Tag: #NorwalkOysterFestival

A Grand Finale to Summer: The 48th Norwalk Oyster Festival Returns September 11-13

Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 11–13 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this festival is more than just a celebration—it’s the largest annual fundraiser supporting the continuing preservation and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Tickets are available online and at the gate at $20 for adults and $10 for children 5-12, with all entertainment included in the admission price. Families will appreciate that children ages 12 and under are free on Sunday with a paying adult, while discounted ride wristbands at $35 each (available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) keep the thrills accessible for all ages.

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For those looking to indulge, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge returns with an upgraded, upscale retreat in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, festivalgoers 21+ will score the VIP Lounge plus festival admission, comfy seating, three adult drinks, exclusive giveaways, and delicious bites including grilled oysters, hanger steak, corn salad, and smoked salt potatoes. It’s a refined way to experience the festival—equal parts relaxation and fun. For combination tickets https://www.seaport.org/mohegan-sun-online-casino-lounge

The Xfinity Main Stage) is bringing three nights of can’t-miss entertainment—starting with the fierce, glam-metal legend Lita Ford on Friday, September 11, at 8 pm. Known for hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and the powerful duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, her presence anchors opening night with grit, nostalgia, and undeniable star power.

Parmalee takes the Xfinity Main Stage on Saturday, September 12 at 8:30 p.m. With more than 1.6 billion on-demand streams and six No. 1 hits, Parmalee has redefined modern country music with powerful storytelling and a polished crossover sound. Expect a setlist stacked with fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and “Already Callin’ You Mine alongside newer chart-toppers including “Take My Name,” “Girl in Mine,” and “Cowgirl,” a track that recently made history as one of the longest-running No. 1 songs in over a decade on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Dance to the multi-platinum country group Parmalee

On Sunday, September 13, the festival shifts into high gear one last time as JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend at 4 p.m. The band delivers a high-octane tribute to Van Halen’s David Lee Roth era—complete with faithful renditions, theatrical flair, and a setlist that dives beyond the biggest hits to the delight of true fans.

The high octane performance of JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend

Beyond the Xfinity Main Stage, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is packed with interactive entertainment for all ages. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show brings the world of logging to life. Watch as World -Class and World -Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping that have been wowing audiences for over 35 years! The Ready Go Dog Show, as seen on FOX, ESPN, and the Today Show, features a cast of rescued canine athletes that steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. After the show, meet the pups in person, making the experience even more memorable.

Food lovers can take a culinary journey around the world without leaving the fairgrounds at the International Food Court. Feast on everything from New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters, to Italian specialties, Southern soul food, Latin-inspired dishes, amazing sweets, and much more. Wander through the New England Crafts Village, where artisans and makers showcase their work. From handcrafted jewelry and fine art to ceramics and wearable pieces, each booth offers something unique—perfect for discovering a one-of-a-kind treasure.

At its heart, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is more than an end-of-summer tradition—it’s a celebration with impact, supporting education, preservation, and the region’s maritime legacy, Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Festival Essentials
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday. Tickets are available online at https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival or at the gate.

The daily festival combination ticket provides entrance to the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino Lounge for 21+ for $50 per day. Combination tickets are available at https://www.seaport.org/mohegan-sun-online-casino-lounge.

Discounted business ticket packages are also available in blocks of 100 or more at 50% off general admission and available at https://www.seaport.org/business-ticket-packages.

Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For FAQs, including parking and shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/faqs_norwalkoysterfestival

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 48th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino
Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

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Parmalee, Lita Ford and Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience at the 48th Norwalk Oyster Festival September 11-13

The Norwalk Seaport Association has unveiled its 2026 entertainment lineup, running September 11 through September 13, 2026. The 48th annual three-day festival blends seaside charm with arena-level performances. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a jolt of rock history. At 8 p.m. on September 11, Lita Ford—the groundbreaking guitarist and former Runaways member—brings her unmistakable brand of glam metal to Norwalk. Known for hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and the powerful duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, Ford’s career spans decades, accolades, and a permanent place in rock’s cultural DNA. Her presence anchors opening night with grit, nostalgia, and undeniable star power.

