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P H o t o g r a P H i c m o m e n t s 1 2 3 — which traces Hartford's transformation from Colonial village to a center of commerce and government. Hartford is also known as a literary capital. Great authors such as Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe were drawn to the area, called it home, and while residing here produced some of the greatest works that changed history. Twain once said of Hartford, "of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see, this is the chief." Today the authors' homes are two of the city's many museums and part of the historical architectural land- scape. Other one-of-a-kind gems are the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, the Municipal Building — oth- erwise known as City Hall — and the "onion dome" atop the Colt Firearms building. Architectural uniqueness is one claim to fame for the city. Another is that Hartford is an arts leader. The Hartford Stage, TheatreWorks, The Bushnell Memorial, and the Artists Collective are just a few of the long list of performing arts centers that produce and attract nationally-recognized and award-win- ning productions. Hartford is now building upon its forte of taking the arts to the people. The iQuilt Partnership is work- ing to connect or quilt together the city's cultural assets with its open spaces, especially the historic parks system. This effort builds upon investments to restore, beautify and replenish these treasures that have both regional and national significance. This system of parks is a blend of 19th- and 20th-century ideas, reali- ties and inspirations that are being interwoven into 21st-century uses. With the 21st century came economic challenges, but also an opportunity for Hartford to showcase inno- vative thinking that has always made the city great. Building upon strengths is a key to success. Thanks to the partnership with the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Arts and Heritage Jobs Grant Program has invested millions of dollars into Hartford's Arts Mecca, a top-ten Arts Community in America. This means jobs. By retaining, expanding, and creating employment opportunities for Hartford residents — especially young people —the arts have proven to be more than good for the mind, body, and soul — they're Alberto roldAn sArAH bArr Above: View of the Hartford skyline today. Left: Mayor Segarra with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.