Current Design for the Martin Luther King Jr. in Connecticut Memorial 
These are preliminary conceptual drawings which are subject to modification.

Picture
Design plans generously created by Mr. Jay Willerup, AIA

​          This memorial includes a series of five glass panels that each discuss different aspects of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. The first panel represents King’s family history, and the second, his journey to Simsbury. The third and center panel describes his time in Simsbury and the impact it had on his life. The fourth panel describes his departure and return to the segregated South. The final panel describes MLK’s life and the subsequent legacy. On all of the panels the written etched text appears 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 understood and reflected upon by all people. There will be entry and exit markers located at the south side and north side of the memorial respectively, in order to convey Dr. King’s journey from the South to North. These markers will be made of brownstone, a native stone to Connecticut and used in many of Simsbury historical buildings; and, there will also be a bench made of Georgia granite, where MLK is from. The memorial will be located in the center of town, on the grounds of Simsbury Free Library.

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. This memorial serves to educate people about the struggle that existed then, and continues to exist today, to obtain equal rights and how MLK dedicated his life to that cause. We want people to come to this memorial and realize the impact that they can have on the world. We especially want students to see this memorial and be inspired. King was a young student when he worked in Simsbury and was heavily impacted by the integrated community. To think that such a great leader was moved by an environment that we take for granted today is extraordinary. Martin Luther King Jr. changed not just the United States, but the whole world with his nonviolent movement against racism.