CONFRONTING COLUMBUS by o p e n s y s t e m s

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS WEAPONIZATION OF URBAN SPACE, RACIALIZATION OF THE PUBLIC SPHERE, & PATTERNS OF DECEPTION IN MUNICIPAL PROCESS

finding aid & document archive 1959-2020 open systems The 1492 Project Finding Aid & Archival Guide

23 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

WEAPONIZATION OF URBAN SPACE, RACIALIZATION OF THE PUBLIC SPHERE, & PATTERNS OF DECEPTION IN MUNICIPAL PROCESS A Chronology of Events at Christopher Columbus Park (formerly Waterfront Park) on Boston’s Waterfront in Massachusetts, USA (Finding Aid & Document Archive) 1949 – 2020 In a period of less than six months in 1979, a public park originally designed as a children’s playground and built with the intention of reducing social and economic inequalities, that took nearly three decades to build between 1949 and 1976—with more than $60 million in federal and municipal funds notwithstanding the involvement of hundreds of public and private organizations to open access to the water—was coopted by the interests of a small committee of private interests whose corrupt efforts resulted in the deceitful renaming of the park and unsanctioned placement of a statue that, since then, has resulted in 40 years of racial divisions, historical deceptions, and socio-political confrontations. The following finding aid and document archive is organized with the following sections: A. Columbus, Columbianism, & Settler-Colonialism B. The Making of Waterfront Park C. Long Wharf Development & Waterfront Park: Mayor White’s Controversy & Corruption D. Weaponization & Racialization of Waterfront Park by “The Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee” E. Resistance & Oppositions to the Park Accompanying this guide is an “Open Letter to Mayor Walsh” posted online on July 31 st 2020 at https://confrontingcolumb.us/. The letter is hyperlinked to the archive of original documents and refers back to this guide. An earlier story and tweet thread, “Confronting Columbus,” was posted online by the authors on June 12th, 2020 following the beheading of the Columbus statue on June 10th, 2020, and its subsequent removal from the park, two days later, during its relocation at Shaughnessy & Ahern’s Warehouse in South Boston. Research Note: The documentation collected here addresses the gross lack of public information and prevalence of disinformation on this public park. Organized like an index, this finding aid and archival guide aim to challenge the facts and findings of a 2018 document cited by the City of Boston (“An Opportunity for Change: Discussing Monuments in Boston & Beyond,” a report on Boston’s so-called commemorative landscape funded by the Boston University Center for the Humanities) on colonial monuments, as well as information on website of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (www.foccp.org) and commonly-referenced information from its Wikipedia entry that overlooks and actively erases the problematic and duplicitous nature of Christopher Columbus Park, once known as Waterfront Park up until 1979. Finding Aid & Archival Guide

1 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

This deficit of information reveals important historical gaps including verbal testimonies that expose critical errors and highly propagated omissions in the accurate understanding in the history and truthful reality of this urban park. Scale & Scope: The range of information collected here aims to demonstrate a multitude of different contexts and overlapping events that need to be considered in the understanding of the history of Christopher Columbus Park. The historical evidence found contradicts many claims that the future of the park is of a ‘local’ matter as Mayor Walsh and State Representative Aaron Michlewitz have recently proposed in the relinquishment of decision making to North End communities. Historical research shows that not only is its context more urban and more regional, its significance and scope are national. There are considerable repercussions across the country in relation to standing monuments and places named on the basis on historical distortions, racial divisions, and white supremacy. Complicit in this national discourse, public representatives and elected officials from City of Boston must own up to this divisive history that has resulted in countless injustices and ongoing inequalities. Lastly, this archive thus creates a definitive chronology of indisputable events and collection of documents (both published and unpublished) from authoritative sources including institutional records, professional offices, and government records. Important is the listing of previously, unreleased (undigitized or inaccessible) public records from a range of archival sources at the City of Boston (including the Mayor’s Office, the Boston Arts Commission, the Department of Parks & Recreation), news media (including the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, PostGazette), and Sasaki Associates Archives among several key sources. In so doing, we acknowledge the important work and owe a debt of gratitude to key archivists in respective institutions. Recommendation: This documentation is useful and accessible for any level of learning for K-12 schools as well as institutions of higher learning. Not only does this information serve to justify the permanent removal of the statue at Christopher Columbus Park and the park’s renaming, it also aims to support the removal of other monuments that edify settler-colonialism, racism, and racial violence in Boston, and throughout the United States. Furthermore, considerable live footage and oral testimony can also serve to produce a documentary for future generations to learn and understand the political, spatial, and social context of this park. Austin Allen’s critical documentary “Claiming Open Space” (Garden Films, 1994) is an excellent, multimedia reference. About The Authors: This documentation and archive of documents was produced by Pierre Bélanger (Project Director), Pablo Escudero (Lead Researcher & Archival Coordination), Ghazal Jafari (Research Editor & Media), and Lanie Cohen (Graphic Research) collectively part of OPEN SYSTEMS™ (OPSYS®), a non-profit, 501c3, design research organization focused on environmental justice. For more information, please contact: info@opsys.net Confronting Columbus V1.0 (grayscale, 565KB)

