New London in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
66 Hempstead Street
Black Heritage Trail
— City of New London —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. 66 Hempstead Street Marker
The history of 66 Hempstead Street as a site of Black self-help, fellowship and celebration is more than a century long. In the late 19th century, it housed a Black church and social hall before reverting to its original use as a factory. In 1915, the United Societies purchased 66 Hempstead Street and rented it to both the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) and Jeptha Lodge #11 Prince Hall Affiliated F. & A.M. The GUOOF and Jeptha Lodge #11 were branches of the two largest Black fraternal organizations in the United States. Both offered mutual aid and fellowship to members who were barred from all-white organizations.
Jeptha Lodge #11 laid cornerstones for Shiloh Baptist Church and Walls Clarke Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, and hosted banquets and parties for generations of Southeastern Connecticut's Black community. It purchased 66 Hempstead Street in 1944 and sold it in 2017 after relocating to Stonington.
Erected by City of New London.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 73 Hempstead Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Haley Houses & Racial Diversity (within shouting distance of this marker); Industry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); State of Connecticut Superior Court (about 600 feet away); Stephen Hempstead (about 700 feet away); Adam Jackson (about 700 feet away); Hempsted Houses (about 800 feet away); Bream Cove (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
2. 66 Hempstead Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
