“She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness” These words inscribed on a pathway near the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this remarkable woman. This isn’t just a statue it’s a tribute to a life dedicated to human rights. Look around you. We are standing before the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument in Riverside Park. It was unveiled in 1996. This monument was groundbreaking. It was the first public art in New York City dedicated to an American woman. Even more remarkable it was the first dedicated to a president’s wife.
The Eleanor Roosevelt Monument is more than just a bronze statue. It’s a carefully crafted landscape design. Landscape architects Bruce Kelly and David Varnell created a circular elevated bed planted with oak trees. This surrounds Penelope Jencks’ bronze statue. Jencks’ statue shows Eleanor Roosevelt in a contemplative pose. She leans against a granite boulder. The artist used Eleanor’s great-granddaughter as a model. She said the model was chosen for her “Roosevelt slouch”. Even the boulder isn’t natural. It was shaped by Giuliano Checchinelli to meet Jencks’ specifications.
The dedication ceremony was a significant event. Hillary Rodham Clinton the First Lady at the time gave a keynote address. She spoke of her personal connection to Eleanor Roosevelt. Thirty-five members of the Roosevelt family attended including Franklin D Roosevelt III. The monument itself cost $1.3 million. It included not only the statue but also pathways. These pathways are inscribed with powerful quotes. One is from Eleanor Roosevelt’s speech to the UN Commission on Human Rights. Another is Adlai Stevenson’s tribute “She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness and her glow has warmed the world”.
The Eleanor Roosevelt Monument stands as a powerful symbol. It symbolizes her tireless fight for social justice and human rights. Her legacy continues to inspire. Her legacy continues to challenge us to work for a more just and equitable world. This memorial in Riverside Park is more than just a beautiful piece of art. It is a testament to the life and values of one of America’s most iconic women. It is a place where we can reflect. We can reflect on her contributions and the ideals she championed.