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Speaker Talk: Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni

"Broteer" Venture Smith

May 17, 2026 · 3 p.m.
Garden House

Venture Smith was a Connecticut captive born in West Africa in 1729. When he arrived in America as a child, he was forced to work on farms in Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. Broteer's story is especially compelling: he was able to purchase his freedom along with that of his family; he became a successful businessman; and he narrated his own story, telling of his childrehood in Africa, the horrific Middle Passage, his captivity, and freedom. The Broteer Venture Smith Project combines history, genealogy, genetics, and archaeology with hopes of discovering more about his life. In this presentation, Connecticut State Archeologist Emeritus Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni tells of Broteer, his life and times, and the DNA project initiated by his descendants. 

Tickets to go on sale in 2026.

Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. His duties primarily included the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. He serves as an adjunct associate research professor in the department of anthropology at UConn and resided as former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archaeologists. 

Bellantoni's research background includes the forensic archaeology and faunal analysis from eastern North America. He is the author a number of books written for the general public: The Long Journeys Home: The Repatriation of Henry Opukaha’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk; “And So The Tomb Remained”: Exploring Archaeology and Forensic Science Within Connecticut’s Historical Family Mausolea; Archaeology Without Digging: Connecticut History Uncovered By Ground-Penetrating Radar; and Hiking Ruins of Southern New England: A Guide to 40 Sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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