History of The Armory
Welcome to the Goffe Street Armory, a New Haven, Connecticut landmark with a century-long history. Built in 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
Memories of the Armory
The Armory has been part of New Haven’s civic life for nearly a hundred years. Below are community memories of the Armory.
“It's an amazing building!"
“It's an amazing building!"
"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].”
“We should plan for the next seven generations ahead.”
“We should plan for the next seven generations ahead.”
"I grew up going to the Armory…I think I saw the Harlem Globetrotters in there …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.”
“The city’s biggest room!”
“They had major balls there. Did anybody know they had these fancy schmancy balls where people could get dressed up and actually go somewhere?”
Images of the Armory
Videos of the Armory
Footage from the Armory for City-Wide Open Studios 2016
Historical News
August 8, 1930 | Hartford Courant
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.
September 22, 1930 | Hartford Courant
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 CT National Guard for 50 years, as military organizations evacuate the old Armory and take possession of the new Armory on Goffe Street.
February 1, 1931 | Hartford Courant
Auto Show at the Armory
“Striking developments in the automotive world will be shown at the annual New Haven Automobile Show in the new State Armory. Visitors from all parts of the state are expected.