Lita Ford brings glam metal to the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Taking over the Xfinity Main Stage on Saturday at 8:30 p.m., September 12, is multi-platinum country group Parmalee—a band that has steadily climbed from regional favorite to national powerhouse. With more than 1.6 billion on-demand streams and six No. 1 hits, Parmalee has helped redefine modern country music, threading together classic storytelling with a polished, crossover-ready sound. Expect a setlist stacked with fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and “Already Callin’ You Mine alongside newer chart-toppers including “Take My Name,” “Girl in Mine,” and “Cowgirl,” a track that recently made history as one of the longest-running No. 1 songs by a band on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in over a decade. Recent releases include the deeply personal “How Do I Let You Go” and their current single, “God Knew Better.”

Dance to the multi-platinum country group Parmalee

On Sunday, the festival shifts into high gear one last time as JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend. Taking the Xfinity Main Stage at 4 p.m. on September 13, the band delivers a high-octane tribute to Van Halen’s David Lee Roth era—complete with faithful renditions, theatrical flair, and a setlist that dives beyond the biggest hits into deep-cut territory for true fans.

The high octane performance of JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is about much more than headlining performers; it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy. On Sunday, Kids Day makes it especially fun for families, with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Many of the festival’s shows are included with your ticket and scheduled throughout the day, so you can catch your favorites without missing a moment. And, if your family loves rides, an unlimited ride wristband is available on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As Norwalk Oyster Festival Chairman, Mike Reilly puts it, “The Norwalk Oyster Festival brings it all together – arena-sized live bands, a craft village, rides, great food, and family entertainment, all packed into one unforgettable three-day weekend.”

This year’s presenting sponsor, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, is once again raising the bar with a VIP experience, bringing a touch of resort-level service to the festival. “Our partnership with the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

For tickets and full event details, visit https://www.seaport.org/norwalkoysterfestival_entertainment

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Celebrate the End of Summer in Style at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 5–7 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this vibrant festival is more than just a celebration—it’s the largest annual fundraiser supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a true Connecticut maritime icon. With tickets available online and at the gate, this festival offers exceptional value, especially with all entertainment included in the price of admission and free entry for children 12 and under on Sunday with a paying adult, sponsored by Nuvance Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, making it one of the most family-friendly events around.

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival in addition to nationally acclaimed family entertainment, all included with admission to the festival. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

A Star-Studded Music Lineup
This year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is turning up the volume with an unforgettable lineup that’s sure to have you dancing all weekend long! From national recording artists on the Optimum Main Stage to regional favorites under the Abbey Tent, music takes center stage. Music lovers are in for a treat with this year’s impressive entertainment line-up. Country sensation, Parmalee, the most-played group on Country Radio in 2022 and 2023, will headline Saturday night. Their high-energy performance will feature fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and their latest single “Cowgirl.” The musical excitement kicks off Friday with Nashville and Margaritaville night – Rock Country Nights, will open for Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band. Sunday wraps up with VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey, performing fan favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.”



Introducing the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge
This year, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino is unveiling its exclusive VIP Lounge — a luxurious, casino-inspired escape right in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, guests aged 21+ will get admission to the festival, all-day access to plush seating, three complimentary adult beverages, and a selection of tasty bites. But the VIP perks don’t stop there. Lounge guests will also be treated to exclusive giveaways and premium swag. One-day passes are available for September 5, 6, and 7, so grab yours online or at the gate. As Colin Mulhern, Event Manager for Mohegan Sun Online Casino, puts it: “Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk residents’ backyards!”

Unforgettable Family Fun: Lumberjacks & Leaping Dogs!
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is packed with laughter, action, and jaw-dropping feats that bring the world of logging to life. Watch as burly World Class and World Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping. From the razor-sharp Misery Whip crosscut saw to dragster-speed chainsaws, this high-energy show blends tradition with modern-day excitement—and it’s been wowing audiences across the globe for over 33 years!

