Authentica African Imports Storytelling Videos

Authentica African Imports was the first African art mail-order business in the U.S., launched by Lydia Clemmons (Senior) during the 1980's from her family farm in rural Vermont.  The story of this unusual business, and the way that African art helped build community in rural Vermont, are among the many hidden histories of the state's multicultural heritage.

Enjoy some of Lydia Senior's storytelling about Authentica Africa Imports below.
Above: There Must be Some of It in All of Us.
Above: Authentica African Imports and Garden Way.
Above: The Shop and the Bags that Started it All.
Above: Authentica, Art and Community-Building.
Above:​ Authentica Maasai Stories.