Submitted
The Legacy Walk at Roberts Settlement, a self-guided outdoor experience that tells the story of Indiana’s Black pioneers who settled in northern Hamilton County in the 1830s, will hold its public grand opening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. Roberts Settlement is located at 3102 E. 276th St., Atlanta.
Visitors will be greeted by “Morning Light,” a dazzling entry feature symbolizing exploration, discovery, opportunity, and ownership. Beyond, the Legacy Walk winds through four separate interpretive-themed stations dedicated to the Black pioneer story. Each station includes a title monolith, a bench, and an interpretive story panel with photos, maps, and other graphics. Structures are fabricated from weathering steel and an exterior “stone-like” cladding material. The Roberts Settlement Legacy Walk as well as the surrounding grounds are always open to the public to enjoy and embrace the rich and diverse history of Hamilton County.
“We are thrilled to share this piece of our Roberts family history with the public,” said LaVella Hyter, President of the Roberts Settlement Board of Directors. “Their significance as Black pioneers is beautifully represented at the very place where they gathered to worship and began building a legacy of perseverance and determination that continued through generations of Roberts Settlement descendants. I believe they would be very proud today.”
More than $400,000 was raised in grants and private donations to bring this dream to fruition. Major donors include Hamilton County Tourism, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund/Preserving Black Churches grant (a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation), Central Indiana Community Foundation/Community Leadership Innovation Fund, Crosser Family Foundation, and Duke Energy. Beck’s Hybrids (concrete), Burtner Electric, and Old Town Companies (construction) donated substantial materials and labor services for critical exhibit infrastructure.
About Roberts Settlement
Roberts Settlement was founded in 1835 by free Blacks of mixed racial heritage who migrated mostly from North Carolina and Virginia as southern slavery threatened their freedoms and way of life. Their goals were the pursuit of economic, educational, and religious aspirations with the freedom and liberties that they believed rightfully belonged to all people. For 100 years the descendants have gathered annually for the family Homecoming to celebrate their shared history and renew family bonds. For more information, visit RobertsSettlement.org.