Special Exhibit Open At Avon Library; Public Dialogue Set For March 23

AVON, CT — An environmental justice exhibit highlighting regional research and community perspectives is on display through March 23 at the Avon Free Public Library.

The exhibit, located in the library’s atrium, is part of a research initiative examining environmental equity issues in the Greater Hartford region.

Organizers will also host a facilitated public dialogue at the library on Monday, March 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the library, located at 281 Country Club Road, Avon.

Organizers say the exhibit aims to help residents better understand environmental issues shaping the region.

Topics include the closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority facility and its potential implications for waste management, public health, and regional planning.

The project is led by faculty from Trinity College, including Amanda Guzmán, Abigail Williamson, and Garth Myers.

Their collaboration, known as the Hartford Environmental Justice Research Partnership, combines participatory research and storytelling to explore environmental inequalities and encourage community discussion.

The exhibit features a series of pop-up banners presenting the project’s overview, the historical context of environmental issues in Hartford, and preliminary research findings.

The materials draw on methods including archival research and oral history.

The March 23 event will include guided small-group conversations designed to help participants share perspectives and discuss those issues in a facilitated setting.

The research partnership includes collaborators from Trinity College’s Center for Caribbean Studies and Center for Urban and Global Studies, as well as community partners including the Connecticut Land Justice Coalition and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.

The three-year project is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Organizers ask attendees to register in advance so the library can arrange seating for the event.

For more information and to register for the March 23 event, click on this link.