History

Welcome to the Goffe Street Armory, a New Haven, Connecticut landmark with a century-long history. Built in 1928-1930, it has served as a venue for various events, including Governor Wilbur L. Cross's inauguration in 1931 and the state Tercentenary Ball in 1935. Over the years, it has transformed, from hosting the National Guard during the New Haven Black Panther Trials in 1970 to becoming a temporary homeless shelter in 1986 and a Hurricane Katrina donation center in 2005. This page explores the Armory's rich history, recent inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, and its 2023 designation as the 21st site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail. Discover the reports and stories that showcase its enduring significance.

Timeline of Major Events

  1. The state legislature apportions $700k for a new armory in New Haven, CT
  2. The legislature appoints the New Haven Armory Commission
  3. The New Haven Armory Commission and county legislators agree on a county-owned site on Goffe Street in New Haven
  4. The Goffe Street Armory is built
  5. The New Haven Grays Unit (102nd Infantry) and the 2nd Company of the Governor’s Foot Guard move to the new Goffe Street Armory site
  6. The inauguration for Governor Wilbur L. Cross is hosted in the Armory
  7. The state Tercentenary Ball is held in the Armory
  8. The 2nd Company of the Governor’s Foot Guard leaves the Armory and ownership is transferred from the State of CT to the City of New Haven
  9. The National Guard is mobilized, using the Armory as a staging ground in response to the New Haven Black Panther Trials
  10. The New England Black Expo, run by the Black Coalition of Greater New Haven, is held in the Armory
  11. The Armory becomes a temporary homeless shelter
  12. The Armory becomes a temporary Hurricane Katrina donation center
  13. Artspace Open Studios are held in the Armory
  14. The Armory Community Garden launches
  15. The Armory is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  16. The Armory becomes the 21st site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail

Historical News Articles

August 8, 1930
Old State Armory In New Haven Will Go

The State Armory on Meadow Street in New Haven, long neglected, will be demolished for $50,000 to clear the way for Orange Street connectivity to the city center, relocating military units to the new Goffe Street Armory.

Hartford Courant
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August 26, 1930
Guard Units Taking Over New Elm City Armory

The new Elm City Armory is completed, and National Guard units, including the New Haven Grays, are moving from the Meadow Street Armory to the new facility, with a ceremonial evacuation and possession taking scheduled.

Hartford Courant
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September 22, 1930
New Haven Has Armory Dedication

New Haven holds a dedication ceremony for its old Armory on Meadow Street, which had served as the home of the Connecticut National Guard for 50 years, as military organizations evacuate the old Armory and take possession of the new Armory on Goffe Street, involving parades, flag ceremonies, and a banquet at Hotel Taft attended by Governor Trumbull and various civic and military leaders.

Hartford Courant
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February 1, 1931
New Haven Auto Show Will Open February 2

The article focuses on the annual New Haven Automobile Show of 1931, which was notable for being the first exhibition held in the new, spacious State Armory, offering ample space for a wide variety of automobile displays.

Hartford Courant
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January 2, 1933
M.J. Mogensen, National Guard Officer, Suicide

Colonel Mogens Jens Mogensen, a National Guard officer, committed suicide by gunshot in the Goffee Street Armory in New Haven, leaving no notes and no clear motive for his tragic act.

Hartford Courant
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May 18, 1940
Connecticut

Charity Ball Hosts Over 1,000 Guests: Notables Gather at East Rock Elk's Lodge Event in New Haven

The Baltimore Afro-American
Mary Overby
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March 27, 1948
Schoolboy Indoor Track Championships Return To New Haven After 16 Years

The article highlights the return of the Schoolboy Indoor Track Championships to New Haven after 16 years, with the event being held at the State Street Armory, marking its first time in this venue since the inaugural meet in 1932.

Hartford Courant
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February 20, 1968
Mayor Lee To Attend Dog Show

The Elm City Kennel Club's 50th anniversary all-breed dog show, to be held at the Goffe Street Armory in New Haven, promises a prestigious event with notable attendees and a variety of pure-bred dogs.

Hartford Courant
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March 2, 1969
NEW HAVEN IS SET FOR A BOAT SHOW; 136-Craft Exhibit Will Open 4-Day Run Thursday

A flotilla of 136 new pleasure boats will drop anchor at the Goffe Street Armory in New Haven on Thursday for a fourday showing of Connecticut's biggest nautical event, the fourth annual New Haven Boat Show.

The New York Times
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April 29, 1970
National Guard Alerted For Panther Rally Duty

National Guard units, under General Walsh's command, are on standby at the Goffe Street Armory near the Town Green as preparations are made for a massive rally in support of the Black Panthers, including security measures and the arrest of two youths possessing explosives.

The New York Times
Joseph B. Treaster
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September 17, 1970
New Haven Schedules Annual Antique Show

The Goffe Street Armory in New Haven will host its second annual antique show and flea market, expected to attract collectors and shoppers from New England on September 26 and 27, managed by William P. Spear of Middletown.

Hartford Courant
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October 14, 1977
Sixth Black Expo Gets Under Way

The article discusses the Sixth Black Expo, held at the New Haven Armory in 1977, which featured over 200 exhibits and continuous on-stage entertainment, emphasizing the Armory's role in facilitating large-scale community and cultural events.

Hartford Courant
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August 6, 1989
Community Battles State Over Enlarging New Haven Prison

New Haven residents, including a member of Bethel AME Church, are strongly against expanding the Whalley Avenue Jail (next to Goffe St Armory) near their homes, citing concerns about parking, noise, aesthetics, and security, while state officials argue the expansion is necessary to address prison overcrowding and the release of inmates due to capacity limits, leading to a conflict with local politicians pledging to prevent the expansion.

Hartford Courant
Matthew Kaufman
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May 30, 1993
Remembering Connecticut's Inflatable Army

During World War II, Connecticut's Inflatable Products of West Haven played a significant role in the war effort by producing inflatable tanks, troop carriers, and other war equipment at the New Haven armory, which were used to deceive the enemy in the European theater.

The New York Times
Robert A. Hamilton
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Stories about the Armory

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Honda Smith used to do Christmas in there, it used to be a Christmas wonderland. The kids would come in and pick out what they wanted. That was about 10 years ago [2012].
I grew up going to the armory…I think I saw the Harlem Globtrotters in there before…I grew up on County Street so the Armory is where we went during the summer. They had a lot of events could be there.

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