The former Colt factory and grounds is just a few signatures away from being designated as a national historic landmark. Because this is the closest park to my home, I have a personal interest in seeing better funding for maintenance of that area. The Colt factory and estate played an important role in Hartford’s development; yet, I’m wary of this designation. The next step will be to distinguish between heritage and history. An interest in preserving pieces of the past should not be confused with glorifying the weapons that are in part responsible for so much destruction in our city.