Towards Freedom Park “Buy a Brick Program”
Hosted by Fundraising Brick
For additional information regarding our engraved brick campaign please contact
Larry Kezele at lekezele@gmail.com or call 859-803-0353.
On June 19, 2025, the Lexington Freedom Train Committee unveiled Towards Freedom, a powerful sculpture by renowned artist Basil Watson honoring Lewis and Harriet Hayden — formerly enslaved in Lexington and later celebrated abolitionists who escaped through the Underground Railroad. The monument also recognizes the journeys of countless other enslaved people who sought freedom through Lexington’s Underground Railroad. Located on the grounds of Lexington Middle School at 350 N. Limestone Street, the sculpture will soon be the heart of Towards Freedom Park, a new space designed to share the Haydens’ story and provide a peaceful place for reflection. As part of this effort, community members are invited to support the park by purchasing commemorative bricks that will be installed within the site.
The Lexington Freedom Train Committee’s first phase focused on securing a permanent monument honoring Lewis and Harriet Hayden, created by internationally recognized sculptor Basil Watson. The Haydens, formerly enslaved in Lexington, escaped to Boston where they became influential abolitionists and operated an Underground Railroad stop from their home, providing safe haven to more than 100 freedom seekers. The monument also stands in remembrance of all enslaved people from Lexington who courageously escaped bondage through the Underground Railroad.
After installing the sculpture, the Committee recognized the need for a meaningful, park‑like setting to surround it — a place where visitors could learn, reflect, and engage with the Haydens’ story. This second phase, Towards Freedom Park, will feature interpretive elements including poetry, historical context, and a Lexington Timeline tracing the city’s history from its founding through the Haydens’ journey and into the present day.
To complete the park, the Committee is launching a commemorative buy‑a‑brick campaign, offering supporters the opportunity to honor loved ones or be recognized for their contribution. These engraved bricks will become a lasting part of the park’s pathways and gathering spaces.
The third phase of the project will establish the Friends of Towards Freedom Park, a community‑based group dedicated to preserving both the physical space and the honest history it represents. This phase will include curriculum development, park and landscape maintenance, website stewardship, tours, and community learning events — ensuring that the Haydens’ legacy continues to educate and inspire future generations.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY! ORDER YOUR ENGRAVED BRICK TODAY!
To begin, complete the required fields indicated by the *, then enter your inscription and click on the next button at the bottom of the form. You will then be directed to the confirmation page to confirm your inscription. After you have confirmed your inscription, click the submit form button at the bottom right of the page. Please enter the text exactly as you want it to appear on the brick. You do not need to center the text; the laser software will automatically center the inscription. If you would like to order more than one brick, you will need to fill out a new order form for each additional brick that you would like to order.
