$1.5M In State Funds Approved For Museum Relocation In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford state delegation is applauding the approval of $1.5 million by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to help relocate the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum to a larger historical building in Stratford.

Officials said the museum has outgrown its current location on East Broadway.

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The museum will relocate to the town-owned 10,000-square-foot Sterling Homestead on Main Street. It is the first and only museum dedicated to African American history in the state and is part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

The Fletcher African American History Museum opened in 2021 and has a "mission that includes teaching tolerance, confronting stereotypes, and preserving the history and African American contributions through a powerful and personal collection of over 9,800 artifacts," according to a news release.

"I'm pleased the delegation secured $2.4 million in 2024," Deputy House Speaker Joe Gresko (D-Stratford) said. "I'm honored to continue leading this bipartisan effort within our delegation to make this dream a reality. This additional $1.5 million will help reach that reality. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that working with museum curator Jeffrey Fletcher has been a wonderful and positive experience. I can't wait until the museum is settled into its new home for all to experience and learn from."

Read more from the news release below:

The funding approved in 2024 helped with rehabilitation efforts, including new HVAC, a new roof, plumbing, electrical, a kitchen/warming center for events, fire/burglar alarm systems, restoring rotting and missing clapboard siding and trim, repurposing exterior and interior walls and ceilings with painting, accessible bathrooms, exterior wall and attic insulation, ADA ramps, additional parking spaces, and an elevator.

The additional $1.5 million will help complete rehabilitation efforts and assist in relocation.

"We are deeply grateful for the recent Community Investment Fund award to the Town of Stratford, providing additional funding for the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum," said Jeffrey A. Fletcher, President and Executive Director of the museum. "This vital investment brings us closer to transforming the historic Sterling Homestead into a permanent cultural and educational institution that will preserve African American history for generations to come."

Stratford Mayor David Chess said, "I'm grateful to Rep. Joe Gresko and our delegation for this funding, which is essential for providing the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum with a new home. This will fulfill our dream to house this incredible archive of history and celebrate our Black community."

"I am thrilled that we were able to secure an additional $1.5 million from CIF (Community Investment Fund) to help Stratford's Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum," State Rep. Kaitlyn Shake said. "This museum is a vital part of our community as it continues to grow and educate new generations about our local and statewide African American history. Jeffrey Fletcher has done an incredible job with this museum, and I look forward to seeing it continue to succeed and grow at the Sterling Homestead. Thank you to my fellow Stratford delegation members for working together to support this project and to CIF for investing in our community."

State Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston said, "This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it provides a rich history and is a testament to the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. This museum serves as a space to offer reflection, education, and pride. I am deeply proud that this funding will work to support the continued rehabilitation and relocation of the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum."

"I love what the museum is doing," State Sen. Jason Perillo said. "Relocating and giving them a more prominent location in Stratford will only allow more people to visit and learn. I'm thankful the CIF board saw this as a priority, and I wish Jeffrey and everyone else all the possible success in the process."

State Rep. Ben McGorty said, "The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum has become an important part of Stratford, preserving history and providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and contributions of African Americans. I'm proud to join the Stratford delegation in supporting this project and look forward to seeing the museum begin its next chapter."

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) is a statewide grant program providing up to $875 million through 2030 to support economic and community development projects in underserved municipalities, administered by the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). DECD administers at least two funding rounds per year. CIF 2030 is one of Connecticut's largest targeted investments in equitable community and economic development.

The final approval will come from the State Bond Commission at a future date.