Charter Oak Cultural Center
Charter Oak Cultural Center is a vibrant multi-cultural arts center committed to doing the work of social justice through the arts. Here’s how:
Our Youth Arts Institute offers audition and tuition-free classes in the arts to Hartford youth ages six through eighteen.
Our Beat of the Street programming provides educational and employment opportunities to the homeless community.
Our professional multicultural performances and exhibits provide access to the arts for everyone because no one is ever turned away due to lack of funds.
We are stewards of the historic building we call home, the first synagogue built in Connecticut, and are dedicated to preserving the building and its inspiring legacy.
Supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign.
Upcoming Events
Youth Arts News
Good Vibrations participants Hartford Police Officer Hiram Otero and student Kayke Lopes were honored as part of the White House’s “Champions of Change” program for their work in building trust and improving public safety in communities. “Good Vibrations” pairs Hartford youth with Hartford officers for a 12-week music program in either rap/poetry or guitar.
A former synagogue located in a Hispanic neighborhood, hosting an African-American event that is attended by people of all ethnicities – how cool is that?
Charter Oak Cultural Center lives in Connecticut’s oldest synagogue building. The building was home to Congregation Beth Israel as well as several other religious institutions over the years, until it was abandoned in the 1970s.
The innovative programming at Charter Oak Cultural Center is sustained by a diverse community of dedicated supporters. Consider joining the Charter Oak community today.
Latest News
Stephen Riege’s Essay Inspired by The 1619 Project
Fear of the Unknown? Choose Learning I am a retired middle and high school teacher. Truth be told I retired ten years ago. I have been busy these years but do miss the classroom and the learning environment where young people wrestle with ideas. When asked if I might...
Robert Cooper’s Reflections on The 1619 Project
March 1, 2023 Dear America, I don't have my gaze on being the next Black martyr - dead. turn your guns the other way. keep your promise, never again a black martyr. And, I have something to say and, I'm saying it: I don't go anywhere without invitation....
“Moishe Teichman to Arthur Murray” Virtual Talk with Duby McDowell
https://youtu.be/w1xe8MNjjE4 Enjoy these images that accompany Duby's talk.
Historic Stained Glass Restoration
Charter Oak Cultural Center Kicks Off Major Renovation Project With Restoration and Installation of Historic Stained Glass Windows Charter Oak Cultural Center, housed in one of Connecticut’s architectural jewels--the first synagogue built in Connecticut-- is about to...
WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
A Reflection by Rabbi Donna Berman There is a famous Buddhist teaching about how, soon after his enlightenment, the Buddha passed a man on the road who was struck by the Buddha’s peaceful and radiant presence. The man stopped and asked, “My friend, what are...
BRING BRITTNEY BACK!
In February 2022, nine-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Brittney Griner was detained at an airport in Russia for possession of vape cartridges with trace amounts of medicinal cannabis. Most people arrested for such an offense are fined and...
The Ada Maria Isasi Diaz Justice Institute Launch Event
https://youtu.be/tE5goXToPT4 You can now view the launch event of The Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz Justice Institute held on October 6, 2022. EN LA LUCHA: What is “The Struggle” in 2022 for Latinas/for Us All? Featuring a distinguished panel: Dr. Melissa PagánDr. Matilde...
April 2022 Student of the Month: Andrea Cotto-Juarbe
Andrea Cotto-Juarbe is a 13-year-old student at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy in Hartford, Connecticut. She has been a Youth Arts student for a year and attends the program alongside her sister one night a week. Andrea has a love for music and gymnastics and...
Youth Arts Institute April Teacher of the Month
Charter Oak's Youth Arts Institute APRIL TEACHER OF THE MONTH is HENRY OLIVO a.k.a. Savage Henry Henry Olivo, also known as Savage Henry in the dance world, has been Breakdancing and competing for 15 years as well as teaching dance for 8 years. Actively training the...