Why did a statue of Charles Sumner almost not make it to Boston’s Public Garden? The Statue of Charles Sumner, a bronze figure standing tall and proud, has an interesting story. The statue, dedicated in 1878, honors Charles Sumner, a Massachusetts senator and ardent abolitionist. After Sumner’s death in 1874, the Boston Art Committee launched a national competition to design a fitting tribute. Anne Whitney won with her seated design of Sumner. It was even displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. But the committee, discovering Whitney was a woman, balked. They felt it improper for a woman to sculpt a man’s figure, particularly his legs. So they rejected her winning design. They chose instead to commission a new statue from Thomas Ball, an artist known for his sculptures of public figures in Boston. Ball created the standing figure we see today, depicting Sumner holding a roll of papers and gesturing. It’s a powerful image, capturing Sumner’s strength and dedication to his ideals. This Statue of Charles Sumner holds more than just the likeness of a man; it holds a tale of sexism, perseverance, and ultimately, recognition. A second Sumner statue, based on Whitney’s original design, was later erected near Harvard Yard.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to