Rep. John B. Larson Receives Harlan H. Griswold Award

Remarks by Karen Senich, Director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

Annually, in recognition of Harlan H. Griswold’s outstanding contributions to historic preservation over his lifetime, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation confer the Harlan H. Griswold Award. The award recognizes those individuals whose activities exemplify Harlan’s leadership, vision and selfless dedication to preserving Connecticut’s heritage and who by deed or example have made our state a better place to live for all of its citizens.

We are proud to recognize Congressman John B. Larson, United States Representative for the First District, for his unwavering dedication to the preservation and restoration of the Coltsville Historic District and its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Congressman Larson introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives directing the National Park Service to explore the possibility of making the Coltsville area of Hartford a part of the National Park system.

In 2003, Jack Davis, then publisher of the Hartford Courant, and Elliot Ginsberg of Congressman Larson’s staff convened the Ad Hoc Committee on the Coltsville National Park Project to provide planning, communication and coordination for efforts to assist the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior in the analysis, evaluation and future development of Coltsville’s heritage resources. A broad spectrum of stakeholders began to meet regularly.

Congressman Larson recognized that the Coltsville Historic District is an invaluable historic resource, not only to the State of Connecticut, but to the nation as a whole. Samuel Colt, founder of the Colt Armory and the Coltsville manufacturing village, became an internationally-known industrialist. Elizabeth Jarvis Colt, made a widow in 1862, oversaw the rebuilding of the signature buildings of the Colt manufacturing complex after a devastating fire in 1864. A tangible legacy, the district illustrates how entrepreneurship, ingenuity in invention, and a diverse workforce collectively came together to build a state’s and a nation’s economy.

Congressman Larson is passionately committed to making Coltsville work as not only an architectural treasure but as an important economic asset. When the first nomination for Coltsville was presented to the National Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee of the National Park Service, it was denied. Congressman Larson worked with the Governor’s Office, the Commission on Culture and Tourism and the full membership of the Ad Hoc Committee to request a second hearing, at which he supported the nomination. This time, the Advisory Board voted to send the nomination onward.

What benefits have resulted from Ad Hoc Committee’s continuing work? First and foremost, it drew together property owners, scholars, city planners, developers, neighborhood activists and elected officials to share a vision to preserve our past and protect our future. The National Park Service stressed the importance of deep community support for the revitalization of Coltsville. The members of the Ad Hoc Committee have demonstrated this. The National Park Service is currently examining the area for inclusion in the National Park system and will report its findings this summer. Without Congressman Larson, this vision could have faltered or failed.

The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation are proud to award Congressman John B. Larson, United States Representative for the First District, the 2008 Harlan H. Griswold Award for Historic Preservation.