New Haven's Early History Enriches the Community Narrative
New Sustainable outdoor furniture installation combines artistic mural and digital storytelling, celebrating New Haven’s history at key sites.
New Haven, Indiana (May 31, 2024) – New Haven will showcase its first century’s narrative via a sequence of captivating “discovery sites” situated along a historical route where pivotal moments unfolded. This significant endeavor is part of the Allen County Bicentennial Celebration that started in April and will continue through the end of the year.
Across New Haven, eight discovery sites will offer a captivating exploration of the city’s dynamic history though an innovative new project. These locations will display 10 unique pieces of “functional art” crafted from repurposed wind turbine blades. Among these pieces are benches, planters, a swing, and a picnic set. Each art installation will showcase a historical mural, skillfully painted by local artist Kim Linker, and an interactive QR code sharing digital narratives about the site’s heritage.
Barbar Snyder Crosby, a fifth-generation descendant of New Haven, spearheaded and oversaw this project. Collaborating closely with the city officials, the New Haven Community Foundation, the artist, and the furniture manufacturer Canvus, Barbara aimed to craft an exciting new experience for both residents and visitors, ensuring its enjoyment for generations to come.
“Historic New Haven – First 100 years “unveils and commemorates the City’s unique history, fostering a stronger sense of identity. The narrative depicted at the discovery sites will transport individuals to significant moments and locales, anchoring the community in its heritage. These captivating spaces will provide fresh avenues for engagement, reinforcing New Haven’s reputation as a welcoming, family-oriented community.
The journey of discovery commences in 1820 with the arrival of John Van Gundy, the region’s pioneer, who ventured into a sprawling, untamed wilderness and began the process of clearing land for settlement by “deadening” trees. This act, known as “Gundy’s deadening,” marked the genesis of New Haven. Over the subsequent century, the town’s rich heritage took shape. By 1920, New Haven had blossomed into a thriving “transportation town”.
The ribbon-cutting for this immersive experience will be held on Friday, May 31st, 2024, at 11:00AM. There, the City of New Haven with Mayor McMichael’s introduction, will unveil the premier discovery site at Schnelker Park, and allow invited guests to gain more information and take a first look at all the pieces. The next day, the community and visitors are invited to join us for the official opening of groundbreaking project during a History Stroll on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. A passport to history will be provided with information for the self-guided stroll starting at Schnelker Park from 12:00 – 1:30 PM.
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Media Contacts
City of New Haven
Pone Vongphachanh
(260) 748-7041
pone@newhaven.in.gov
About City of New Haven
New Haven is a vibrant community of over 16,000 people in Eastern Allen County. New Haven prides itself as a community that serves. The McMichael administration is focused on making New Haven the best place to live, work, play, run a business or visit in Northeast Indiana. More information can be found New Haven’s Early History Enriches the Community Narrative on the City’s website NewHaven.IN.Gov. If you have any questions or non-emergency issue, please contact the City of New Haven at (260) 748-7041 or by email at info@newhaven.in.gov
Canvus
Savannah Kowalski
(216) 770-6353
skowalski@GoCanvus.com
About Canvus
Canvus is the only company capable of processing 100% of retired wind turbine blades into long-lasting products at an industrial scale. We've found an innovative solution to the 5,000-8,000 blades discarded every year, transforming them into stunning community furniture that inspires and engages. Through our pioneering process, these once-discarded blades are given new life as vibrant benches, planters, and picnic sets, rejuvenating public spaces with a sense of energy and vitality that will last for generations. We create unique pieces that simultaneously boost civic pride and promote sustainability. Our maintenance-free products, built to withstand the elements for more than 25 years, stand as powerful examples of human ingenuity. We reshape the understanding of environmental impact while breathing life into parks, schools, and neighborhoods with functional public art. By tackling this critical challenge head-on, we are setting a new standard for the renewable energy industry, proving that innovation and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand to create a brighter, more sustainable future for humanity.