2020 Creative Commons. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Cover image: AFP / The India Times

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

2 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

INDEX A. Columbus, Columbianism, & Settler-Colonialism B. The Making of Waterfront Park C. Long Wharf Development & Waterfront Park: Mayor White’s Controversy & Corruption D. Weaponization & Racialization of Waterfront Park by “The Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee” E. Resistance & Oppositions to the Park

A. COLUMBUS, COLUMBIANISM, & SETTLER-COLONIALISM This chronological section charts the origins in the edification and growth in opposition to the symbolism of Christopher Columbus from 1492, the date of the accidental landing off the coast of the Caribbean Islands. At specific moments during this five-century period, noticeably during centennial celebrations in 1892 and 1992, a remarkable surge in the edification of the image as well as the manipulation of Columbus as Eurocentric symbol takes place worldwide. Boastful accounts are particularly prevalent in the United States from the late 19th century onwards following the end of the Civil War (1865). The 1892 Columbian Word Fair in Chicago IL is a particularly important and influential event in relation to the shifting perception of Italians in America. However, from the middle of 1970s onwards, a noticeable shift occurs in the uprising and opposition to the heroic symbolism of Columbus that is simultaneously anti-Indigenous and anti-Black. While its heroic edification persists, opposition from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color grows even stronger. Most notably, the declaration by the United Nations in Geneva (Switzerland) of the first International Peoples Day, hard fought by Indigenous Nations at the 1977 International NGO Conference on the Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas is a significant turning point in this timeline. -

1492: Earliest recorded date of Christopher Columbus’ accidental beaching off the coast of then Hispaniola Island, lands of Taíno Peoples (Great Arawak Nation) for thousands of years. In spite of continued claims of extermination by Europeans and American settlers, descendants of the Great Arawak Nation still exist and have resisted over 500 years colonization, with families and international diaspora.

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

3 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1542: Report by Spanish Friar Bartolomé de las Casas of violence on Indigenous Peoples and exploitation of Black enslaved peoples by the conquistadors in the Spanish colonies (across the Caribbean Islands, Central America, to South America) that are financed by the Spanish Monarchy.

1846-62: “Monument of Christopher Columbus” by Lorenzo Bartolini (Genoa, Italy).

1869: “Christopher Columbus Statue” by Emma Stebbins (New York City, NY)

1886: “Columbus Portraits – Columbus and his Discoveries) in Narrative and Critical History of America: Spanish Explorations in America from the Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Century by Justin Winsor.

1882: Foundation of the fraternal organization “Knights of Columbus” (New Haven, CT)

1892: “Gaetano Russo’s Christopher Columbus Statue - NYC” by The New York Times.

1892: World Columbian Exposition (Chicago, IL).

1892: “Columbus and Columbia: A Pictorial History of the Man and the Nation,” a 4Volume set published to coincide with the World Columbian Exposition.

1892: In a sermon titled “The Error of Columbus,” Professor Swing denounces the vulgarity and injustice of the so-called exploits of Columbus in the Chicago edition of Inter Ocean.

1893: Scientific American publishes Silver Statue of Columbus at Columbia World Exposition (Chicago, IL).

1894: Christopher Columbus Statue by Jeronimo Sunol installed in Central Park (New York City, NY).

1920: “The Chronicles of the Americas & Colonial Folkways,” published by Charles Andrews, as the second of a forty-nine volume.

1921: “A history of the Knights of Columbus in Illinois” by Joseph J. Thompson

1934: Inauguration of Columbus Day as national holiday by President F. D. Roosevelt

1938-1942: Harvard historian Samuel Eliot Morison writes two books on Columbus: The Second Voyage of Columbus and Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus.

1957: “Knights of Columbus” by Life Magazine.

1959: The huge, 9-foot by 14-foot painting, “Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus,” is completed by Spanish artist Salvador Dalí for the Museum Gallery of Modern Art in New York (commissioned by Huntington Hartford).

1960: Christopher Columbus Statue erected St. Petersburg, Florida

1975: National Geographic special edition “Christopher Columbus and the New World he Found.”

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

4 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1977: Protest by Indigenous Peoples in Boston opposing the celebration of Thanksgiving Day.

1980: Historian Howard Zinn publishes chapter “in his book chapter “Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress” in his book A People’s History of the United States debunking the myths about Christopher Columbus that persist in the American imagination.

1988: President Ronald Reagan signs the Columbus Day Proclamation in christening the Jubilee Commission that will oversee the 500-year anniversary of Columbus’ 1492 landing.

1989: “Columbus and Columbia: A Brief Survey of the Early Creation of the Columbus Symbol in American History” by Delno C. West and August Kling in the Journal Studies in Popular Culture.

1990: First cross-continental conference on 500 Years of Indigenous Resistance (Quito, EC) to resist and denounce the celebration of the 500-year anniversary of Columbus.

