The Prudence Crandall Museum is located on the Canterbury green, the site of New England's first academy for black girls, established by Prudence Crandall, 1833-1834. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
Though the school had to close in its second year because of continuous community harassment, Prudence Crandall is now recognized as a heroine for the courage she displayed and a social conscience that was advanced beyond her time.
Themes for the museum's permanent and changing exhibits include Prudence Crandall, black history, women's history and local history. "Prudence Crandall Day," held every Labor Day weekend, offers children's games, crafts demos and entertainment. The museum also has 3 period-rooms, a small research library for in-house study (by appointment only), and a gift shop.