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2002
Contact: Lisa Petrone 294-2633
ext. 28
RADIO PSA FOR
VISIT OF FREEDOM SCHOONER AMISTAD
Freedom
Schooner Amistad arrives
in Key West on Tuesday, January 7 and will be welcomed
to our port with a ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday,
January 8 at the Hilton Pier. The visit has been arranged by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
in conjunction with its “Last Slave Ships” exhibit
at the Museum at 200 Greene Street.
Amistad
was the site of a revolt by African slaves being
transported within Cuba on a trader in 1839.
The incident sparked a national debate and
resulted in the first case on behalf of Africans being
argued before the Supreme Court.
Hollywood director Steven Spielberg chronicled
the event in a film that will be featured as part of ten
days of activities planned during the ship’s visit.
A
flotilla of local vessels will escort the Amistad
into port beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8.
Anyone wishing to support the visit may donate
$25 and board a flotilla vessel for the occasion.
Call Adam at 294-2633 extension 21 to reserve
your spot. Vessels
interested in participating may call 296-9694.
The ceremony, which will feature local public and
military and Mel Fisher Museum officials, is free and
open to the public.
Public
tours of the schooner are available from 2-5 p.m. on
weekdays and 9-12 and 2-5 on weekends between January 8
and 16. Tour
tickets are $5 and are on sale at the Mel Fisher Museum.
A combination ticket for $12 gives a visitor
access to both the Amistad
tour and a tour of the Maritime Museum.
A welcome center will be set up at the Harbor
Walk Room at the Hilton Resort where visitors can view a
free orientation video about the historic Amistad.
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