1990: Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz interviews poet Joy Harjo, “Christopher Columbus & ‘The Stink Hiding the Sun.”

1992: First day in honor of Native Indigenous Americans in opposition to the celebration of Columbus Day (San Francisco, CA)

1992: Christopher J. Kauffman writes the book Faith and fraternalism: The History of the Knights of Columbus on the 400-year commemoration of the Columbus landing.

1993: “Columbia, Columbus, and Columbianism” published by Professor Thomas J. Schlereth publishes for The Journal of American History.

1997: “Columbus & Other Cannibals: The Wétiko Disease of Exploitation, Imperialism, And Terrorism” published by Jack D. Forbes.

2004: Youth groups pull down the statue of Columbus in Caracas (Venezuela) and drag it across the city center on October 13th.

2007: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations.

2009: “A Brief History of Columbus Day” by Dan Fletcher (Time Magazine).

2009: “A Portrait of Italians in America” by Times Magazine.

2012: Melissa Rinehart writes “To Hell with the Wigs! Native American Representation and Resistance at the World's Columbian Exposition” for the American Indian Quarterly

2016: Cambridge City Council votes to hold first Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration in lieu of Columbus Day, as part of an initiative by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) to institute Indigenous Peoples’ Day across the state.

2019: “How Italians Became White” by Brent Staples (The New York Times).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

5 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

B. THE MAKING OF ‘WATERFRONT PARK’

1959: After major community fundraising efforts, Frank S. Christian, raises $200000 to start the studies to “save” the waterfront. The study was developed by the non-profit organization, Downtown Waterfront Corporation. Christian plays a mayor role in convincing then State Governor John Volpe in relocating the highway ramps of the Central Artery (a major division in the city’s fabric), as well as in securing additional funding for the construction of a new food and produce wholesale market in Everett. Together, these efforts empower the BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) to carry out the restoration of Faneuil Hall Markets, and pursuing the new England Aquarium to locate its new facility on Central Wharf. o

The BRA’s dedication message to Waterfront Park honoring Christian’s efforts reads: “Frank S. Christian was a Boston businessman who is generally credited with initiating the planning effort that led to renewal of the downtown waterfront. Mr. Christian, who died in December, 1970, was a senior vice president of New England Merchant's National Bank and past president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. In 1959, Mr. Christian urged the Chamber to form a committee to study the feasibility of redeveloping the waterfront area. Two years later the BRA requested that Mr. Christian sponsor a study which would look into the possibility of saving the waterfront. Mr. Christian raised $200,000 in private funds to finance the study and enlisted many of Boston's leading businessmen to support the proposed redevelopment plan. That study, conducted by the nonprofit Downtown Waterfront Corporation, provided the basis for the BRA's Downtown Waterfront Renewal Plan. The BRA's plan was approved by the City Council in 1964. Mr. Christian is given major credit for helping the BRA to obtain this approval.”

1959-1976: “Historical Images from the Boston Harbor and North End” (City of Boston Archives).

1965: “Waterfront: Waterfront Hearings” by Boston Redevelopment Authority Photographs Collection (City of Boston Archives). Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofbostonarchives/albums/72157651582916059/page2. Additional materials include minutes from North End public hearings for the development

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

6 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

of the North End (Photographs, City of Boston Archives) and “Waterfront: Waterfront Hearings” in the Boston Redevelopment Authority archive. -

1965: “Application for Federal Grants for Open-Space Land and Urban Beautification and Improvement” (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives)

1972, Jul 31: Project Selection Rating Report, and Open Space Program for the North End Waterfront Park (by BRA & Mayor White).

1974 (c.): Waterfront-Faneuil Urban Renewal Project (See BRA Fact Sheet).

1974: Final Engineering and environmental reports for the development of Waterfront Hotel (BRA).

1974: Principal Stuart Dawson from Sasaki Associates (landscape architect and urban planner on record) meets BRA Director Robert Kenney and agrees to the design of Waterfront Park for Boston’s Bicentennial Celebration.

1975, June: “Preliminary Neighborhood Improvement Strategies” by BRA.

1975, Oct: Waterfront Construction Begins (Sasaki Archives, Construction Photographs).

1975, Nov. 12: “Waterfront Park Finished - Aerial Photographs” (Sasaki Archives).

1976, May 9: Waterfront Park Inauguration/Dedication to Frank S. Christian, and unveiling of the stone plaque (Sasaki Archives, BRA Archives).

1976, May 9. Waterfront Park Dedication to Frank S. Christian (BRA Archives) See also in this document Robert T. Kenney (BRA Director), and Mayor White’s Statement.

1976: Boston Downtown Waterfront Project (BRA Archives).

1977: “As Built Waterfront Park Plans” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Archives). o

1977: “As Built Waterfront Park Plans, Information Pylon and Granite Pedestal Detail (18)” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Archives).

