ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2026

The Meriden Hall of Fame is proud to announce our class of 2026 inductees:
Gary “Tex” Burt, in the category of Community Service
Justin Piccirillo, in the category of Literature
Michael Roberts, in the category of Sports
Ashbil Griswold, in the category of Historic Persons

Join us for the 2026 Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Meriden Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Inductees

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Featured Inductee

Justin Piccirillo (Literature)

1974 –

Justin Piccirillo, a lifelong Meriden resident, has dedicated his career to teaching in the public school system, where his passion for learning, storytelling, and the arts has inspired generations of students and colleagues. A true multidisciplinary creator, Piccirillo is an educator, artist, musician, historian, and political cartoonist. His illustrations and writing have appeared in numerous books and magazines, reflecting both his artistic versatility and his deep co...

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STAMPS HONORING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Rosa Ponselle
Inducted: 1977 | Stamp released: 1997

Thomas Anthony "Tomie" dePaola
Inducted: 1985 | Stamp released: 2023

2023 U.S. Postal Service stamp honoring 1985 inductee Thomas Anthony “Tomie” dePaola and his Caldecott Medal–winning children’s book Strega Nona.