Though Puerto Ricans have had a presence in Connecticut as early as the 19th century, the largest numbers began arriving in the mid-1940s, during World War II. Puerto Ricans were employed in tobacco cultivation, factory work, and in the defense industry, replacing American men and women who had gone overseas. Many of these newcomers found Connecticut to be dramatically different from their home in language, climate, custom, and cuisine.

While World War II era Puerto Ricans puzzled over where they could buy plantains almost 60 years ago, today it is easy to find Puerto Rican groceries in the Hartford area. Puerto Rican heritage artists pass on traditional music, artisanry and dance in local cultural centers and an annual Puerto Rican Day Parade shares the resources and energy of this growing community - 195,000 statewide.

Like all migrant communities, the Puerto Rican community persists in part because of the cooperation between generations - the first who arrived paved the way for the next arrivals by assisting them with such things as housing, jobs, language, and by providing support and friendship. This cycle continues as more Puerto Ricans make the journey to Hartford, Connecticut.

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