1976: “Waterfront Park Inauguration” o

Sunday May 9: “An Afternoon at the Waterfront” Illustration by Anna Meyer (Sasaki Archives).

May 10: “$2.5 Million waterfront park dedicates in Boston,” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1976: “Exploring the New Waterfront” by Christina Robb (The Boston Globe).

1976: “Waterfront Park Dedication Fact Sheet” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives) o

“Frank S. Christian – ‘Mr. Waterfront’” (BRA) p.4.

“Robert T. Kenney Director Statement” by Kenney R. (BRA) p.6.

“Summary” by Memolo Ralph (BRA Archives) p.10.

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

7 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1977: “Waterfront Park Aerial Photographs” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Archives).

1977: BRA Downtown Waterfront-Faneuil Hall Renewal Project (Developer’s Kit by BRA).

1977: North End Neighborhood Improvement Program by BRA & Mayor White’s office

1978: Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government “Proposal for the Redevelopment of Boston’s Waterfront” (see Harvard Graduate School of Design involvement and comments, p. 210).

197 (Mar 26): Sasaki among 8 others participate in the competition for the development of the Long Wharf.

1979: Report on the Selection of a Developer for Long Wharf (BRA).

1979: BRA Statement acknowledging the public character of Waterfront Park, and the developing area. (BRA).

1979 (Oct 30): Long Wharf Hotel Development by Sasaki Associates in association with Mayor White and BRA.

1979: “Preserving Access to the waterfront” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1979: “Mayor Kevin White Announces Fuel Emergency Plan” (Post-Gazette Editorial).

1986: “Rose Kennedy Garden and Fountain” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Archives).

2009: “Christopher Columbus Park-Boston” Stuart O. Dawson Interview by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF).

1999: “Christopher Columbus Park Redesign” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Associates Archives). o

1999 (Jul 19): “Community Meeting invitation to Discuss the renovation of Christopher Columbus Park” by Thomas M. Menino Mayor, Boston Parks and Recreation, Justine M. Liff (Sasaki Associates Archives).

1999: “Atlantic Ave” by Robert Campbell and Peter Vanderwarker (Sasaki Associates Archive).

1999 (Jul 29): “Letter to the Boston Globe Editor” by Stuart Dawson (Sasaki Associates).

1999: “Goodbye Columbus” by William Fowler Jr., The Boston Globe (Sasaki Associates Archives).

1999: “Waterfront park opportunity” Editorial (Sasaki Associates Archive).

1999: “Talisman Consulting Associates letter” by John E. Dobie (Sasaki ASSOCIATES Archive).

1999: “Marketing Lead” by Cynthia W. Smith, The Halvorson Company, Inc. (Sasaki Associates Archives).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

8 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

2000: “Letter to Mr. Craig Halvorson & Ms. Cynthia W. Smith” by Stuart O. Dawson (Sasaki Associates Archives).

2001: “Christopher Columbus Park Renovation,” by Halvorson Design (http://www.halvorsondesign.com/christopher-columbus-park).

2011: “About Frank S. Christian” by Frank J. Arrison.

2011: “Frank S. Christian Monument Pictures” (NorStar-Ca). 2017: State senator who battled White in trio of campaigns dies” by The Boston Globe.

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

9 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

C. LONG WHARF DEVELOPMENT & WATERFRONT PARK: MAYOR WHITE’S CONTROVERSY & CORRUPTION After nearly two decades of various planning studies later spearheaded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, development of Long Wharf and Waterfront Park in the North End take shape in the lead up to Boston’s Bicentennial celebration in the summer of 1975. While controversies surround the sidestepping of bid review processes and contractor commissions, Mayor Kevin White would later be investigated in federal investigation in 1982 into the misuse of public funds during Mayor White’s tenure between 968 and 1982. The Park is an alternative project awarded to the Knights of Columbus and earmarked for public housing, later substituted for open space.

1972: “Project Selection Rating Report Open Space Program North End Waterfront Park” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1974: “Flatley’s buses roll Monday” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1974: “Draft & Final Environmental Impact Report – Boston Waterfront Hotel” for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1975: “Waterfront Park Approved Plans” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1975: “Development Update” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1975: “North End – Waterfront/ Background Information, Planning Issues and Preliminary Neighborhood Improvement Strategies” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1977: “North End Waterfront” District Profile & Proposed 1978 – 1980 Neighborhood Improvement Program” by City of Boston Office of the Mayor (Boston Public Library).

1977: “Boston Downtown Waterfront Project” by Boston Educational Marine Exchange (BRA Archives).

1978: “BRA’S Plaza expert leaving” by David Rogers (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Redevelopment of the Boston Waterfront” by the President and Fellows of Harvard College (BRA Archives).

1978: Downtown Waterfront Faneuil Hall Urban Renewal Project” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1978: “8 Developers go all out to win Waterfront Hotel” by Anthony J. Yudis (The Boston Globe).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

10 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1978: “Letters Rap Waterfront Hotel Politics” by Anthony J. Yudis (The Boston Globe).

