A Memorial Fit for a King

The Simsbury Free Library is a treasure trove of history for Connecticut and the people who have lived here, if only for a brief time. Now, thanks to a group of scholarly Simsbury High School students, it will also serve as the site of a memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the transformative months he spent in town.

“It all started in 2009 when a team of sixteen students set out to prove or disprove the popular suburban myth, ‘Was MLK in Connecticut, specifically Simsbury’?”, explained Tara Willerup, Vice Chairman of the Simsbury Free Library’s Board of Trustees. “With the support of their teacher Rich Curtiss and the Free Library staff, they were able to prove he was here, and to document his time here and the influence it had on his life.”

The students created a nationally acclaimed video documentary of the two summers that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) spent working in the Simsbury tobacco fields. They learned how instrumental Dr. King's time in Simsbury was in shaping his personal philosophies and in forming the civil rights leader’s decision to become a minister. The documentary revealed how his two visits to Simsbury 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.

What resonated most with the students was the personal connection they found with this man, this heroic figure. He too was a student, who actually walked down the same streets they walk down and faced similar decisions of what path will take them to their futures.

“He grew up and he changed the world. He inspired people to have hope.” said Willerup. “Once the documentary was released, the students wanted to ensure that the inspirational lessons of MLK continue to have an important place in town. The library’s location in the center of town on Hopmeadow Street makes it the ideal place for the exhibit.”

The students enlisted the expertise of master artist Peter McLean, a Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts at the Hartford Art School/University of Hartford, to determine both the design and elements used to convey the essence of the documentary. They designed a series of five etched glass panels that appear to float unsupported. The glass was chosen to reflect the idea that his words are not meant to be bound by walls, but to be available to all people. Each panel illustrates a different aspect of MLK’s life:
· Family history
· Journey to Simsbury
· Time spent in Simsbury and why it was important to his life
· Leaving Simsbury and returning home to a segregated way of life
· Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’.s life and subsequent legacy

Entry and exit markers are located at the south and north side of the memorial respectively, to convey MLK’s journey from the South to Simsbury. These markers will be made from brownstone, used in many of Simsbury’s historic buildings, along with Georgia granite, which is where MLK is from.

Architect Jay Willerup donated his time to translate the students’ vision into actual building elements. He drew the plans, determined material fastenings, dimensions, etc., all with input from the students, so that contractor Simscroft-Echo Farms Inc. in Simsbury can construct it. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 11that 5 p.m. with the grand unveiling set for late November.

Funds for the estimated $120,000 project have been contributed by generous individuals and businesses. While the committee is close to their goal, donations are still needed to cover the budgeted costs and to be put aside for future maintenance. Personalized bricks that will be used on the pathway have been purchased by 300 people. Supporters can order a brick at www.MLKinCT.org.

“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 Dr. King,” concludes Willerup. “We are thrilled that the monument has been chosen as a destination on Connecticut’s Freedom Trail, so that Simsbury can continue the inspiring work of MLK.”

About the Simsbury Free Library
The Simsbury Free Library (the Simsbury Genealogical and Historical Research Library), located at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, promotes interest in genealogy and history by providing access to research material and expertise, artifacts, and educational and cultural programs, to help visitors develop the skills required to create family trees, search local histories, look up census records, explore vital records, etc.

The Simsbury Free Library – the Gracious Yellow Lady – is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. as well as by appointment. To RSVP or for more information, visitwww.simsburyfreelibrary.org or call (860) 408-1336.