How the Word Is Passed: A Conversation with Dr. Clint Smith at the Nook Farm
Join our in-person or virtual audiences for the 2022 Stowe Prize, honoring Dr. Clint Smith, for his New York Times bestselling book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery across America (Little, Brown and Company, 2021), a deeply researched and transporting exploration of the legacy of slavery and its imprint on centuries of American history. We at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserve and interpret Stowe’s Hartford home and the center’s historic collections, promote vibrant discussion of her life and work, and inspire commitment to social justice and positive change.

Dr. Smith converses with Linda Norris of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The event begins at 6PM on the Stowe Center Grounds. The moderated discussion and a Q&A with the live audience will be followed by Poets Respond to Dred, six original commissioned poems responding directly to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1857 antislavery novel, Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp. These readings will be performed by the authors and are curated by Versatile Poetiq, former artist-in-residence at the Stowe Center.
For this year’s in-person Stowe Prize Program, the Center’s grounds will be turned into a magical evening glade, dramatically lighting Nook Farm’s buildings and trees. For increased visibility, the conversation will be projected on a large screen adjacent to the stage. Please bring low height folding chairs or blankets for seating, and food and beverages for picnicking and sipping. An on site food truck with Brazilian specialties and beverages for purchase is also planned. While this event is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required and our capacity on site is limited to 200. A free live stream of the event is also available if that is more convenient for you.

If you would like to make a donation to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center your support of our mission would be deeply appreciated.