THE FREEMAN CENTER

The mission of The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community is to restore, preserve, and ensure the viability of the Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses; teach the history of Connecticut Blacks; revitalize the surrounding South End community; and facilitate the preservation and revitalization of other African American, and greater Bridgeport historic/preservation communities.

Circa. 1821

HISTORIC LITTLE LIBERIA

“The colored people of Bridgeport are in an improving condition many of them are doing well, owning and living in their own snug and comfortable houses, and engaged in proper employments. It is a truth that should force itself upon the attention of the colored people in the large cities that thro’ out the towns of Connecticut, there is owned by colored people a house for every five inhabitants.” Ethiop (1854, Sept. 8). Communicated. Frederick Douglass’ Paper, p.3

YOU CAN HELP

UNLOCK THE FREEMAN HOUSES

The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community is raising funds to create an African American historic site of national stature in the South End of Bridgeport, CT.

EXHIBITIONS

EXHIBITS CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19

CITY OF HOPE @ THE POP UP MUSEUM

From the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “City of Hope” highlights newly discovered photographs, protest signs and political buttons collected during the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. This exhibition – and our own companion exhibits, Little Liberia & Bridgeport, Cities of Hope – allow The Freeman Center to highlight its work. We share inspiring stories—local and national—of social justice and civic engagement. And feature stunning Black Lives Matters photos by Bridgeport’s Chefren Gray; and The Voices of Little Liberia (19th Century speeches, by Little Liberia residents, demanding emancipation, voting rights, and equality).

REIMAGINING LITTLE LIBERIA:
RESTORATION & REUNION

@ HOUSATONIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FREEMAN CENTER NEWS

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bernicestine McLeod Bailey Westport, Connecticut Chairperson

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BICENTENNIAL 2021

Little Liberia turns 200 on April 10, 2021 Be ready for a year of celebration.

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DOWNTOWN MURAL

Mary & Eliza Freeman will be honored With a mural on Main Street, Bridgeport

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EXPLORE