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The John Peters Humphrey
Interpretive Site
In its quest to establish a tangible presence of John Peters Humphrey’s legacy in Hampton, the Foundation has worked towards establishing a John Peters Humphrey Interpretive Site in the centre of the town.
“Credo”, an interactive human rights sculpture, is the focus, and is now located in the centre of Hampton on the historic Courthouse lawn. This major work has been created by Hooper Studios working with Darren Byers as a memorial to John Humphrey and his legacy.
A series of interpretive panels have been strategically placed linking the Credo Sculpture Project, the old Humphrey homestead and John Humphrey’s gravesite.
These panels feature Humphrey’s biography, his relationship to Hampton, the history of the United Nations and the story of the creation of the Declaration of Human Rights.
The Story of the Credo Sculpture Project
John Hooper 1927-2006
Artist, Activist, Poet, Educator and Founder of Hooper Studios.
Photo courtesy of Wilson Studio / Photography
Stage 1 of the project is the initial "maquette" (a miniature working model
of the sculpture), which was unveiled on Canada Day 2004.
Maquette
The maquette shows qualities we have come to expect from the Hooper Studios. It is an
interactive piece, inviting the viewer to sit within the sculpture while being challenged
to ponder its meaning and symbolism.
Stage 2 was the actual production. This was the work of three artists.
Ludwig
Ludwig Hartmann who worked on the two sandstone monoliths, one of which is a trickling
fountain and the other which has four articles of the Declaration, each one carved in one
of the languages of New Brunswick, English, French, Mi’kmaq and Maliseet-Passamaquoddy...
Darren
Darren Byers who carved the figures and built the bench. Carved from mahogany, Humphrey
is represented both as a mature adult holding a sheet of notes and the small boy who lived
in Hampton and sailed his boats on the creek. The figures are seated on a circular bench,
symbolic of unity and reminiscent of the United Nations.
Kathy
Kathy Hooper who painted the finished carving and sculpted the three bronze doves which feed
on the end of the bench.
Stage 3 Once the units were completed, the enormous task of preparing the site had to be undertaken
under the direction of Larry Stewart, the supervising architect, and Bob Osborne who was
responsible for the landscaping.
Larry
Cranes lowering monoliths
Bob
Stage 4. All that now remained was the didactic material, recording
the background of Humphrey, the Declaration and Hampton. This was the responsibility of
Susan Hooper the graphic designer.
Sue
Stage 5. Finally, after many years of planning, Credo was unveiled on
June 15th 2008 by His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick,
Hermengilde Chaisson.
Unveiling 1
He was assisted by Nontokozo Dlamini, a visitor from Piggs Peak, Swaziland and
Marion Kunstler Kuechmeister, the step daughter of John Peters Humphrey.
Unveiling 2
The unveiling marked an important day in the history of Hampton and as M.L.A. Bev Harrison
said in his address “Hampton, human rights and Humphrey are intertwined in Credo”. This was
reinforced by John Hobbins of McGill University, who uncovered the original Humphrey drafts
of the Declaration, who said “The Town of Hampton, through its efforts, has made itself one
of the main human rights centres - not only of New Brunswick but of Canada.”
Tobique First Nations Drummers
The ceremony began with drumming and chanting by the Tobique First Nations Drummers.
This was followed by Elder Paul Bear who performed the Sweet Grass Ceremony as a blessing.
Blessing
A very happy Dale Somerville, chairman of the John Peters Humphrey Foundation,
acted as Master of Ceremonies.
Dale, chairman
He first introduced His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor.
Address
The Elementary and High School students performed the John Peters Humphrey Rap.
JPH Rap
Which was enjoyed by everyone.
His Honour
After some formal speeches, there followed a most moving dramatic reading of the
Declaration of Human Rights by the students of the Hampton High School. They were
accompanied by a String Orchestra composed of High School students playing Beethoven.
Declaration
Just prior to the unveiling, a mixed choir of Elementary and High School students sang the
John Peters Humphrey song which had been specially transcribed for the occasion.
JPH Song 2
After the formal presentation, many people enjoyed close contact with the sculpture and
proved that, like all Hooper sculptures, it is very user friendly.
User friendly 1
User friendly 2
Artist Kathy Hooper was joined by Senator Joe Day and Gordon Fairweather, first Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission,
for a closer examination of the work.
Gordon Fairweather
At the end of a long and eventful day the town of Hampton was left with
a wonderful new landmark.
End of the day
Dusk
The John Peters Humphrey Foundation would like to thank the following photographers for the use of
their photos: Phyllis Holmes; Susan Hooper; Darren Byers: John Murphy and James Wilson.
Other Foundation Projects
Although the Credo Project continues to be a major focus for the Foundation, other important initiatives have remained on-going in heightening the profile of John Humphrey and his human rights legacy.
The John Peters Humphrey Human Rights Forum
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In an effort to achieve its most important goal of informing the public, youth in particular, the Foundation organizes the annual JPH Human Rights Forum. The Forum is held on or close to December 10, Human Rights Day. We have been honoured to host such influential speakers as: immigration lawyer, Lee Cohen, journalist Sally Armstrong, Rawandan activist Godeliève Mukasarasi, and former Lieutenant-General, Senator Roméo Dallaire.
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A Vision Project - The John Humphrey Human Rights and Arts Centre
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Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has had the long term goal of creating a venue in Hampton where Humphrey’s story can be told and where his human rights work can continue. The centre would be a multi-purpose facility attached to Hampton High School. Considerable time and effort has gone into articulating this project, particularly through the efforts of Alan MacGowan of Chapel Designs Ltd. of Littleton, New Brunswick.
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The Gin Game
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Playing to a full house in February 2004, this full-length production by D.L. Coburn was sponsored by The Hampton Concert Group and The JPH Foundation, in support of the Credo Project.
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Bloomin Artists
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This major annual fundraiser is sponsored by The JPH Foundation and Communities in Bloom. The Bloomin’ Artists weekend event invites 40 professional artists to paint in Hampton’s gardens. Art works are then sold at silent auction with the proceeds going towards the Foundation’s Credo Project.
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