Diane Orson
Special CorrespondentDiane Orson is a special correspondent with Connecticut Public. She is a longtime reporter and contributor to National Public Radio. Her stories have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition and Here And Now. Diane spent seven years as CT Public Radio's local host for Morning Edition.
Diane was awarded a 2023 New England Emmy for CUTLINE| Antisemitism Rising: Bearing Witness Then and Now, which she co-produced and hosted.
Her radio story about an 83-year old atomic veteran placed first in the Public Media Journalists Association 2021 national arts awards. She is the co-recipient of a 2021 Edward R. Murrow Award for a video based on that story.
Diane also co-produced a piece of radio nostalgia about New Haven's Shubert Theater that received a Peabody Award.
Diane is an active professional musician. She and her husband are the parents of two very cool adult children.
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In our second episode, reporter/producer Diane Orson and editorial consultant and curator Frank Mitchell discuss what slavery looked like in Connecticut. Mitchell talks about recovering family stories, DNA research and ethical questions that arise when restoring ancestral histories.
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In this hour, we're airing the first and second episodes of Connecticut Public's new podcast 'Unforgotten,' a deep dive into the hidden history of slavery in our state.
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There’s a deeply-rooted perception that the North was home to the “good guys,” the abolitionists. The truth is far different. Hear from people who are shedding light on this history and why it matters.
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Experts are uncovering Connecticut’s ties to slavery. But students are also chronicling stories of northern enslavement right where they live.
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Connecticut volunteers have reconstructed the life of Sawney Freeman, a violinist and composer, and restored his work for contemporary muisicians.
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Venture Smith's narrative provides key insights into the history of slavery in the North and in Connecticut. His descendants are working to keep his story alive.
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A phone call from a stranger would link a Connecticut woman with ancestors enslaved before the American Revolution — and reshape her view of patriotism.
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There’s a deeply-rooted perception that the North was home to the “good guys,” the abolitionists. The truth is far different.
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Researching your family tree can provide a feeling of belonging and a sense of identity. But for those Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, searching for their roots can be difficult if not impossible. One group of women honors its ancestors through the art of quilting.
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When we think of slavery in the U.S, we don’t often think of the North. But residents of one Connecticut town recently honored the legacy of a woman who — centuries ago — was enslaved in their community. Her story and those of other enslaved people who lived in Connecticut are coming to light through a program called Witness Stones.