Traveling exhibition celebrates civil rights leader and HIU alumnus; November events include an open house and documentary screening
HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 28, 2026 — From the Civil Rights Movement to international diplomacy, Ambassador Andrew J. Young helped shape some of the defining chapters of modern American history. Now, a traveling exhibition at his alma mater offers the public a closer look at the experiences, relationships and faith that informed his work.
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU) is hosting “The Many Lives of Andrew Young” through Dec. 10 at 77 Sherman Street in Hartford. The exhibition is open to the public during regular campus business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., excluding holidays. No RSVP is required. Visitors should check in at the front desk.
A 1955 graduate of Hartford Theological Seminary, now HIU, Young worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before serving as a U.S. congressman, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of Atlanta. His career has spanned ministry, civil rights advocacy, public service and global engagement.
Through photographs, memorabilia and storytelling in Young’s own words, the exhibition follows his early years in New Orleans, his ministry, his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his continued work through the Andrew J. Young Foundation.
The exhibition also highlights Young’s lasting connection to Hartford. Reflecting on the education that helped prepare him for a lifetime of service, Young said, “All of it was seeds planted here.”
Created by the National Monuments Foundation, the exhibition was first unveiled at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta in early 2022 as part of Young’s 90th birthday celebration. It originated with the coffee-table book of the same title by Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist Ernie Suggs.
HIU will offer two public events in November:
Exhibition Open House — Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6–8 p.m. Community members, alumni and friends are invited to explore the exhibition and learn about Young’s connection to HIU. Visitors may stop by anytime during the event. RSVP through HIU’s open house event page.
Documentary Screening — Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. HIU will screen “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work,” an MS NOW documentary exploring the relationship-building, difficult conversations and negotiations behind Young’s work for civil rights and international diplomacy.
For exhibition information and event updates, visit hartfordinternational.edu/news-events.
About Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Founded in 1834, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace brings people of different religious and cultural backgrounds together through graduate education, research and community engagement. HIU prepares leaders in interreligious understanding, chaplaincy and peacebuilding.
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