Rendering of “The Man Fortune”

On September 13th, 2023, The Mattatuck Museum in collaboration with Riverside Cemetery will be hosting a commemoration ceremony for the 10th Anniversary of the burial of “The Man Fortune”. The event will be from Noon to 1pm ET at Riverside Cemetery; 496 Riverside St., Waterbury, CT 06708.

Upon Fortune's death in 1798, his enslaver, Dr. Preserved Porter of Waterbury, CT, boiled his body parts to remove flesh. Dr. Porter retained Fortune’s skeleton as a teaching tool. The bones were used as an initial training tool for generations of Porter doctors, eventually donated to the Mattatuck Museum in 1932. The bones would remain on display at the museum until 1970, when the museum took down the display and placed the bones in storage.

In the early 1990’s, the bones were examined by experts to gather details of Fortune’s life, diet, injuries and likeness. Fortune would ultimately be buried in Riverside Cemetery in Waterbury on September 13th. 2013.

The commemoration will include opening remarks, a recounting of Fortune’s life and legacy, blessings, and a wreath laying. John Mills will provide remarks on Fortune’s story at the commemoration. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Although the event is free, people are encouraged to register here.

Looking forward to seeing you!