NEW HAVEN — A monument honoring Homer Bezaleel Hulbert (1863–1949), an educator, linguist, journalist, historian, imperial emissary and America’s most steadfast advocate for Korean independence will be dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 in his birthplace of New Haven.

The dedication ceremony will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. on the village green on the day of Korea’s 4,359th anniversary. The event is jointly hosted by The Hulbert Memorial Society of Korea, the town of New Haven and the New Haven Congregational Church, where Hulbert’s father served as pastor.

Vermont public officials, civic leaders, clergy, scholars and guests from both the U.S. and the Republic of Korea are expected to attend. Sen. Ruth Hardy, Rep. Jubilee McGill and Middlebury College Foreign Language Dean Steve Snyder will participate in the ceremony.

Born in New Haven in 1863, Homer Hulbert went to Korea to teach at the nation’s first modern school at the invitation of King Gojong. Although Hulbert has long been honored in Korea as one of America’s greatest friends, his achievements have remained largely unknown in his native state.

For over sixty years, Hulbert devoted himself to Korea’s modernization through education, journalism, scholarship and public advocacy. He became the first scholar to recognize the scientific excellence of the Korean alphabet called Hangeul.

Expelled from Korea in 1907 because of his advocacy for Korean independence, he continued his efforts from the United States, writing extensively and appealing to American political leaders.

Following Korea’s liberation, Hulbert returned to Seoul at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Korea, a former student of his in the 1890s. He died only a week later, fulfilling his oft-quoted wish: “I would rather be buried in Korea than in Westminster Abbey.”

Organizers hope the memorial will stand for generations as a symbol of friendship between the American and Korean peoples.

The monument’s two engraved stones and the pedestal supporting the bust were crafted from Vermont stone, reflecting Hulbert’s lifelong connection to his home state. The bronze bust was sculpted in Korea by ChiGyu Kwon, Chairman of the Korea Sculptors Association.