The Ready Go Dog Show takes entertainment to new heights—literally! Featuring a cast of rescued canine athletes, this high-flying, tail-wagging performance combines comedy, talent, and heart in one unforgettable package. Watch Frisbee-catching, high-jumping, water-diving dogs steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. These pups do it all with passion, and after the show, you can even meet the stars during a special “meet n’ greet”. As seen on FOX, ESPN, and The Today Show, the Ready Go Dog Show is paws-down one of the most exciting family-friendly events around!

Savor Global Flavors & Shop Local Artistry
Food lovers, get ready for a culinary journey around the world—without ever leaving town. Indulge in a vibrant menu that spans continents, alongside classic New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters delivered right off the boat. If you love to shop and explore one-of-a-kind finds, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts area, where talented artists and crafters showcase everything from whimsical trinkets to practical pieces. Whether you’re on the hunt for handmade jewelry, eye-catching paintings, stunning pottery, or wearable art, there’s something here to match every style and budget.

Festival Essentials
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday, sponsored by Nuvance Health GoHealth Urgent Care, and children under 5 are free every day. Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristband specials with unlimited rides for Saturday & Sunday (11a-3p) are available for only $35! Tickets for the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent are available online and at the gate. Click here for ticket information. For detailed parking shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino
Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

JanetLeave a comment

Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee brings their southern swagger to Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 5-

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

It’s 5 ‘clock somewhere with the Jimmy Kenny Band at the Norwalk Oyster Festival

The music doesn’t stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Take a journey with VOYAGE

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

JanetLeave a comment

Three Days of Fun! Norwalk Oyster Festival September 6, 7, 8

The last great event of the summer is taking place at Norwalk’s Veteran’s Park on September 6, 7, and 8 with tickets on sale at seaport.org and at the gate. This festival is the Seaport Association’s largest fundraiser that helps with its mission of education, preservation, and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime icon. One of the most unique things about the Norwalk Oyster Festival is that all the entertainment is included with the price of a ticket, and all kids, 12 and under get in free on Sunday with a paying adult, making this one of the most family-friendly events around.

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This year’s stellar entertainment line-up on the Optimum Main Stage will please all age groups. Friday night kicks off with the exuberant performance of Funky Dawgs at 7 p.m. and is followed by the high-energy performance Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Badboy takes the stage at 1 p.m. and is followed by JD Leonard known for his modern country vibe that keeps fans mesmerized. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to welcome back Mike DelGuidice who will be performing at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. DelGuidice has been wowing audiences around the world with his powerful vocals, showcasing his talent, eclectic songwriting, friendly, and engaging stage presence, and has built a national following as a full-time touring member of Billy Joel’s Band. On Sunday, Connecticut’s own Drew Angus will be performing with his band at 2:00. This year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is ending with “feel good energy” when Let’s Sing Taylor gets all the “Swifties” in the crowd up dancing and singing along with what has been hailed nationwide as the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute band.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. New acts this year include the Ready Go Dog Show featuring high-flying canine athletes. The second new act is the XPOGO Show composed of the most talented and experienced extreme POGO champion pro athletes who have performed in 26 countries and on America’s Got Talent. There is plenty of family fun, especially in Kids Cove where unlimited ride wristbands are offered for $35 on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For shoppers and treasure hunters, the New England Crafts Village offers the work of 80+ vendors that offer items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. And, for foodies, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is a gastronomic extravaganza. Foodies rejoice at the fest’s unique offerings from Mexico, Columbia, Greece, Jamaica, and Italy. Not to be forgotten are the “gifts of the sea,” that New Englanders have celebrated for a good long time – lobsters, clam chowda, and oysters, of course!

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for kids 5-12 (free on Sunday with a paying adult). On Friday the festival hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at seaport.org and at the gate. Shuttles are available from Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach. For detailed information seaport.org.

About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 13 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $2 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces award 2020-2023. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org

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The Amistad Comes to the Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 8,9,10

In addition to three family fun-filled days of entertainment at the Norwalk Oyster Festival like the WOW Water Circus and Canines in the Clouds, food, arts and crafts, and riveting performances by Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, Mullett the nation’s best 80s band, and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, the historic Amistad will be docked in Norwalk Harbor adjacent to Veterans Park where the festival is taking place. All ticketed festgoers are invited to tour this amazing vessel for free at this year’s Oyster Festival. The enslaved African captives aboard the Amistad initiated the most famous slave ship rebellion in American history.

