The New Haven Colony Historical Society was founded in 1862 by a group of citizens interested in preserving the history of a community that was experiencing rapid change. The founders immediately began collecting contemporary artifacts, manuscripts, publications and photographs, in addition to material from the Colonial Era. The Historical Society constructed its present quarters in 1929. Designed by noted architect J. Frederick Kelly, the I-shaped building is one of New Haven's finest examples of the Colonial Revival style.

The New Haven Colony Historical Society's collections include a number of important items associated with the Amistad Case. Nathaniel Jocelyn's oil portrait of Cinque is the best likeness of the Amistad captives' charismatic leader. In addition, there is a mid-19th-century watercolor of the schooner La Amistad depicting the moment when the United States Navy's brig Washington prepared to take La Amistad into custody. The collection also includes documents and artifacts relating to the case.

The New Haven Colony Historical Society is located at 114 Whitney Ave. within the Hillhouse Avenue Historic District in New Haven. The museum is open 10:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday-Friday, and 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday; the library is open 10:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday-Friday. There is a fee for admission. Call 203-562-4183 for further information.

Credits and Sources:

National Park Service. "A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary, Amistad: Seeking Freedom in Connecticut." http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amistad/sitelist.htm.

Photo courtesy of the New Haven Colony Historical Society