On two separate occasions this August, communities in Mississippi and Pennsylvania have come together to honor their local histories with vibrant new murals, each telling stories of resilience, achievement, and pride. While separated by hundreds of miles, both Jackson State University and the city of Titusville have used public art—and, in Titusville’s case, a new community stage—to create lasting tributes that invite reflection, celebration, and a renewed sense of connection.
On August 20, 2025, Jackson State University unveiled a new mural dedicated to celebrating the institution’s rich history. The event marked a significant moment for the university, which has long stood as a beacon of education and progress in Mississippi. According to local coverage, the mural’s unveiling drew students, faculty, alumni, and community members eager to witness the latest addition to the campus’s cultural landmarks. Though details about the mural’s exact imagery remain under wraps, its purpose is clear: to honor the legacy and ongoing story of Jackson State University, a place that has shaped countless lives and contributed to the broader tapestry of American higher education.
Meanwhile, on August 8, 2025, the city of Titusville, Pennsylvania, celebrated the official unveiling of its own historical mural and a brand-new community stage at Founders Park. The mural, which now graces the north-facing exterior wall of the Baby Bee Ultrasound and Boutique Building at 108 S. Franklin St., is more than just a splash of color—it’s a testament to years of collaboration among local students, businesses, and civic leaders. The words “Welcome to Titusville, Pennsylvania” greet passersby, but it’s the images that truly tell the city’s story.
Designed by Titusville Middle School students in the fall of 2024 and brought to life by Titusville High School Class of 2005 alumna Sara Aiello, the mural captures some of the most significant people and places in Titusville’s history. Among the figures depicted is John Heisman, the legendary football coach whose name graces the prestigious Heisman Trophy. The mural also features Drake’s Well, the site of the first commercial oil well in the United States, and the Ida Tarbell House, home to the pioneering investigative journalist who helped bring down Standard Oil’s monopoly. These images serve as a visual reminder of Titusville’s outsized role in American industry and culture.
“This project is truly a community effort,” said Titusville City Council member Gavin Griffin during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as reported by the local press. Griffin went on to thank a lengthy list of supporters, including CJ Kirvan, Poppy’s Equipment Rental, Johnson’s Painting, Adam and Amanda Fetsick, Scott Brown and his crew at the Public Works Department, and the Titusville Council on the Arts. Their combined efforts, along with a $7,250 grant from the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation’s Harold Matthews Fund, made the mural possible.
The journey from concept to completion was a long one. After the city sold the Baby Bee Ultrasound and Boutique Building to Adam and Amanda Fetsick in 2021, it reserved an easement in the sales agreement specifically for the purpose of painting a mural on the building’s side. This foresight ensured that the project would have a home, no matter who owned the property. Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, Sara Aiello painstakingly painted the mural, sharing her progress on Facebook and drawing the community into the creative process with each update.
But the celebration didn’t stop at the mural. The unveiling event also marked the opening of a new community stage in Founders Park, a gift from the Rotary Club of Titusville and Chad Covell of Fat Chad’s Tap & Steakhouse. The stage has already played host to musical acts like Chris Higbee during the city’s Oil Festival earlier in August, signaling its future as a hub for local entertainment and gatherings.
“This is about more than just art on a wall,” said one attendee, echoing a sentiment shared by many at the event. “It’s about bringing people together and reminding us of what we’ve accomplished as a community.”
Public art projects like these are becoming increasingly popular across the United States, as cities and institutions look for ways to foster civic pride and create spaces that reflect their unique identities. According to the Pennsylvania Arts Council, murals and community stages can serve as catalysts for economic revitalization, attracting visitors and encouraging investment in local neighborhoods. In the case of Titusville, the mural and stage are expected to draw both residents and tourists to Founders Park, creating new opportunities for engagement and commerce.
Jackson State University’s mural, though less publicly detailed at this stage, fits into a broader tradition of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) using art to commemorate their legacies. Murals on HBCU campuses often depict pivotal moments in the fight for civil rights, notable alumni, and the day-to-day experiences of students past and present. They serve as both history lessons and sources of inspiration for future generations.
In Titusville, the decision to involve local students in the design process has been particularly meaningful. By giving young people a stake in the project, organizers hope to instill a sense of ownership and pride in the city’s heritage. Sara Aiello, who returned to her hometown to paint the mural, described the experience as “a way to give back and to show the next generation what’s possible when a community comes together.” Her updates on Facebook chronicled not just the technical aspects of the work, but also the emotional highs and lows of creating something so visible and lasting.
The mural’s location is also significant. The Baby Bee Ultrasound and Boutique Building sits at a prominent spot overlooking Founders Park, ensuring that the artwork is seen by everyone who visits the area. The city’s decision to reserve an easement for the mural even after selling the building demonstrates a commitment to preserving public art as a shared resource, accessible to all.
As for the new stage, its impact is already being felt. Local businesses and organizations anticipate that it will become a focal point for festivals, concerts, and community events throughout the year. The Rotary Club of Titusville and Chad Covell’s contribution is seen as an investment in the city’s cultural life, one that will pay dividends for years to come.
Both the Jackson State University and Titusville projects highlight the power of art to bring people together, honor the past, and look toward the future. Whether on a university campus in Mississippi or in a small Pennsylvania town, murals and community spaces remind us that history isn’t just something to be studied—it’s something to be celebrated and built upon, one brushstroke at a time.
As the paint dries and the music fades, these communities stand a little prouder, their stories now etched in color for all to see.
