The Charter Oak Cultural Center

Charter Oak Cultural Center's mission is to deepen cultural understanding through the arts, humanities, and education. COCC is dedicated to providing a resource for the exploration, understanding, and celebration of the world's culture through performance programs (dance, music, theater), gallery exhibitions, seminars, lectures. literature programs, workshops, and children's programs.

Description:
The COCC, is a showcase for Hartford's diverse communities, offers multicultural arts, and education programming in its restored landmark building. A living monument to freedom of religious and cultural expression. COCC strives to promote creative, community building interaction among the regions richly diverse cultural groups and to explore the intricate patterns of immigrant history.

History:
The building housing the Charter Oak Center started as Connecticut's first synagogue in 1876. The struggle of 19th century Jewish leaders in congregational CT to secure the right to build a house of worship and their ultimate victory give the building its special character as a symbol of freedom of expression. In 1988 COCC opened its doors as a non-profit multi-cultural arts, humanities and educational center with a particular focus on the cultures represented within the population of Hartford. The center has become known as a hospitable gathering place for the exploration of cultural strengths, barriers, and aspirations as the city's sanctuary for multicultural expression.

Contact people:

Laura Rozza, Office Manager, (phone), (email) Donna Berman, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

21 Charter Oak Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 (See a map)

Directions:

From points west, take 84 East to 48B, the “Capitol Avenue” exit. At the end of the ramp, take a left onto Capitol Avenue and go straight until the road ends. Take a right onto Main Street. Turn. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Hartford train station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 20   Nearest Bus Stop: Hartford bus station, 20 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.cttransit.com/