Homer Hulbert to be honored with bust in his Vermont birthplace

Homer Hulbert, a distinguished American educator and missionary, will be commemorated with a life-sized bust in his birthplace of Vermont, according to the Hulbert Memorial Society (HMS). The unveiling is slated for Saturday in New Haven, Vermont. The bust will be accompanied by two stone monuments displaying inscriptions in both Korean and English.

According to HMS Chairman Kim Dong-jin, these memorials are intended to serve as a lasting testament to Hulbert's contributions to Korea and the enduring bond between Korea and the United States. The 180-centimeter-tall bronze bust, created by Korean sculptor Kwon Chi-gyu in Korea, has been transported to Vermont for display. The ceremony will be attended by Vermont Governor Philip Scott, state Senator Ruth Hardy, state Representative Jubilee McGill, and approximately 150 local residents and members of the Korean community.

The program will also include a performance of "Arirang," a melody Hulbert transcribed into Western musical notation 130 years ago. Born in 1863, Hulbert embarked on his journey to Korea in his early years.