John Slade Ely House, New Haven

The John Slade Ely House, located on Trumbull Street in New Haven, is a historic Elizabethan-style mansion built in 1901 by architect S.G. Taylor. It was the residence of Dr. John Slade Ely, a Yale School of Medicine professor, and his wife, Grace Taylor Ely, an active community member and supporter of the arts.

Following Grace Ely's death in 1959, she bequeathed the house in trust as an art center for emerging contemporary art. The first exhibition opened in April 1961 with works from the New Haven Paint & Clay Club. Over the years, the house became a hub for the visual arts community in New Haven, hosting various art organizations and exhibitions.

In 2015, Wells Fargo, acting as trustee of the Grace T. Ely Estate, attempted to sell the property, prompting local artists and community members to form the Friends of John Slade Ely House of Contemporary Art (FJSEHCA) to preserve its use as a public art gallery. This led to the establishment of the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECOCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting contemporary art exhibitions and events that are inclusive, diverse, and promote dialogue around global and community issues.

In June 2022, ECOCA completed the purchase of the John Slade Ely House, ensuring its continued role as a cultural center in New Haven. This acquisition was made possible with the support of local businesspeople Carmine and Vinny Capasso, who have committed to assisting with building and roof repairs.

Today, the Ely Center of Contemporary Art continues to offer dynamic programming, fostering contemporary perspectives and interdisciplinary collaborations for artists and audiences alike.