A recently unveiled mural in downtown Troy’s Waterfront District underscores the strong connection between the city and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Located on the southern wall of the Hedley Building, which is owned by First Columbia LLC, the mural depicts several figures who have played significant roles in Troy history. Included among them are Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson, former Rensselaer President George Low '48, and legendary Rensselaer hockey and lacrosse coach Ned Harkness.

The mural, which was painted by artist Kevin Clark, was formally unveiled at an event on September 27, which featured remarks from Clark, First Columbia President Kevin Bette, and Kathy Sheehan, the city and county historian with the Rensselaer County Historical Society. President Jackson attended and painted the finishing touches on her likeness.

The commissioning of the mural follows the recent opening of the Hedley Building’s River Street Market, a stylish food court with a variety of vendors for customers to choose from.  

Other historical figures depicted in the mural include iconic Troy businessman John Hedley, for whom the building is named, women’s rights activist and educator Emma Willard, author Herman Melville, and Uncle Sam, a patriotic character inspired by the real-life Samuel Wilson of Troy.