African American History Forum Prudence Crandell 1833~
Canterbury In 1833, Prudence Crandall opened a school in
Canterbury for African-American girls. Objections led to a state
law that barred the teaching of “colored people” without a
town’s permission. Crandall’s school stayed open despite court
battles, and the “Black Law” was repealed in 1838. However, a
mob assault on the school after her case was dismissed forced
Crandall to close the school. Information from the Connecticut
Women’s Hall of Fame, For more highlights and features, see the
Register's Celebrating Women's History page.