1978: White-Walsh clash not helping City” by Ian Menzies (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Tax aide, is White’s choice for BRA Chief” by David Rogers (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Ex-BRA director cautions White on Hotel selection” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Quincy Market place 2nd Anniversary – Remarks Quincy Market” by Mayor Kevin White (City of Boston Archives, Mayor White Archives).

1978: “BRA, White try to bar council suit” by David Rogers (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Classification – North End Neighborhood Meeting” by Mayor Kevin White (City of Boston Archives, Mayor White Archives).

1978: “BRA picks Zuckerman hotel project” by Anthony J. Yudis (The Boston Globe).

1978: “Waterfront hotel back on the drawing board” by David Rogers (The Boston Globe).

1979 (January): “Report on the Selection of a Developer for Long Wharf” by City of Boston Finance Commission (Boston Public Library).

1979: “Waterfront Land Inventory” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1979: “A tale of two mayors” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1979: “A Plan, A poll, A Scolding” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1979: “History of the Waterfront - Summary” by Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA Archives).

1979: “Installation Ceremonies of the Hispanic Knights of Columbus Council” by Mayor Kevin White Office (Mayor White’s Collection at The City of Boston Archives).

1979: “North End Waterfront – District Profile” by Kevin H. White (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (c.): “North End” by Mayor Kevin White office (Mayor White’s Collection at The City of Boston Archives).

1980: “Waterfront Revitalization Seminar” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1980: “North End/Waterfront Preservation Study” by Vincent Marsh for The Boston Landmarks Commission (BRA Archives).

1980 (Oct. 25): “Waterfront hotel license is denied” by Anthony J. Yudis (The Boston Globe).

1981: “Olmsted Park Conference Folder” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1982: “Boston Corruption Inquiry Raises Questions on the Mayor’s Future” by Fox Butterfield (The New York Times).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

11 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1980-1986 (c.): “Aerial Images of Waterfront Park & Long Wharf (3)” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Associates Archives.

1980-1986 (c.): “Long Wharf Plans, Sections, Details, Models & Site Images (39)” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Associates Archives).

1980-1986 (c.): “Rose Kennedy Garden Plans, Sections, Details, Site Images (4)” by Sasaki Associates (Sasaki Archives).

2013: “Obituaries – Mazzola Andrew Joseph” by The Boston Globe.

2005 (c.): “It’s a pity she looks so awful “by Jack Thomas, Boston Globe (BAC Director Sarah Hutt / Green File, City of Boston Archives)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

12 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

D. WEAPONIZATION & RACIALIZATION OF WATERFRONT PARK BY “THE FRIENDS OF CHRSITOPHER COLUMBUS COMMITTEE” Charting the creation of the so-called Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee by a single person, this section profiles how nationalist Arthur Stivaletta lobbied incumbent Mayor Kevin White with Fred Langone (Boston City Councillor) and mobilized Italian-American interests of the North End with Phyllis Donnaruma (Editor-in-Chief, Post-Gazette) to change the name of Waterfront Park and place a statue of Columbus, with funds from the Knights of Columbus (Ausonia Council #1513). These events served to not only appropriate public space but weaponized and racialized the park at a volatile period of Boston’s history: at the height of racial tensions principally emerging from white boycott and opposition to federally mandated desegregation of Boston’s school system dubbed one of the most divisive in the nation. These events in preparation for the papal visit and in exchange for endorsements from the ItalianAmerican community of the North End during a period of nearly six months, between the end of April and beginning of November in 1979.

1971: “Minutes - Group of North End Residents to erect a statue of Christopher Columbus on top of a fountain at Paul Revere Mall” by Parks & Recreation Commission (City of Boston Archives).

1972: Arthur Stivaletta organizes the nationalist campaign, “American Freedom Train” (Copy of the proposal, with pro-forma budget for the Freedom Train Bicentennial Journey, 1975-1976)” with Ross E. Rowland Jr..

1972 (c.), Arthur Stivaletta rallies under the Slogan of “Wake up America.” Fight against the antiwar sentiment during the Vietnam War. The Wake Up America Rally, which included the making of a popularized sticker, was in support of the “Constitution, God, and Country.”

1974 (Jun 21): “Boston Busing Case - Opinion” (Morgan v. Hennigan, 379 F. Supp. 410) by Federal District Judge Garrity.

1974: “Busing in Boston: A Research Guide” Suffolk University Boston (Moakley Archive & Institute)

1974: “Boston Busing Protests, Raw Video Footage: in the 1970's court-ordered desegregation of Boston schools led to riots and mistrust.” (WBZ Archives)

1975: “Boston Desegregation” WGBH Footage (PBS Learning Media)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

13 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1975: “Minute - Request of North End Community to name Waterfront Park in Honor of Clementine and Joseph Langone” by Parks and Recreation Commission (City of Boston Archives).

1975: “Deadline coming up for Boston on $30 million revenue share” by David Rogers (The Boston Globe).

