The Betty Bash: A 60th Anniversary Celebration!
Join KNOX and the Betty Knox Foundation for “The Betty Bash,” a 60th anniversary celebration to honor the legacy of Betty Knox and the decades spent supporting green spaces, farmers, and environmental education programs!
Hors d’Oeuvres, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Complimentary carousel rides will be available!
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
Location: The Bushnell Park Carousel (1 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT)
Free community event, all are welcome
Our History:
City Councilwoman Betty Knox founded KNOX in 1966, when she established a trust fund to help improve her hometown of Hartford, CT. At that time, two areas of focus were established:
- funding community development
- operating “greening” programs
In 1976, the organization restructured with KNOX continuing to lead programs to conserve and strengthen the city of Hartford and the Betty Knox Foundation providing grants to support Hartford residents.
KNOX continues to be an ever-growing coalition of residents, volunteers, corporate partners, and community organizations that support Hartford’s people and place with impactful programs, services, and events. The Betty Knox Foundation continues to promote the vitality of Hartford by making small grants to community non-profit organizations that are working to address Hartford’s most pressing social, economic and cultural needs.
A Bit About Betty:
Betty Knox was born in Hartford on November 1, 1908 and died in 1966 at the age of 57.
As an engaged participant in Hartford’s civic and political life, Elizabeth “Betty” Knox served six terms on Hartford’s City Council. Her commitment to urban renewal, parks, housing and the well-being of Hartford’s young residents was the driving influence of her personal, political and professional life.
She was active in the Hartford League of Women Voters and and fought for residential zoning protection, city playgrounds and concerts in the parks. During World War II, she opened a day-care center for working mothers. Betty’s generosity helped establish the Betty Knox apartments near St. Francis, bring the Bushnell Park carousel downtown and create 20 community gardens.
We are honored to continue the legacy of such a strong leader!
