The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum

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The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is a collection of artifacts and documents.

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum had an amazing Saturday afternoon despite dreary clouds and...
10/19/2026

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum had an amazing Saturday afternoon despite dreary clouds and cool temperatures as we joined the family of Harrison “Honey” Fitch in celebrating and enshrining his legacy at the museum.

Harrison “Honey” Fitch was a graduate of HillHouse High School and
then Connecticut State College later known as the University of Connecticut during the 1930’s. Harrison “Honey” Fitch was the first African American to letter in basketball, football and baseball at Connecticut State College. He more importantly was the only African American to matriculate on campus at the same time as thousands of African Americans were fleeing Jim Crow south to from oppression, terror, poor housing and education.

Family, friends, UCONN African American Organization and officials from the Basketball Hall of Fame were on hand as speakers paid homage to Harrison “Honey” Fitch and his family.

We are deeply honored to announce that the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum has been awarded $1.5 ...
09/22/2026

We are deeply honored to announce that the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum has been awarded $1.5 million dollars via the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Community Investment Fund.

This timely investment will help repurpose the nationally historic John W. Sterling Homestead as the permanent home of our museum preserving African American history, expanding educational access, and creating a lasting community resource for generations to come. Sterling who once resided in Stratford as a youth with his family is a graduate of Yale University Class of 1864.

We also would like to extend special gratitude to Stratford State Representative Joseph Gresko, whose leadership played a pivotal role in helping to secure $2 million in funding two years ago and now with this additional $1.5 million award which brings us to approximately $3.8 million dollars for the project. Thank you Joe for a second time around!

We also owe a great deal of appreciation to the Honorable David Chess and his administration for their assistance and support in this important moment for the museum and the Town of Stratford.
Thank you to all who believed in this vision and continue to stand with us.

Thank you for your support Senate Pro Temp, Honorable Martin Looney, the Honorable Stephanie Thomas, Secretary of State and Representative Joseph Gresko and Mayor David Chess.

I am proud to announce that a documentary is being developed chronicling my journey to establish an African American his...
08/22/2026

I am proud to announce that a documentary is being developed chronicling my journey to establish an African American history museum in Connecticut and the story behind the creation of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum.

This documentary will tell a story that goes far beyond opening the doors of a museum.
It is a journey of vision, perseverance, sacrifice, setbacks, unexpected opportunities, community support, and an unwavering determination to preserve history.

The documentary will take viewers behind the scenes—from the earliest days of building the collection and establishing the Museum, through the challenges of creating and sustaining an institution, to the extraordinary relationships and opportunities that have helped move our mission forward.

As we prepare for the next chapter of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, this documentary will preserve not only where we have been, but also the vision of where we are going.

History does not preserve itself. Someone has to make the decision to protect it, tell it, and pass it on.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Stay tuned.

I am proud to announce that a documentary is being developed chronicling my journey to establish an African American his...
08/22/2026

I am proud to announce that a documentary is being developed chronicling my journey to establish an African American history museum in Connecticut and the story behind the creation of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum.

This documentary will tell a story that goes far beyond opening the doors of a museum.
It is a journey of vision, perseverance, sacrifice, setbacks, unexpected opportunities, community support, and an unwavering determination to preserve history.

What began with a collection of artifacts and a belief that these stories deserved to be preserved has grown into an institution dedicated to ensuring that the experiences, struggles, achievements, and contributions of African Americans are never forgotten.

The documentary will take viewers behind the scenes—from the earliest days of building the collection and establishing the Museum, through the challenges of creating and sustaining an institution, to the extraordinary relationships and opportunities that have helped move our mission forward.

And the story is still being written.
As we prepare for the next chapter of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, this documentary will preserve not only where we have been, but also the vision of where we are going.

History does not preserve itself. Someone has to make the decision to protect it, tell it, and pass it on.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Stay tuned.

I am deeply honored to announce that today I was nominated by the administration of the Honorable Governor Ned Lamont fo...
08/21/2026

I am deeply honored to announce that today I was nominated by the administration of the Honorable Governor Ned Lamont for a position on the Raymond E. Baldwin Museum of Connecticut History and Heritage Advisory Board.

I am grateful for the confidence Governor Lamont’s administration has shown in me and in the importance of preserving and interpreting Connecticut’s history.

This potential appointment could not come at a more meaningful time. We are preparing for an exciting new chapter for the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, as we anticipate breaking ground for our new museum within the very near future.

For me, these two opportunities share a common purpose: preserving history, protecting the stories of those who came before us, and ensuring that our history is told truthfully and passed on to future generations.

African American history is Connecticut history, and Connecticut history is American history.

I am humbled by this nomination and look forward to the possibility of contributing my experience as a museum founder and Executive Director to the preservation of our state's rich and diverse heritage.

My sincere appreciation to Governor Ned Lamont and his administration for this tremendous honor and for recognizing the importance of our work.

The journey continues—and history is being made as we preserve it.

We are honored to enshrine Harrison “Honey” Fitch, Calvin Murphy, Wesley Matthews Sr., and Bria Holmes in our museum, ho...
08/21/2026

We are honored to enshrine Harrison “Honey” Fitch, Calvin Murphy, Wesley Matthews Sr., and Bria Holmes in our museum, honoring their place in Connecticut’s Black basketball history.

Their stories represent generations of breaking barriers, creating opportunities, achieving excellence, and building legacies.

Thank you to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for inviting us to celebrate and preserve these legacies together.

We are proud to share their stories and continue preserving African American history in Connecticut.

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum had an amazing and historic weekend as we were invited to p...
08/18/2026

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum had an amazing and historic weekend as we were invited to partner with the Basketball Hall of Fame on Aug. 14-15 for the enshrinement of the 2026 Class which was held at Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort and Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts.

On behalf of the museum Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the President of the Hall of Fame, John Doleva and Vice President of Operations, Scott Zuffelato. This was a historic moment for the HoF as well as the museum.

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum also would like to extend our appreciation to the family of Harrison Brooks “Honey” Fitch a (HillHouse High School) graduate and a native New Havener who was the first African American to receive a scholarship to play basketball at Connecticut State College which is now known as the University of Connecticut from 1932-1934. He was also the only African American on the campus during that period of time as well.

Lastly, extended thanks goes out to Connecticut basketball legend, retired NBA player and Basketball Hall of Fame alumnus, Calvin Murphy for introducing us to the legends of the NBA and WNBA who were on hand during this historic weekend which was magical.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Appraisal Event at the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum!This special ev...
05/27/2026

Join us for the 2nd Annual Appraisal Event at the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum!

This special event is open to the public and offers visitors the opportunity to bring family heirlooms, collectibles, antiques, photographs, artwork, and personal items to be evaluated by a licensed appraiser.
Come discover the history and possible value behind your treasured items while enjoying an engaging community event at the museum. We look forward to seeing you!

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is preparing to celebrate the 250th year anniversary of Ame...
05/27/2026

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is preparing to celebrate the 250th year anniversary of America by honoring the African American role in the Connecticut Governors Foot Guard which was established in 1771 and currently is the oldest continuously serving military unit in the United States. Follow us for more updates!

Our volunteers had a wonderful time at the MET museum in NYC and bonded tremendously. We love supporting other museums!
04/17/2026

Our volunteers had a wonderful time at the MET museum in NYC and bonded tremendously.

We love supporting other museums!

Address

952 East Broadway
Stratford, CT
06615

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+12033751102

Website

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