LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ & THE CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE ARTS DESIGNATE A CULTURAL DISTRICT IN VERNON

(HARTFORD, CT) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced it has approved Vernon’s application to establish a state-recognized Cultural District in the Rockville section of town, the first such district in Tolland County and the 14th in the state.

The district encompasses downtown Vernon and extends from Pitney Park on the east to Saxony Park on the west, Talcott Park to the north and Henry Park to the south. It includes the New England Civil War Museum and Research Center, the New England Motorcycle Museum, several historic structures, and arts-focused businesses.

"With today’s announcement, Vernon is now formally recognized for the talent, culture, beauty, and history that strengthen the unique character of their community. I’m so excited to welcome the Rockville section of town to our growing list of cultural assets across the state – and the very first in Tolland County,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Congratulations to Vernon and to all who made this designation possible!”

Cultural districts are walkable areas of cities and towns that feature a variety of cultural organizations, activities and assets. They draw people from other communities and create a place for people to congregate and interact, while also promoting artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses, promoting tourism, improving the quality of life for residents, strengthening a community’s distinctive character, driving economic growth and expanding the tax base, and highlighting local culture and history.

“Vernon’s Cultural District is a hidden gem. Tucked away between small rivers and rolling hills, walking the streets evokes a sense of history and place that seems both timeless and contemporary. From pottery studios to architecture, coffee shops and restaurants to motorcycle museums, Vernon is a very special place,“ said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums.

Vernon’s goals are to contribute to economic well-being by building a vibrant arts and cultural community that attracts artists, cultural organizations and businesses, enhancing property values, fostering local cultural development, and creating a framework that increases townwide coordination and collaboration.

“While there is work to do, we are starting from a position of strength,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Anyone who visits Rockville for the first time is immediately struck by the architecture and wants to know more about Rockville’s history and what we have to offer. We have a lot already, but we know we can do better. We are working to bring life back to the Amerbelle/Daniel’s mill complex and Citizens Block, and to further capitalize on the arts opportunities at the Rockville Public Library and elsewhere in the district. We also will convert the former senior center into the Park Place Performing Arts Center. We have a lot to be proud of in Vernon. We need to let the rest of the world know what Vernon has to offer.”

Vernon’s Cultural District Advisory Board has supported music and theatrical performances in the district – at Henry Park and the Rockville Public Library. Other events include July in the Sky and the Civil War Museum’s annual Living History Day.

“Vernon and Rockville have so much to offer and this is an exciting step forward for our community,” said Liz Bologna, a Rockville resident, professional singer, arts and music advocate and cultural district commission member. “A thriving arts and culture scene is paramount to the success of any thriving community. A town that supports its arts and culture supports its economy, its tourism and the people who live there.”