The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is beginning a new project to survey and document all the places throughout Connecticut that are associated with Arts and Literary figures (including painters, sculptors, composers, performers, authors, screenwriters, and poets). Connecticut has ties to major writers of national and international reputation and has also produced local writers of talent and perception. In the arts, the state has benefited from the influence of its educational industry and nearness to the great cities of New York and Boston. The Connecticut Trust hopes to tell the stories of the arts and letters through identification of significant sites associated with those stories. These sites and stories are an important part of the state’s past, an important legacy to the present, and – with the decline of manufacturing – the creative life will continue to be an important part of Connecticut’s future.
What we are looking for is information on places throughout Connecticut that are associated with artists and writers of the early-mid 20th century (between World War I and 1970). Not only will these places be associated with the artist/writer, but they will be connected to their work. Examples include: Elia Kazan house, Newtown: where the filmmaker and playwright, Arthur Miller, discussed testimony on the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee and Miller’s new play, The Crucible; Maurice Sendak house, Ridgefield: where the dark thoughts that underlay his children’s books came to life; and James Merrill apartment, Stonington: the site of the renowned poet’s mentoring and partying, as well as an inspiration for his poetry.
Through our research and documentation, we are hoping to answer the following questions: What about Connecticut – as both colony and state – has made it such a powerful magnet for creative thinkers? And conversely, how is Connecticut, as place, reflected in the work, lives, homes, and studios of these figures? What makes this a Connecticut story?
If you know of places and spaces associated with artists and writers in your area, please contact Kristen Nietering at the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation:
Kristen Nietering
Project Manager, Arts and Letters
Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation
940 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06517
203.562.6312
www.cttrust.org
knietering@cttrust.org