A decade ago, a group of Simsbury High School students dreamed of constructing a permanent memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) after discovering he had spent two summers in their small Connecticut town. Now, a new generation of teens is unveiling the monument Monday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Simsbury Free Library, 749 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury, The striking series of five etched glass and stone panels commemorate the transformative journey of the civil rights leader that started when he worked in Simsbury tobacco fields in 1944 and 1947.
The grand opening will commence with a brief outdoor ceremony featuring students; teacher advisor Rich Curtiss; Tara Willerup, vice chairman, Simsbury Free Library Board of Trustees; and musical performances by The Henry James Memorial School Select Choir and the Simsbury Intonations Chorus. The Covid-safe celebration on MLK Day continues with a parade of cars passing in front of the memorial. The event will be streamed on Facebook Live with Gospel music playing on local radio station WSIM AM.
Based on their research, the students initiating the project created a nationally acclaimed documentary that explored how instrumental King”™s time in Simsbury was in shaping his personal philosophies and in forming his decision to become a minister. The video revealed how his visits opened the young King”™s eyes for the first time to a desegregated world to which he was not accustomed. He saw a land of promise, not a world of segregation.
The idea to erect a permanent memorial to MLK”™s experience here came to four of the students shortly after completing the documentary. In 2011, a new set of students dedicated themselves to designing an immersive display to honor MLK and keep his dream alive. Current student members broke ground in October 2018. Funds for the $120,000 project were raised through the sale of personalized bricks that were used on the pathway, along with contributions from generous individuals and businesses. Donations covered construction costs and created a fund for educational and enrichment programming, as well as maintenance for the future.
To determine both the design and elements used to convey the essence of the documentary, the students enlisted the expertise of master artist Peter McLean, a professor emeritus of fine arts at the Hartford Art School/University of Hartford. A series of five etched glass panels that appear to float unsupported were created, each to illustrate a different aspect of MLK”™s life.
Architect Jay Willerup donated his time to translate the students”™ vision into actual building elements.
“It is important to acknowledge that the memorial is not just a monument, but rather a place where people can sit, reflect and learn about the beginnings of Dr. King”™s life-long dedication to justice, peace and equality,” said Willerup.
