Special Program Commemorating 
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 
Life and Time in Simsbury  
1st Annual Event Held on January 17 will be free and open to public

Simsbury, Connecticut – On January 17th, 2011, the Town of Simsbury, in partnership with the Simsbury Free Library, will commemorate famous civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by holding a special program at Eno Memorial Hall at 1 p.m.  This program will celebrate Dr. King’s life and particularly his time in Simsbury during the summers of 1944 and 1947, appropriately coinciding with the federal holiday marking his birthday.  

Dr. King’s profound life achievement was influenced by his two summers in Simsbury.  His writings strongly suggest that his call to ministry crystallized during his time spent with a group of Morehouse College students, earning money for their education by working at the Culbro Tobacco Farm in town.  A documentary film of his time in Simsbury has been produced by a very talented team of students from Simsbury High School, examining the impact of Dr. King’s stay in Simsbury as a teenager to his life and career later on.  “These students have spent an incredible amount of time researching and producing this film, and should be very proud,” remarks Richard Curtiss, Social Studies Chairman at the High School.  It will make its Simsbury premier at this program, having only been shown at the Connecticut Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission’s 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration the week before.

In addition to the video, there will be readings and songs sung by the students of Simsbury High School.  The public is encouraged to attend and honor the spirit behind this day.  “The Town of Simsbury is delighted to honor Dr. King in a meaningful way, celebrating his life and his time spent in our community.  We are happy to partner with the Simsbury Free Library on this initiative, and so proud of Mr. Curtiss and his talented students who have put together an amazing film,” says Deputy First Selectman John K. Hampton.

Eno Memorial Hall is located at 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury.  The program will be held in the main auditorium.  For questions or information, please contact Deputy First Selectman John K. Hampton at 860-830-4072 or email him at jhampton@simsbury-ct.gov, as well as Simsbury Free Library Board Member Jim Flynn at 860-836-8913.