob Greene, whose ancestral Maine roots go back to the 1700s, will talk about slavery in Maine. Historic New England’s Midcoast Maine Site Manager Peggy Konitzky will tell the stories of Cicero, Cornelius, and their enslavement by the Bowmans right here in the early years of the American Revolution. Freddy Larossa, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter will perform his unique blend of Latin and Afro Caribbean inspired music specially curated for the occasion. The event will culminate in the placement of the hand-crafted granite and brass Stopping Stones.

Light refreshments will be served after the placing of the markers. This event is free and open to the public. Booking a ticket is not necessary but will let Historic New England know you are coming. FMI and to book your free ticket visit https://my.historicnewengland.org/27305/stones or call 207-882-7169. FMI about Stopping Stones visit https://www.historicnewengland.org/what-is-a-stopping-stone

Bowman House is at 22 Bowman Lane, Dresden.

Stopping Stones is a public art initiative managed by Historic New England that honors enslaved Americans by placing permanent markers where they lived and worked. This event is funded in part by the Lincoln County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.