Archives

Lantern Block The North Star and lantern are the key elements of the logo of the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

Grove Street Cemetery New Haven Heather A. Williams This cemetery opened in 1796 and replaced the Old Burial Ground located on the New Haven Green. Many New Haven residents who were well known in American life are buried here. The cemetery includes the graves of those active in the abolition movement, as well as those associated with African American history.

Long Wharf New Haven Renny Loisel, Heather A. Williams Was part of New Haven's port system before the steamship changed the way goods were brought into the United States. The life-size working replica of the Amistad is docked here. This ship offers exhibitions and programs on African American history, and sails to other ports to participate in events.

Washburn Tavern Oxford Heather A. Williams See the Underground Railroad overview.

Dixwell Congregational Church New Haven Dorothy Harper Was founded in 1820 under the direction of Simeon Jocelyn. In 1829, it affiliated with Congregationalists and became known as Temple Street Congregational Church. Its first African American minister was James W.C. Pennington, and from 1841 to 1858 Amos Gerry Beman was the pastor. Both were well-known African American ...

Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church New Haven Heather A. Williams Varick African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was organized in 1818 when more than 30 African Americans left the Methodist Church to form their own congregation. In 1820, it became officially affiliated with the Zionist church movement of James Varick, who helped lead a separation from white Methodism becau...

The Ovals Wilton Jane Nettleton See the Underground Railroad overview.

Hannah Gray Home New Haven Heather A. Williams Hannah Gray was a laundress and seamstress who used part of her income to promote the antislavery movement and support her church. Through her will, Gray donated her house at 158 Dixwell Avenue (no longer extant) to be used as a refuge for "indigent Colored Females". Because her will did not include funding to administer the ...

New Haven People's Center New Haven Susan Klein Constructed in the 1850s, this building was acquired in 1938 by Jewish immigrant workers and used as a social and cultural center for community groups, including African Americans. New Haven's first interracial drama group and first integrated basketball team were started here. During its early years, the Center succeeded in...

Sachem Country House Guilford Jerilyn Goodwater See the Underground Railroad overview.