Cheshire names new elementary school for Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

Cheshire on Saturday dedicated its new elementary school as Barnum Elementary School, naming the building for native son Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Marine.

School and town officials said the name recognizes Barnum’s military service and long record of veterans’ advocacy and mentorship, and they described the new building—designed around a farms-and-fields theme—as intended to connect students to the community. “We are excited to forever recognize an American hero and Cheshire Public Schools graduate, Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Junior, for his contributions to our country and this community,” said Dr. Jeff Solon, speaking on behalf of Cheshire Public Schools.

The dedication included remarks from the Next Generation School Building Committee, the Cheshire Board of Education, the mayor’s office and the town manager, as well as veterans’ groups and family members. Committee chair Rich Gusenberg showed an architectural rendering of the school and described interior themes that move students from a “caterpillar corner” in kindergarten through a “butterfly field,” a “barnyard” for grades 3–4, and “open pastures” for grades 5–6. Gusenberg said the design reflects local farms, vegetable growers and apple orchards and is meant to foster belonging and pride.

Samantha Rosenberg, chair of the Cheshire Board of Education, said naming the school after Barnum was a deliberate choice to give students a living example of the district’s values. “Colonel Barnum, your extraordinary service as a medal of honor recipient, a marine, and a lifelong public servant embodies the values we hope to inspire in every child who walks through these doors,” Rosenberg said.

Mayor David (last name not specified in remarks) noted Cheshire’s small size and its ties to two Medal of Honor recipients, calling the naming a source of town pride. Town Manager Sean Kimball emphasized Barnum’s post‑service advocacy for veterans and said the town hopes the name “serve[s] as a daily reminder of what it means to serve something greater than yourself.”

Barnum spoke to attendees about his upbringing in Cheshire and the influence of local institutions and organizations on his life. “I stand before you this morning as a grateful American,” Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr. said, recounting school experiences, scouting and local teams. He thanked the town and said he hoped the school would help teach “principles of sacrifice, citizenship, love of country, service before self, courage, honor, commitment, integrity.”

Members of veterans’ organizations and the group Because of the Brave attended and spoke. Organizers also noted that the ship named for Barnum, the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124), is expected to be commissioned next year—the same year the school is slated to open.

Officials said the district plans to open Barnum Elementary School in September 2026 and invited the community to future events as the building is completed. The dedication closed with a framed commemorative poster presented to Barnum and family and a photo session with flag bearers and veterans.