In my previous Blog, I wrote about how I came upon the Southbury story and collaborated to take his obscure story known to only a few in town to become national known and a source of pride for the community.

In doing research for the documentary, I made some contacts at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC. They were not aware of the Southbury story until I shared the documentary with them in early 2013.  They saw potential in using the story in a special exhibit they were planning. The exhibit, called “Americans and the Holocaust” open in 2018 and featured a large display about Southbury and Reverend Lindsay’s key role in leading the citizens to take action. As a result, more people and organizations began to take notice of the Southbury story. It was featured in many webinars (some of which Rabbi Eric and I have led) and has been the subject of numerous research papers at colleges across the country.

In 2018, I brought the idea of installing a historic plaque to the South Britain Congregational Church.  This was finally purchased and installed in 2022. Again, the effort was to raise community awareness and pride in the story and therefore the town.

In 2021, I published an illustrated children’s book entitled “Lois’s Story: How a Young Girl’s Inspiration Helps Stop Hate and Fear”(available on Amazon: Lois’s Story: A Young Girl’s Inspiration Helps Stop Hate and Fear: ) The documentary film had an older audience in mind, but I felt there were important lessons for a younger audience.  

I brought the book to the attention of Region 15’s Teacher in Resident for Diversity and Cultural Competence. Together with Rabbi Eric, we developed an “Educator’s Guide” for using the book in the fourth grade. The successful use of the book was recognized by the Region’s Equity and Inclusion Council at their annual review in 2022 as shown in these two slides.

I was proud to see that the book had inspired students to create the Upstander’s Club. This reinforces my conviction that this is truly an important story that can motivate people to act to improve their community.

As the 10-year anniversary of the documentary approached, I spoke to Rabbi Polokoff about updating the community on all that had transpired since 2012 including more information that had come to light by Melinda Elliot, President of the Southbury Historical Society. I began to put together a diverse steering committee to put together a weekend of events that included:

• A tribute to the film maker, Scott Sniffen at B’nai Israel
• Seminars on the significance of the story from academic, theological and historical perspectives
• Keynote address by Michael Benson, author of “Gangsters vs. Nazis”
• A special walk coordinated by the Southbury Land Trust at the site of the land originally purchased by the Bund
• A message of appreciation from Senator Chris Murphy
• A special service at South Britain Congregational Church that included the original sermon by Reverend Lindsay and the dedication of their historical road sign.
• A Gala Dinner that included an emotional violin rendition of “Hallelujah” by Waterbury Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster and Southbury citizen, Alyce Cognetta-Bertz, Pomperaug High School student Catherine Mombo and Gary Bertz.

In November 2022, I asked the Trustees of Heritage Village Master Association to consider naming the pond near the Meeting House in recognition of the 85^th Anniversary. They voted to do so unanimously. The name “The 1937 Pond” was adopted and in April 2023, a new sign was installed. In November, I emceed a formal ceremony to dedicate the sign that included Rabbi Polokoff, Heritage Village Master Association Chief Operating Officer Dan Drew and Southbury’s Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza.

More information on the Southbury story including links to the documentary can be found at:  www.southbury-ct.org/1937