On Saturday, October 18th, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of the Caribbean Heritage Museum, hosted by the Friendship Group of Hartford at the West Indian Social Club, located at 3340 Main Street in Hartford, CT. As someone deeply connected to Caribbean culture and history, this event felt like both a homecoming and a moment of collective pride.
I arrived just a few minutes before the doors officially opened and was pleasantly surprised to find convenient parking right nearby. The anticipation in the air was palpable—people greeting one another warmly, dressed warmly for the fall weather, ready to celebrate a long-awaited addition to our community: a space dedicated to preserving and sharing the Caribbean American experience.
Upon entering, I was immediately struck by how thoughtfully curated the exhibit was. The displays offered rich insights into the history, geography, and influence of the Caribbean islands, not just on their own nations, but on the United States and Connecticut in particular. The postings explored topics such as trade and migration, the West Indian Federation, and the visionary leadership of Marcus Garvey, whose message of unity and empowerment continues to resonate across generations.
What impressed me most was the balance between storytelling and scholarship. The museum managed to highlight both the beauty and resilience of Caribbean culture while acknowledging the complexities of colonialism, violence, and diaspora identity. Videographers and photographers were on-site to capture the occasion—rightfully so, as this moment was historic. I hope a documentary comes out of it.
The event also brought together an inspiring mix of community members—authors, publishers, and professors—many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside in the past. Seeing familiar faces in such a meaningful setting reminded me how interconnected our professional and cultural lives are. Even the Mayor of Windsor was present, underscoring the significance of this museum to the broader Connecticut community.
As I walked through the exhibits with my husband, my friend, and her daughter, I couldn’t help but think of ways to make this wonderful new institution thrive even more. My recommendations include adding a cash donation box in the lobby for those who wish to contribute on the spot, having a bigger sign on the outside of the building, and posting clearly visible opening hours so visitors know when to return. I’d also suggest inviting the community to donate Caribbean cultural artifacts such as dolls, earrings, flags, cds, t-shirts and other cultural relics that could further enrich the exhibits. On the exterior, a fresh coat of paint and a mural depicting Caribbean countries and their heroes would not only beautify the space but also serve as a visual celebration of our shared heritage.
Leaving the museum, I felt both proud and inspired. The Caribbean Heritage Museum is more than an exhibition space—it’s a living archive of our stories, struggles, and triumphs. It invites us to remember where we come from and to pass that knowledge on to future generations.
I’m grateful to the Friendship Group of Hartford for their vision and commitment to preserving Caribbean history in Connecticut. This is only the beginning of what I hope will become a lasting cultural landmark for our community.
🌴 Here’s to celebrating our roots, honoring our ancestors, and continuing to make history—one exhibit at a time.