1975-76: “The American Freedom Train – Official Commemorative Program 1975/1976” by The American Freedom Train Foundation.

1976 (Apr 5): Ted Landsmark Attack (City Hall) Photos (Boston TV, Ten O’Clock News)

1976: “A Plaque in the House” by Jack Thomas (The Boston Globe).

1976-1979 (c.): “copy of the 1970s ‘Wake Up America’ bumper sticker designed by Stivaletta to campaign against the anti-vietnam war sentiment.”

1976 (Mar 25): “White Langone battle erupts” by Gary McMillan (The Boston Globe).

1976 (May 23): “A plaque in the House” (honoring Arthur Stivaletta)” by Jack Thomas (The Boston’s Globe)

1977: Pulitzer award to Stanley Forman for his Boston Herald photograph, “The Soiling of Old Glory” where the white teenager Joseph Rakes is seen attacking Black minority rights lawyer Theodore Landsmark with a U.S. flagpole at City Hall during desegregation busing programs.

1979-1983: “Black Political Task Force, A Guide” (City of Boston Archives)

1979: “Tierney appoints committee heads” by Al Larkin (The Boston Globe).

1979: “Boston City Council Candidates” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1979 (Apr 25): “Minute – Parks and Recreation Commission to rededicate Waterfront Park in Honor of Christopher Columbus” by City Council (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Jun 14): “Council Order to Name Waterfront Park in Honor of Christopher Columbus” by Parks and Recreation Commission (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 1): “Pope’s Visit – Mayor White Speech” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Sep 30): “Pope’s Visit – Memorandum” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Sep 15): “Pope’s Visit – Cardinal’s Residence Invitation to the Mayor” by Archbishop of Boston (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Sep 19): “Background the Pope in Boston” by Karol Cardinal Wojtyla (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

14 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1979 (Sep 28): “Papal Visit Information” by Office of the Mayor (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Sep 28): African American, football player Darryl Williams shot in the back during a high school football game in Charleston, north of Boston. The Fifteen-year old from Roxbury is left paralyzed for life.

1979 (Oct 1): “Pope Speech - Apostolic Journey to the United States of America, Holy Mass on Boston Common Homily of his Holiness John Paul II” by Pope Paul II.

1979 (Oct 1): “Speech Racial Tension, Charlestown Shooting, Pope’s Visit” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 2): “Boston Shooting Suspects Plead Not Guilty and Are Feed on Bail” by The New York Times.

1979 (Oct 5): “Mayor White Meeting & Interview with Herald Editorial Board” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 5): “Timilty tougher on rent control” by The Boston Globe (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 5): “Recent Herald Editorials” by Mayor Kevin White’s Office (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 3): “Shooting aftermath: White shoves Jamaica Plain principal – ‘This is my school’” By John Wilpers (The Boston Herald).

1979 (Oct 6): “Columbus Day Banquet and Parade: Memorandum, Speech, Invitation” by Office of the Mayor (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 6): “James Michener Film Interview” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 8): “Columbus Day Breakfast” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 9): “Meeting with Black Leaders” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 10): “League of Women Voters Questionnaire” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 12): “Italian American Civic League Banquet” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 14): “Wild Interview” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 15): “Post-Gazette Meeting” by Mayor Kevin White (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

15 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1979 (c. Oct 16): Andrew Joseph Mazzola and son AJ Mazzola of Norwwod Monumental Works) place granite plinth and statue of Christopher Columbus in the center of the park, at the intersection of two main pathways; work coordinated by Arthur Stivaletta, Chairman of Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee. Andrew Mazzola was member of Knights of Columbus (Norwood Council #252).

1979 (Oct 19): “White Receives Meritorious Award; Columbus Painting on Display” by Post-Gazette.

1979 (Oct 19): “Christopher Columbus Park” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 19): “King Receives Papal Poster” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 19): “Christopher Columbus Day Celebration Notes” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 19): “Pope John Paul II’S Visit a Truly Ecumenical Experience” by PostGazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 19): “North End Favorites in Columbus Parade; Knights of Columbus” by Post-Gazette Editorial; Jim Gannon, Grand Knight (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 21): “Dedication of Christopher Columbus Park: Memorandum & Invitation” by Mayor Kevin White’s Office (Mayor White’s Collection, City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Maybe Oct 17): “Installation photographs of the Christopher Columbus Statue (8)” by Tony Taro (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 21): “Dedication of Christopher Columbus Park Photographs (93)” by Toni Taro (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 21): “Arthur Stivaletta (Mr. Wake up America) at CCP Dedication day” image by Toni Taro (City of Boston Archives).

