As 150th Anniversary of 13th Amendment Passage Approaches, Courtney Releases Study Guide to Set Record Straight on "Lincoln" Movie Errors

WASHINGTON—January 31st will mark the 150th anniversary of Congressional passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution—a dramatic event depicted in the movie “Lincoln” in 2012. As this important anniversary approaches, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), who originally noted the movie’s erroneous depiction of Connecticut congressmen voting against the abolition of slavery, released a resource guide to help set the record straight for Connecticut students and viewers. The release coincides with an effort—led by Connecticut social studies educators—to adopt new frameworks for curricula to emphasize state and local history to illustrate broader historical themes.

 

“The first time I watched ‘Lincoln,’ I was stunned to see that Connecticut’s representatives had seemingly voted to uphold slavery—a position that did not square with my knowledge of Connecticut history,” Courtney said. “After some research, I learned that the four real representatives from our state had all cast votes to abolish slavery. Such a glaring misrepresentation—especially in a movie that included so many meticulously researched details—is bound to lead Connecticut viewers to question their state’s role in the abolition of slavery and the Civil War.

 

“To help set the record straight and provide classroom teachers with a resource to initiate a critical discussion about our Connecticut ancestors’ part in this watershed period of American history, we have assembled a guide containing biographical information and resources detailing the Connecticut House delegation’s part in passing the 13th Amendment.”

 

State of Connecticut Social Studies Consultant Stephen Armstrong said, "This approach works perfectly with the proposed state social studies frameworks. In our frameworks, we want to utilize Connecticut and local history to help to tell the larger story of United States history. By utilizing the materials the Congressman has provided, teachers and students can utilize Connecticut examples to enhance their understanding of American attitudes during this era."

 

Courtney initially identified the movie’s flawed representation of the Connecticut delegation’s votes, and requested that director Steven Spielberg correct the fictitious representatives and votes portrayed in the movie—which was otherwise painstakingly accurate on many fronts. T

 

 

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