I have been contributing to this amazing project since 2006...
The Connecticut Monument project was established by the Connecticut Ninth Regiment Volunteer Committe. This Non-Profit Organization was set up to create a fitting monument to represent the State of Connecticut at the Vicksburg National Military Park at the Grant's Canal site opposite Vicksburg, Mississippi. Receiving over a million visitors every year, the monuments at Vicksburg comprise one of the most extensive collections of commemorative military art in the in the world.
My involvement with the Ninth began when I offered my restoration skills to the Connecticut Monument at Vicksburg Project. However, it quickly evolved into a multifaceted role which included:
- collaboration in the overall layout & design of the etched artwork on the granite centerpiece; (the entire monument, which includes the benches and plaza, were designed by Mathieu Memorial and Granite Works, Milone & MacBroom and, of course, Bob Larkin and the Connecticut Ninth Regiment Volunteers Committe)
- design of the two montage scenes which occupy the bottom thirds of both front & back of the centerpiece; these scenes depict the labor and hardships faced by our men during their service at Vicksburg.
- creation of the exact scale template which was then traced and etched onto the centerpiece
- creation of educational and promotional materials both for print and internet.
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My largest contribution was in creating the exact template artwork for both sides of the 10’ tall granite centerpiece. This artwork was subsequently traced and hand etched by professional etching artist Stacy Mathieu. I am honored to be named in the official records as one of the Vicksburg Monument Artists.
I also designed the exhibition booklets, which were distributed at the Connecticut State Exhibition ceremony in Hartford, Connecticut on August 20, 2008; as well as the commemorative dedication booklets, which were distributed at the official dedication ceremony of our beautiful monument at the Vicksburg National Military Park on October 14, 2008.
Finally, I designed an educational poster about the Ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers and her monuments, which was printed on foamboard and is now on permanent exhibition at the Hartford State Armory in Hartford, Connecticut.
I do tend to get excited about whatever I'm working on... What started as one page on my website grew... as evidenced by the links on the left...
Most recently, I've been working on creating a logo for the Ninth!
Robert Larkin of Cheshire, CT
is the driving force behind the creation of this historical monument. He and the Connecticut Ninth Regiment Volunteer Committee had spent many years working and laying the groundwork for this project long before I became involved, navigating through the governmental requirements, raising money, raising awareness...
Without the Committee... and especially Bob, who tirelessly motivated all of us to partake in this most amazing experience, Connecticut would remain unrepresented in this wonderful National Park.
I think it's safe to say that, although the evolution of this historical monument is the result of a group effort spanning many years, it would not be happening today, were it not for Robert Larkin....Private John Marlow, of Company C, would be so proud...!