1979 (Oct 22): “White, Timilty woo Hub’s ethnic groups” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

1979 (Oct 26): “Columbus Park Dedicated” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 26): “Kevin White and Boston; Columbus Day Award Banquet” by PostGazette Editorial (Boston Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 26): “Friends of Dante Alighieri Center of Culture Benefit” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

16 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1979 (Oct 26): “Christopher Columbus was framed” advertisement by the North End Art Gallery at the Post-Gazette (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Oct 26): “Columbus Dedication” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Nov 2): “Post-Gazette Endorses Kevin White” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Nov 2): “For Boston it’s Kevin White; At Columbus Day Banquet; Leonard Opening at Art Gallery” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Nov 2): “Kevin White vs. His Opponent: Let’s Compare the Record” by PostGazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Nov 2): “Boston Black under Racist Siege: Antibusing Gangs on Rampage” by Osborne Hart (The Militant 43-42).

1979 (Nov 9): “White Wallops Timilty” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979 (Nov 19): Arthur Stivaletta burns Iranian flag in front of the Christopher Columbus statue during hostage crisis in Tehran. “Iran’s flag burned at Hib rally” by Maggie Rivas (The Boston Globe).

1979 (Nov 30): “Another Conversation with the Next Generation; Boston teenagers discuss the Darryl Williams shooting” Say Brother with Barbara Barrow-Murray (WBUR, Open Vault)

1979 (Dec 7): “Plans Unveiled for Italian Cultural Center if Dante Alighieri Society” by Post-Gazette Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1979: “Columbus Day in Rhode Island” by Post-Gazette Editorial.

1981 (Dec 28): Arthur Stivaletta leads members of Wake Up America from Deham in the burning of a Soviet flag in front of the Columbus Statue, “A red flag burned in protest” by Kathryn Hoenig (The Boston Globe).

1981: “Candidates for the City Council…” Boston Globe Editorial (Boston Public Library Archives).

1982: “Columbus Day Mass” The Boston Globe (Boston Public Library Archives).

1986: “Stivaletta said that KGB was after him, court told” by Jerry Taylor (The Boston Globe).

1986: “American Freedom Train – A Moving Monument to American History” (John Mash Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

17 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

1986 (Aug 25): Black Political Task Force (Boston TV, Ten O’Clock News)

1987: “Lining up a holiday weekend of adventure” by Ann Malaspina (The Boston Globe).

1988: “Loving to hate public Boston’s public art” by Jane Holtz Kay (The Boston Globe).

1995: “Sprucing up set for North End Park” by Rachel Wohanka (The Boston Globe).

1996: “Halloween Hunt” by Eric Albert (The Boston Globe).

1999: “Goodbye Columbus” by William Fowler Jr. (The Boston Globe).

2000: “Atlantic Avenue” by Robert Campbell (The Boston Globe).

2002: “Modernist landscapes just don’t get any respect – or protection” by Anthony Flint (The Boston Globe).

2002: “Arthur Stivaletta Obituary” by The Boston Globe.

2002: “Arthur Stivaletta Obituary” by Seacoastline.

2004 (c.): “Office of the Mayor Notes” by Robert Bellarus (Boston Art Commission Archives).

2004 (c.): “Christopher Columbus Statue and Park,” possibly by BAC Director Sarah Hutt (BAC Director Sarah Hutt / Green File, Boston Art Commission Archives).

2004 (c.): “Notes and Research about Columbus in Boston,” possibly by BAC Director Sarah Hutt (BAC Director Sarah Hutt / Green File, Boston Art Commission Archives).

2004 (c.): “Post-Gazette Clipping about a notice by the Friends of Christopher Columbus” (BAC Director Sarah Hutt / Green File, Boston Art Commission Archives).

2004 (c.): “The New Christopher Columbus Park Inaugural Program” by The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (Boston Art Commission Archives).

2006: “Volunteer’s work flickers, but efforts not extinguished” by Monica Collins (The Boston Globe).

2005: “We need more Heroes like Arthur Stivaletta” by The Big Dog Trip.

2007: “For Christopher Columbus Park, a new world of fund-raising” Editorial (The Boston Globe).

2009 (Oct 1): “Remembering A Different Boston, 30 Years After Pope's Historic Visit” Steve Brown (WBUR)

2010: “Darryl Williams, 1964-2010: An inspiration against hate” Editorial (The Boston Globe). Human rights activist for racial equality Richard Lapchick starts a memorial fund in memory of Darryl Williams.

2010 (Apr 2): “Darryl Williams lived a true hero's life” by Richard Lapchick (ESPN)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

18 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

2013: “Independence Week 2013 Kickoff at Christopher Columbus Park” by Editorial (Post-Gazette, Boston Public Library).

2014: “Leave Christopher Columbus Alone” by Sal Giarratani (Post-Gazette, Boston Public Library).

2017: “Timilty, a political fighter who challenged White, dies at age 79” The Boston Globe.

2019: “Christopher Columbus Painting, 1979 (Photo)” by Diane Leonard (Dante Alighieri Society – Boston).

2019: “Norwood Monumental Works” (Photographs) by Pierre Bélanger.

