Program

Connecticut Freedom Trail

Subject

Building, Site

Location

Goffe St & County St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

Lat/Long

41.3187, -72.9391

Grant Recipient

Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office

Recently added to the Connecticut Freedom Trail, the New Haven Armory embodies the complicated relationships between historic places and Africa American history in the State of Connecticut.

Built from 1928-1930, the former New Haven Armory is located about one mile from the New Haven Green. From the time of its construction, the armory served as a center for military preparations and disaster relief as well as hosting large community, state and regional celebrations. It was a venue for not only nationally known entertainment such as Frank Sinatra, the Tommy Dorsey Band, and the 1967 Soul Show, but local high school basketball games. (National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, 2021)

In 1970, the New Haven Armory was staging ground for the National Guard in the event of violence due to the trials of members of the Black Panther Party stemming from the killing of Alex Rackley. Just two year later, the armory was host to the Black Expo, whose purpose was to bring together Black-owned businesses with corporations and create opportunities. By 1979, the event included family activities for children and teens, and gospel and jazz concerts. The armory closed ca. 2009 and by 2021 was used by various agencies from the City of New Haven for equipment storage. As of February 2025, the City of New Haven was exploring solutions for the future use of the building and property. (New Haven looks to redevelop history Goffe Street Armory, nbcconnecticut.com, February 12, 2025.)