National Council for History Education
Friday, March 22

Howard Kaplan, Tiffany Middleton, and Hon. Roger Gregory

The dramatic story of the Amistad case provides a fascinating look at legal standards of free and slave status in early nineteenth century America. One of the most famous cases of its time, it involved future lawyer-president John Quincy Adams and incorporated both American and international laws. Participants will discuss the story of the case, analyze related federal court documents and grapple with with popular myths related to the case. A federal appellate judge will participate in the discussion to help participate in the discussion to help participants understand how the case might serve as a resource for teaching about slavery and freedom in American history.

Presentation Resources
NHCE Powerpoint
Primary Sources Related to Amistad

Then here are some additional resources that can go below in that lower box:

Amistad: The Federal Courts and the Challenge to Slavery, by Bruce Ragsdale, of the Federal Judicial Center, 2002.


Amistad Case, Teaching with Documents, National Archives and Records Adminstration, 2013.


Amistad: Seeking Freedom in Connecticut, National Park Service


Amistad Trials of 1839-1841, Famous American Trials, by Doug Linder, University of Missouri Kansas City Law School, 1998


Sally Hadden review of "Amistad" film


Eric Foner review of "Amistad" film