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the society web gallery is currently featuring pictures from the the ethic heritage center Ethnic
Heritage Center Our Story Part One The Ethnic Historical Archives of New Haven, Inc. (the Ethnic Heritage Center) had its genesis in 1988 when representatives of five ethnic Historical Societies, bases in the Greater New Haven area, came together at the suggestion of Joel Wasserman (then the President of the Jewish-Historical Society of New Haven). The five groups were the Connecticut Afro-American Historical Society, the Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society, the Italian-American Historical Society of New Haven, the Jewish Historical Society of New Haven, and the Ukrainian-American Historical Society. Out of those initial meetings came a vision for a future facility which would provide space for each of the organizations archives, records, and memorabilia (a space which would ultimately host joint and separate exhibits for each organization). There were, and are, dreams of an establishment featuring ongoing and interactive educational displays and exhibits of the rich multicultural history of the Greater New Haven area. As the boards and members of the various Societies conducted more and more activities together-both to raise interest in the establishment of such an organization and center, and to help cement bonds between the various groups-those involved discovered that what they instinctively believed to be true, was an actual and concrete reality: the histories and concerns of each of our various ethnic groups had far more in common with one another than any of the many barriers for which society at large had erected between them. With the commitment for a real home on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University, the Center's long range goal of establishing an archive, exhibit hall, educational center and library took a giant step forward. This developing facility will become a hub of historical and educational activities. The partnership created between Southern Connecticut State University and the Ethnic Historical Archive Center is unique and exciting. Many opportunities to share information and develop resources have already been realized. Student volunteers are working in the archival collections of several societies. Classes from the communication Department have filmed activities held in the Center and have used this as a basis for an extended class project. Journalism students have interviewed various members of the staff. Each member society has an archival collection pertaining to its own ethnic group. These archives are the heart of the center. they contain records of all types, personal, social and organizational. Scrapbooks, photos, oral history interviews, artifacts and many other objects reflect the history and experience of those coming to this country and their descendents. Each society is actively seeking additions to their collections and encourages donations. the society web gallery is currently featuring pictures from the the ethic heritage center |