History of New Haven’s Peace Garden

by Friends of the West River Peace Garden

The West River Peace Garden has a truly unique and special history. It grew out of New Haven’s leadership in the international peace movement and its association with the United Nations, as well as a unique partnership with the West River neighborhood.

Selected as one of the first Peace Messenger Cities in the 1980s, New Haven is one of fewer than 100 cities in the world to be recognized by the U.N. General Assembly as a Peace Messenger City for its outstanding leadership in the peace movement and contributions to global peace.

The garden is bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Ella Grasso Boulevard, and Legion Avenue. Volunteers are always appreciated and needed to help weed, plant, mulch and water, and can come by every Friday at 9:30 a.m. for an hour or two. There is a large curb cut at the corner of Ella Grasso Blvd. and Legion Ave. where you can drive to the garden. For more information, please contact Aaron Goode at [email protected], 203-507-8985.