Dwight in New Haven in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Simeon Jocelyn

A New Haven notable

Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 10, 2024

1. Simeon Jocelyn Marker

Inscription.
A 19th century abolitionist and social activist born in New Haven. He is known for his attempt to establish an African American college in New Haven and for his role in the Amistad affair.

An intensely debated issue, Jocelyn's "Negro College" was voted down 700 to 4 in a 1831 town meeting. A few years later a white mob attacked his home.

Erected by Chapel West Special Services District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.

Location. 41° 18.487′ N, 72° 56.173′ W. Marker is in New Haven in South Central Region, Connecticut. It is in Dwight. It is on Howe Street north of George Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley

and on the Connecticut Shoreline.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Al Capp (within shouting distance of this marker); Chad Dawson (within shouting distance of this marker); Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest Borgnine (within shouting distance of this marker); Police Department of New Haven (within shouting distance of this marker); Crown St (within shouting distance of this marker); Roger Sherman Baldwin (within shouting distance of this marker); New Haven State Normal School (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Haven.

Also see . . .
1. Simeon Jocelyn (Wikipedia). (Submitted on April 6, 2025.)
2. New Haven rejected plans for the nation’s first Black college. Now, the city is weighing an apology.

The New Haven Museum in Connecticut displays a collection of libraries in a recreated walkthrough of the city’s
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 10, 2024

2. Simeon Jocelyn Marker
17th, 18th and 19th centuries. But one bookshelf stands empty throughout those 300 years: what would have been the 1831 shelf of publications from the College of Black Youth.

(Submitted on April 6, 2025.)

3. The "Negro" college (Yale, Slavery & Abolition).

Simeon Jocelyn was the dogged force behind the efforts to establish a "Negro college" in New Haven. After attending Yale briefly in 1823, he went on to become the founding pastor of the African-American congregation that became Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church. Jocelyn joined forces with Arthur Tappan, who moved to New Haven in 1828.

(Submitted on April 6, 2025.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.