DANBURY, Conn. - Aug. 7, 2020 - The Savings Bank of Danbury will sponsor the cost of the City of Danbury's mural downtown to honor the legacy of Marian Anderson, considered one of the greatest classical singers, a Civil Rights pioneer and a Danbury resident.
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton announced that the mural will be placed on the wall behind the Kennedy Park fountain (300 Main Street). The wall is currently dressed with a Main Street mural by local artist Joe DiGuiseppi.
One of Marian Anderson's most famous performances was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939 to 75,000 people and millions more via radio. This performance was arranged by Eleanor Roosevelt after the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Ms. Anderson to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall because of her race.
Marian Anderson and her husband Orpheus H. Fisher owned a 100-acre farm in Danbury. Marian Anderson served on the board of the Danbury Music Centre and the DMC's recital hall is named after her. Marian Anderson was a large supporter of the arts in our community, as well as a supporter of the Danbury Chapter of the NAACP.
Local artists will be invited to submit renderings and quotes that feature Marian Anderson's achievements and life in Danbury. The Danbury Museum & Historical Society will offer the chosen artist a look at Danbury's collection of Marian Anderson's personal belongings including gowns she sewed herself for several performances and a look into her studio that now sits on the Danbury Museum property.
The final mural will be decided in cooperation with the buildings property owner Joseph DaSilva and CityCenter Danbury.
"Marian Anderson's legacy in the City of Danbury is iconic to our history and this mural hopes to educate and inspire our residents with her story," said Mayor Boughton. "I could not be more grateful for our partners at Savings Bank of Danbury who continuously step up for our community."
"Savings Bank of Danbury is pleased to work with the Mayor's office and the City on this important project," said Martin G. Morgado, President and CEO of Savings Bank of Danbury. He added, "Danbury is a community that is rich in history, and this mural will honor and illustrate Marian Anderson's legacy here in Danbury and beyond." Visit www.savingsbankofdanbury.com
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