Crooked Billet-Hallowell Learning Community Dedicates Mural

Crooked Billet-Hallowell Learning Community Dedicates Mural

HORSHAM---Since the summer of 2017, Justine Musick has been painting a historical mural at the Crooked Billet-Hallowell Learning Community. The mural was commissioned by Peter Choate, executive director of the Horsham Preservation and Historical Association in memory of his wife. It documents the history of Horsham Township and Pennsylvania from prior to the year 1600 forward. On September 27, 2018, the mural was dedicated and the names of the students whose drawing were selected for the mural were announced.

Last year, officials suggested incorporating student-inspired pieces into the mural. Students in the fourth grade at Hallowell Elementary School---now known as Crooked Billet-Hallowell Learning Community--- were invited to submit drawings depicting historic scenes from Pennsylvania’s history. In fourth grade, students learn about Pennsylvania history. Those submitting drawings were asked to explain why their drawing should be recreated by Musick and added to the mural.

Although the organizers planned to select one drawing, they chose three, including a drawing by Kelvin Santiago-Rosario of William Penn at Newgate Prison in London where he was imprisoned in 1671 for being a Quaker. The second drawing was created by Emily Morrell who focused on King Charles II of Great Britain presenting William Penn with the deed to form the colony of Pennsylvania. Finally, Johnny Wachs depicted William Penn signing a treaty with the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans in 1682.

Shaina Berkowitz, Rudra Amin, and Gianna DeBelle, were each named a runner up in the contest. Kylee Rawlinson’s drawing of Pennsylvania’s state flower, the mountain laurel, will be recreated as part of the second phase of the mural and unveiled next year.

The artist, who is also an archivist for the Horsham Preservation and Historical Association, spent more than a year creating the mural, which is located on the school's main hallway. Currently it covers events up to the year 1903 but plans are in place to continue well into the 20th century and cover the entire hallway.