Calendar of Events

“Jordan Freeman: The Fight to Set a People Free”

Performance by Kevin Johnson

April 23, 2026 · 7 p.m.
Garden House

Just in time for the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield, experience historian Kevin Johnson's compelling portrayal of Jordan Freeman, an African American servant of John Ledyard and the body servant of Col. William Ledyard in the Revolutionary War. 

Jordan Freeman was an actual person, born into slavery in Old Lyme, CT in 1732. When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Freeman - who did not enlist himself - witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Colonel William Ledyard. Historians estimate the number of Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War to have been about 5,000 men, serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities - including nearly 500 from Connecticut. Some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service. Johnson's interpretation is based on his extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History.

Registration is required and will open soon.

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit, and he has been portraying Jordan Freeman for about 17 years. He also has portrayed Private William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for 26 years and has delivered over 600 presentations. The Connecticut State Library provides high quality library and information services to state government and the citizens of Connecticut. It also preserves and makes accessible the records of Connecticut's history and heritage. The focus of the Museum and its collections is Connecticut's government, military and industrial history. Additional information about the State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History can be found at ctstatelibrary.org

» View the full calendar of events