Walters Memorial AME Zion Church
A Legacy of Faith and Community
Walters African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has stood at this site since 1882, serving as a cornerstone of Bridgeport’s African American community. The current church building, constructed after a fire destroyed the original structure in 1951, remains a symbol of resilience and faith.
A Connection to “Little Liberia”
The church is one of the last surviving landmarks of “Little Liberia,” a once-thriving free Black community in Bridgeport. Established by formerly enslaved individuals, Southern migrants, and free African Americans, Little Liberia was home to two churches, a school, a hotel, and numerous residences.
Today, only two historic homes from Little Liberia remain—the Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses on Main Street—preserving the memory of this vibrant 19th-century Black community. Walters AME Zion Church continues to honor that legacy, standing as a beacon of history, culture, and perseverance.
This site is open to the public.
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Opening hours
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Monday9:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Tuesday9:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Wednesday12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Thursday9:30 am - 1:00 pm
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FridayClosed
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SaturdayClosed
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Sunday9:30 am - 1:00 pm
