OUR STORY

Working Towards a Better Tomorrow

When the Connecticut Afro-American Historical Society, founded in 1971, closed its doors, a group of individuals with a passion for history met to discuss plans for another organization that would carry on the work.  This group met at Donald and Valerie Bertrand’s home in 2003 to form the Greater New Haven African American Historical Society which was formally incorporated in February of 2004. Valerie Clinton Bertrand became the founding president.  The overall goal was to create a better understanding of the local history and culture of people of African heritage through preservation and celebration.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve hosted workshops, film series, book signings, exhibits and a number of nationally recognized speakers at our annual “Lifetime Achievement Awards” programs.  All of these activities have been and will continue to be free of charge and open to the public with the exception of our yearly fundraising activity. In an effort to keep all of our members engaged, we publish a quarterly newsletter which is particularly appreciated by our seniors who frequently cannot attend our programs.  

Some of our presenters have included, Mr. Ben Vereen, Mr. Adam C. Powell III, Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Judge Constance Baker Motley, Ms. Sonia Sanchez, The Last Poets, Attorney Hugh Price, Dr. Steve Perry, Ms. Marilyn Nelson, Connecticut State Poet Laureate, and so many more.  

Our society receives lots of inquiries.  Some ask for help with research, while others just want to see pictures of old New Haven neighborhoods.  We gladly accept donated materials of historical value.

We are currently located in the Ethnic Heritage Center on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University.  We are scheduled to move to the main campus shortly where we will have a larger facility to more deeply engage our community.  We encourage your support, membership, and contributions.