Illegally Sold into Slavery

The story of the Amistad and Connecticut are historically entwined in an extraordinary way. It all began in February 1839, when Portuguese slave hunters abducted hundreds of Africans from Mendeland, in present-day Sierra Leone, and transported them to Cuba, then a Spanish colony. At that time, the importation of enslaved people and the transatlantic slave trade were illegal in the United States and in Great Britain. Unfortunately, Havana, Cuba remained an important trading hub supplying plantations in the Caribbean with enslaved people.

When the slave ship, the Tecora reached Cuba, two plantation owners, Pedro Montes and Jose Ruiz purchased 53 of the transported Africans as enslaved workers. Soon after their purchase, they set sail on the Amistad, for their plantation in Puerto Rico. Ironically, the name of the vessel, Amistad means “Friendship.”

Color Engraving and Frontispiece from John Warner Barber (1840). A History of the Amistad Captives. New Haven, Connecticut: E.L. and J.W. Barber, Hitchcock & Stafford, Printers.

Uprising at Sea

A few days into the journey Joseph Cinque, one of the enslaved Africans managed to get out of the shackles and helped other captives to get out of theirs. Armed with knives, they seized control of the Amistad, killing the captain and the cook.

After seizing control, they ordered Montes and Ruiz to turn the ship back to Africa. Secretly, at night, Montes and Ruiz changed the course of the vessel, in hopes of being rescued, and sailed it through the Caribbean and up the eastern coast of the United States.

The Amistad docked in Long Island to get provisions and was spotted by the U.S. brig Washington on August 26, 1839. The Amistad was seized by the Naval Officers on the Washington and the enslaved were put back in chains and brought to Connecticut, which was still a slave state at that time. The naval officers claimed salvage rights to the ship and its enslaved cargo.

Contemporary painting of the sailing vessel La Amistad off Culloden Point, Long Island, New York, on 26 August 1839; on the left the USS Washington of the US Navy

Battle in Court

Cinque and other Africans who helped him with the revolt on the Amistad were imprisoned in New Haven and charged with murder and piracy. With the help of influential abolitionists, the charges were dropped. However, a legal battle ensued regarding the legal status of the enslaved captives and property claims between the naval officers of the boat, the Washington, the Spanish government, and Montes and Ruiz.

The President of the United States at the time, Martin Van Buren wanted to extradite the Africans to Cuba to pacify Spain. The defense team for the Africans enlisted a professor who studied languages from Yale University to determine what language the Africans spoke so that they could tell their story. On the waterfront of New York, they found a man who spoke their language and brought him to court to interpret their story for the first time.

In January 1840, a judge in Hartford, Connecticut, in defiance of President Van Buren, who thought the court would rule in his favor, ruled that the Africans were not Spanish enslaved peoples, but rather, that they were illegally captured and should be returned to Africa, not to Cuba. This decision was appealed and eventually was heard in the Supreme Court. The defense team enlisted the help of former President, John Quincy Adams who had successfully argued cases before the Supreme Court and had a strong anti-slavery voice in Congress. Adams argued that these enslaved Africans had the right to fight for their freedom aboard the Amistad, in accordance with the Declaration of Independence, and accused Van Buren of abusing his executive power.

Sketch of an Amistad prisoner, drawn as they awaited trial in New Haven.

The Outcome

On March 9, 1841, the Supreme Court ruled 7 to 1 that the enslaved Africans did have the right to fight for their freedom aboard the Amistad, and that the court deemed them to be free. However, the U.S. government did not allocate funds to repatriate the Africans to their homeland and, awarded salvage rights to the naval officers on the Washington, not to the Spanish or the Africans.

Many abolitionists supported these freed Africans and raised sufficient funds to pay for their return trip to their homeland in Africa. Although some of the Africans died at sea and others died in prison awaiting trial, in November of 1841, 43 surviving Africans boarded the vessel called The Gentleman along with five Christian missionaries in New York and headed for home. Upon reaching their homeland all but four children returned to their families and vanished from historical records.

For tickets to the Norwalk Oyster Festival http://www.seaport.org

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