Welcome Home Dome Statue

The statue remains unside because the state needs money

For 60 years, the Genius watched over Hartford from the dome atop the state Capitol. Then the hurricane of 1938 struck, damaging it and people were afraid the metal symbol of protection could come toppling down and do damage of its own.

So, after much debate, down came the statue and she was placed in the basement. There she stayed until she was sacrificed for the war in 1942 and melted down to make machine parts.

Well, today, a replica arrived in Hartford to eventually stand, perched above the city, as the original once did.

But, she’s not going up there yet. Blame tight purse strings. 

Instead, you’ll find the 18-foot-tall, 5,600 pound winged statue in the first floor rotunda until the state someday raises enough money to hoist it to the original location on top of the dome. 

The Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry of Rock Tavern, New York delivered the statue on a flatbed truck in three pieces -- the body and two wings.

Eric Connery, facilities administrator for the state Capitol complex, says the new statue will be assembled inside the building. It will likely take several hours to put her together.

The state allocated $300,00 to create and transport the statue, but some engineering work must be done to reinforce the lantern, Connery said. The state needs another $100,000 to $200,000 for the statue to be ready.

Welcome home Genius.

Here is a little primer on the symbolism of the statue, also known as “The Angel of Resurrection:”

The statue hold in her right hand wreath of immortalis or dried flowers to symbolize long life.

In her other hand is a wreath of Mountain Laurel, the state flower.

On her head she wears white oak leaves for strength from our state tree.

The statue's outstretched wings are to protect the people of Connecticut.

The Genius has "Roman Toes." Her second toe is longer than the big toe. Some people believe that women with such toes will be placed in positions of power or importance.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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