A symbol of “400 years of African American history and the struggle for justice in the United States” will rise again in the Central District.

Tuesday, the return of the “Soul Pole” to the lawn outside the Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library at 23rd and Yesler will be marked with a press conference featuring Mayor Bruce Harrell and Tom Fay, Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library.

A year ago, the pole was taken down from where it had stood for nearly 50 years for a much needed restoration of the 21-foot wooden sculpture.

The library contracted with Artech Fine Art Services to manage the project working with Corine Landrieu, “one of the Northwest’s top conservators.”

As part of the work, a zinc cap was added to the top of the wooden pole to protect it from rainwater. The zinc also acts as a fungicide.

The conservation team says you might also notice “a slight change in the shade of the Pole.”

When we painted the fills, it was a fine dance to figure out exactly how to match the paint color, because when a wood preservative is applied, it makes the shade darker. But when summer comes, and the Soul Pole is exposed to sunshine, it will start to lighten.

According to the library, the sculpture was gifted in 1972 by the Seattle Rotary Boys Club, and was carved by six community artists in the late 1960s.

The city says Tuesday’s press conference is intended to provide information about the pole “honoring its history, importance to the community and the conservation process.” As for public events to mark its return, nothing has been announced but you can stop by and enjoy the restored sculpture anytime.

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