2019 (Jul 12): “It Was Never About Busing: Court-ordered desegregation worked. But white racism made it hard to accept” by Nikole Hannah-Jones (New York Times)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

19 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

E. RESISTANCE & OPPOSITIONS TO THE PARK This section profiles problems with restoration, conservation, and maintenance of the Columbus statue, as signs of opposition and resistance that date back to the original inauguration day and persist today. Details of the correspondence between then Boston Arts Commission Director Sara Hutt, conservation consultants and restoration contractors reveal important use of public funds and resources for a statue that represents private interests and whose claims are unclear. This information aims to questions the perception or portrayal by mainstream media of vandalism to the statue of Columbus dating back to the first of many beheadings since 2002. These mainstream views reduce targeted vandalism to the destruction of property by dismissing legitimate forms of expression, grievance, and opposition to the racist and genocidal symbolism that Christopher Columbus represents as settler-colonial idolatry. In the case of Columbus Park, the presence of a private statue on private land maintained by public agencies is especially problematic. In a personal testimony with the authors of this guide, Stuart Dawson (Principal Emeritus at Sasaki Associates) refers to this phenomenon as “the danger of donors” in public spaces.

1979 (Oct. 21): “During Mayor Kevin White speech, at Christopher Columbus Park dedication, a boat horns in protest” (The Boston Globe).

1999: “Goodbye Columbus” by William Fowler Jr. (The Boston Globe).

2003 (July 13): “Picture of Stonemason John Meehan Repairing the Statue” by Park Renovation (un-named).

2004: “Christopher Columbus Beheaded” (Channel 5 ABC).

2004 (Oct. 16): “Columbus Vandalism” (un-named).

2004: “Vandals Catch Selves in Act – Newspaper Clipping” (BAC Director Sarah Hutt / Green File, Boston Art Commission Archive).

2004 (Sept. 26): “A Park’s backers hope to paint the town red, but not literally – Newspaper Cutout” by Sarah Hutt (Maybe) (Boston Art Commission Archive).

2004 (Oct. 28): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Repairs” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2004 (Nov. 28): “Christopher Columbus Sculpture pro-forma” by Building and Monument Conservation (City of Boston Archives).

2005 (Jan. 24,25): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Repairs” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 2): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Beheaded” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 5): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Beheaded” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

20 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

2006 (Jun 5): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue removal Permission” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 6): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue removal Procedures (2)” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 9): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue remaking of” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 13): “Columbus Discovery: Cops find his head” by Casey Ross (Boston Herald).

2006 (Jun 13): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue head found (4)” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 20): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Stone Repair Proposal” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006 (Jun 28): “Sara Hutt BAC Director’s Correspondence – Christopher Columbus Statue Stone Repair Proposal” by Sara Hutt (Boston Arts Commission).

2006: “Columbus Statue Faces a Harsh New World” by Matt Viser (The Boston Globe).

2011 (Sept 14): “Christopher Columbus dons a Patriots Sweatshirt” (Northendwaterfront.com).

2014: “Christopher Columbus with Sunglasses” (San Diego Reader).

2014 (Dec 27): “Other at Intersection of Atlantic Ave.” by BOS-311) .

2014 (Dec 30): “Vandals Knock Down Bollard in CCP” (northendwaterfront.com).

2015: “Boston Statue Vandalism (2)” by civilwartalf.com.

2015 (Jun 30): “Christopher Columbus Statue at CCP Vandalized with Black Lives Matter” by Boston CBS.

2015 (Jul 01): “Christopher Columbus Statue in North End Vandalized” by Boston News.

2017: “CCM (4)” by Sketch Fab.

2017 (August 16): “Broken Park Equipment (2)” (BOS-311).

2017: “Boston: Take down Columbus statues & rename Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park” Petition initiative by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) in an Open Letter to Boston City Council and Mayor Walsh.

2018 (May 07): “Illegal Graffiti CCP” (BOS-311).

2018 (Oct 6): “Columbus was no Hero Photograph (3)” by @mahtowin1 (Twitter).

2020 (Jun 10): “Someone Beheaded the Christopher Columbus Statue in Boston…Again” by Spencer Buell (Boston Magazine)

2019 (Aug 27): “Ted Landsmark” (City of Boston Speaker Series)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

21 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

2020 (Jun 4): “We demand the permanent removal of the Columbus statue at Boston's Waterfront Park!” Petition to Mayor Walsh by Mahtowin Munro & United American Indians of New England (UAINE).

2020 (Jun 10): “Beheaded Christopher Columbus Statue In Boston Will Be Removed From North End Park” (Channel 4 WBZ, CBS Boston)

2020 (Jun 10) “Walsh: Beheaded Columbus Statue to Be Removed, City Assessing Its ‘Historic Meaning’” (WBUR Newsroom)

2020 (Jul 28): “Confronting Colonial Myths in Boston's Public Space” Conference convened by Erin Genia (Boston Artist-in-Residence)

Version 1.0 (August 4, 2020)

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

22 of 22

CONFRONTING COLUMBUS

opsysÂ® www.opsys.net

Finding Aid & Archival Guide

24 of 22