Historic Wooster Square Association
Maintaining a strong and vibrant neighborhood in New Haven, CT
Wooster Square area residents enjoy the historic architecture that surrounds the park. They enjoy the beautiful park itself for reading, relaxing, playing with the kids, walking the dog, and more. They also love our fabulous year-round Farmers Market in Russo Park.
It was a great evening!

Historic Wooster Square Annual Meeting
and Friends of Wooster Square
Wed., Jan. 18, 2012
Conte School Library

Indeed, it was a very good meeting. Everyone present learned lots from local architect and historian Colin Caplan about Wooster Square and how it has evolved. URI give us very helpful information about the status of trees in Wooster Square Park. Get the details, and learn more about the meeting, including the election of officers, on our News and Events page. 

Sign up for our e-mail list to get notices of upcoming events as well a the online version of our newsletter, On The Park. We promise never to share you e-mail address with anyone else.


Photos on the site: Harvey Koizim, Chris Randall, Andy Ross, and Charlotte Murphy
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The Historic Wooster Square Association Story


The Historic Wooster Square Association (HWSA) is dedicated to preserving, enhancing and celebrating the Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut. The Wooster Square Historic District became a local historic district (New Haven's first!) on June 11, 1970, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 5, 1971.

HWSA was founded in the 1980s as a homeowners association concerned with protecting the 19th century architecture surrounding Wooster Square. It is part of the not-for-profit Wooster Square Conservancy. Our mission continues and now includes addressing the needs and concerns of the larger community, a rich mixture of vibrant people and fascinating cultures.

Background: In the 1820s, the City of New Haven purchased a six-acre pasture and converted it into a public square named after David Wooster, a Revolutionary War general. The city spread east during the early 19th century, and the area around Wooster Square became a fashionable neighborhood. In 1860, an iron fence was built around the square to replace the original wooden fence.


HWSA provides leadership in identifying and acting on neighborhood issues and concerns affecting the quality of life in our community, working closely with other city and state organizations to achieve mutual goals. 


What we do:                 

•       Advocate neighborhood beautification and preservation.

•       Arrange concerts in Wooster Square Park and area churches.

•       Represent neighborhood interests with Zoning, Historic District Commission, Parks Commission and other agencies.

•       Keep residents informed of important local issues.

•       Support and connect with related neighborhood organizations including CitySeed, Elm City Parks Conservancy, Court Street Association,  Wooster Square Bock Watch, Downtown Wooster Square Community Management Team, Urban Resources Initiative and Russo Park as well as the New Haven Preservation Trust.


Our membership consists of individuals and businesses devoted to maintaining Wooster Square as a jewel in which to live and work. We encourage you to explore this site and learn more about us.


Ask questions or sign up for our hard copy and e-mail lists at info@historicwoostersquare.org.