The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is another step closer to moving into its permanent home at the historic Sterling Homestead in Stratford, following the announcement of an additional $1.5 million in Community Investment Fund support.1

State Representative Joe Gresko joined State Representative Kaitlyn Shake, State Senator Herron Gaston, State Senator Jason Perillo, State Representative Ben McGorty, Mayor David Chess and museum President and Executive Director Jeffrey Fletcher in welcoming the new funding.

According to the announcement, the additional $1.5 million will help complete rehabilitation work at the Sterling Homestead and assist with relocating the museum from its current home on East Broadway. The funding must still receive final approval from the State Bond Commission.1

The latest investment builds on $2 million in Community Investment Fund funding awarded to African American Collections, Inc. in 2024 for rehabilitation of the Sterling Homestead at 2225 Main Street and relocation of the museum.2

A New Home for a Growing Museum

The Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum opened in Stratford in 2021 and has since outgrown its current location on East Broadway. In 2024, museum founder and director Jeffrey Fletcher told Connecticut Public that visitor traffic had tripled since the museum opened.3

The town-owned Sterling Homestead will provide approximately 10,000 square feet for the museum. Plans for the historic property include a new HVAC system and roof, plumbing and electrical work, fire and security systems, accessible bathrooms, ADA ramps, an elevator, additional parking, insulation and restoration of the building’s siding and interior.4

The larger location will provide the museum with additional room to preserve, display and interpret its collection while welcoming students, educators, Stratford residents and visitors from across Connecticut.

Preserving African American History in Stratford

The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to explore African American history through artifacts and exhibits covering subjects ranging from slavery and segregation to military service, music, civil rights and the achievements and contributions of African Americans.

Its collection grew from artifacts inherited by Jeffrey Fletcher from his mother, Ruby, and eventually developed into the museum that opened in Stratford in 2021.

The museum’s mission has always centered on education. Fletcher told Connecticut Public that the goal is not to make visitors feel guilty about difficult parts of American history, but to give people an opportunity to learn about and understand that history.3

The museum has continued to serve as an educational and cultural resource in Stratford. Earlier this year, it partnered with the Ghana Association of Stratford for a celebration marking the 69th anniversary of Ghana’s independence, attended by Mayor David Chess.5

Continued Investment in Stratford

The latest funding is another step in a multi-year effort to provide the Fletcher Museum with a permanent home while preserving one of Stratford’s historic properties.

The effort has received support from members of Stratford’s legislative delegation from both parties. The 2024 Community Investment Fund award provided $2 million toward the Sterling Homestead rehabilitation, and the newly announced $1.5 million is intended to help complete the work and relocation.1, 2

Once renovations are complete, the Sterling Homestead will give the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum significantly more space to preserve its collection and share it with the public.

The project brings together historic preservation, education and continued investment in Stratford while helping ensure that an important collection of African American history can be experienced by generations to come.

Sources

  1. State Representative Joe Gresko. “The Stratford Delegation Welcomes $1.5 Million in Community Investment Funds to Relocate the Fletcher African American History Museum.” Facebook, September 22, 2026. Announcement of the additional $1.5 million Community Investment Fund award, its intended use for rehabilitation and relocation, and the requirement for final State Bond Commission approval.

  2. State of Connecticut, Community Investment Fund 2030. “Round 5 Summaries of Projects for Recommendation,” September 24, 2024. The state lists a $2 million award to African American Collections, Inc. for “Rehabilitation of 2225 Main Street, Stratford, CT” and relocation of the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum. View the Connecticut Community Investment Fund records (PDF).

  3. Connecticut Public. Eddy Martinez, “Stratford African American history museum seeks new location,” February 16, 2024. Reporting on the museum’s growth, current location, increased attendance and plans to relocate to the Sterling Homestead. Read the Connecticut Public story.

  4. Connecticut Senate Democrats. “Senator Gaston, Stratford Delegation Celebrates $2 Million Being Allocated to Project in Stratford,” September 24, 2024. Details of the 2024 funding award, Sterling Homestead relocation and planned rehabilitation work. Read the 2024 funding announcement.

  5. News 12 Connecticut. “Ghana Independence Day celebrated at Stratford museum,” March 7, 2026. Coverage of the museum’s partnership with the Ghana Association of Stratford and the local Ghana Independence Day celebration. Read the News 12 report.