On Saturday, April 9, St. Anthony Chapel Foundation board members Roberta J. Vincent, Alfred H. Gonsalves and Robert L. Howard II hosted an event in Norwich to unveil four new street markers above the Talman Street signs.

The Cabo Verde Way markers, containing the Flag of Cabo Verde (aka Cape Verde), are visible as you enter Talman Street from Laurel Hill Avenue; at the fork of Spruce Street/Talman Street; at Hinckley Street/Talman Street and the end of Talman Street as you exit.

Representatives who attended the unveiling included the Rev. Robert Washabaugh from St. Mary’s Church; City of Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom; Adam L. Richardson, executive assistant to the Secretary of the State Denise W. Merrill; Kate Schramm, CHS director of CT Cultural Heritage Arts; and members of the Cape Verdean community.

In 2021, the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation received a grant from the state Historic Preservation Office to complete a historical context with geographical social history mapping of the Cape Verdean people in Norwich. Cape Verdeans who immigrated to Norwich first settled on Talman Street and, during interviews held at the Otis Library, many spoke of the wonderful memories that still exist within their hearts today. The foundation wanted to memorialize Talman Street for generations to come.

Vincent contacted the Norwich Department of Public Works and worked closely with City Engineer Brian R. Long to create a marker to identify the street where Cape Verdeans first settled.

Currently there is only one Cape Verdean family living on Talman Street; most original family members are no longer alive.

Father Bob said he “thanked God for this opportunity to gather together to celebrate, identify heritage and richness of culture and our forebearers who settled here and planted roots.” Mayor Nystrom stated that he was “very pleased to be present on Talman Street for the unveiling of the signs that acknowledge the contributions that our Cape Verdean citizens have provided to the City of Norwich for well over a century. As the original ancestors did, they continue to provide services and goods here in Norwich. Many came here working as skilled tradesmen.”

Citations from the Office of the Secretary of State Denise W. Merrill’s Office read: “For their steadfast commitment to preserving the Cape Verdean heritage and culture in Norwich, CT. Today, we memorialize Talman St. with a street marker inscribed CABO VERDE WAY as to honor the memory of the first Cape Verdean immigrants, and to celebrate the culture and tradition they left for us.”

Certificates of recognition were presented to the descendants of Joseph C. Delgado, who built St. Anthony Chapel in 1926; Louis B. Vincent, Antonio G. Barboza and Joseph C. Delgado, signers of the Certificate of Association for the Cape Verdean Santiago Society, Inc.; the Santos Brothers Band, Antonio Sr., Abel, Matthew “Tia” and Jose Sr.; the Delgado Brothers Band, Joseph, Candido Sr., Anthony Sr. and Frank; Senhorina “Shuma” Cardoza’s porch where Cape Verdeans gathered to speak their native tongue, share stories and tell of their longing for their homeland; Mary Santos, permittee and bartender at the Santiago Society who welcomed all who entered with a welcoming hello and a big smile.

Before the unveiling, Alfred, aka Freddie, spoke of all the Cape Verdean families he remembered as a young boy. As he pulled the string to uncover the marker, one could hear the cheers and comments “that’s beautiful.”

Although it rained throughout the program, the sun suddenly appeared. “It was as if our Cape Verdean ancestors’ tears had ceased, and they were content; knowing they were loved and would forever be ‘remembered’ on Talman Street,” Roberta Vincent wrote.

Robert A. Kret, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Historical Society, commented, “Through our Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program we have been fortunate to cultivate a strong connection with the Cape Verdean community of Norwich. We enthusiastically support the incredible work that they are doing to make sure that their history, culture, and contributions are fully recognized for their importance to our state’s past, present, and future.”

Roberta J. Vincent lives in New London, where she is president of the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation. She is also a member of the Norwich Arts Center Board, NFA