Connecticut's Old State House
800 Main StreetGenealogist and historian John Mills will host the official book launch event for his debut work, The Narrative of Primus: A Lineage Woven into America’s History, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford, CT.
Officially releasing on April 21, The Narrative of Primus reconstructs the life of an enslaved African boy brought to colonial Connecticut and traces the generations of his descendants who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and beyond. Through meticulous genealogical research and analysis of primary sources, Mills brings forward a story that has largely remained untold. The book can be purchased prior to the event here.
While not a direct descendant of Primus, Mills is himself a descendant of enslaved Americans and approaches this work with both scholarly rigor and a deeply informed personal perspective. His research reflects a broader commitment to uncovering and sharing the histories of those whose lives were often excluded from traditional narratives.
“This work is about restoring visibility to lives that history too often left in the margins,” said Mills. “Primus’s story—and the stories of his descendants—help us better understand both the promise and the contradictions of America’s founding.”
The choice of venue underscores the significance of the work. The Connecticut Old State House, one of the oldest state houses in the nation, serves as a powerful setting to reflect on the early ideals of American democracy and the individuals whose experiences were not fully represented within them.
The April 29 event will include a brief author talk, a reading, and an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with Mills and purchase signed copies of the book.
This event is free and open to the public!
Wed, Apr 29, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Connecticut's Old State House
800 Main Street
We are a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on promoting social clarity and informed context regarding the African-American experience through research, interrogation and equity advocacy. Our mission is to use research and broader context to identify and address the many reverberating effects of chattel slavery.
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