[2] The building, also known as Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The creation of a more permanent institution was proposed at a meeting of New Haven citizens in the home of Atwater Treat in 1864.

[2] The purpose was to provide for ... the intellectual and moral well being of the colored people of the Town of New Haven and especially of their children ... for the elevation and benefit of the class among us, particularly in view of the fact that they have been less favored than others

[4] The building was renovated by the Masons with help from Gateway Community College, city public schools and Yale University.

[4] A famous alumni of the school is Edward Bouchet, the first African-American to earn a PhD from any American University.