Local groups are preparing to install a bust of Christopher Columbus in front of the John Weichsel Municipal Center, an important historical figure particularly for Italian-Americans but controversial for others.The Town Council unanimously approved the monument’s placement last year. It’ll be installed on Columbus Day. Dick Fortunato, coordinator of a committee to establish the monument, said the Italian explorer is significant to more than just those of Italian descent.

“We’re going to relate this to reminding our students through the schools and the history classes that this was a very important time in world history when civilization in Europe came out of the dark ages and found a new continent,” Fortunato said. “That became America and the rich history that followed.” Southington Sons of Italy, Sorelle d’Italia in America, Southington Unico, Knights of Columbus and the Joe and Kaye Calvanese Foundation led the monument effort.