Community Statues Honored with Pride of Ownership Award

Posted Dec 10, 2024

The community statues of Frances Perkins and Lucy J. Brown received a Pride of Ownership Award on Wednesday, December 4! Each year the City of Ithaca and the Rotary Club of Ithaca recognize several property owners or community organizations who develop projects or take care of their properties in ways that enhance the physical appearance of city neighborhoods and commercial areas.

The statues of Perkins and Brown were installed on August 16, 2024 in the City of Ithaca, and were commissioned by world-renowned sculptor Meredith Bergmann. The statues were celebrated with an unveiling on August 17 with the sculptor Meredith Bergmann, public dignitaries, local community organizations, family and friends of both Frances Perkins and Lucy J. Brown, and even Miss Lucy herself! Both women pioneered to bring about change and empowered women’s rights and social justice movements locally and nationally. Learn more about the statues and the women they honor here.

Awards are granted for projects located within the City of Ithaca including commercial projects, rental housing, owner-occupied housing, and other improvement projects. The awards focus on how properties appear from the street and public right-of-way, improve their local surroundings, and thereby increase the quality of life for the city as a whole.

“The statues—and the remarkable women they honor—are a beautiful addition to our community, and the awards committee enthusiastically chose them to be recognized this year,” saif Brett Bossard, Senior Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at Ithaca College of the impact the statues have on the community.

The awards are presented each year in two separate events – first at the weekly Rotary Club meeting in December and then again that evening at the Common Council meeting in City Hall.

All photos and videos created and produced by Shira Evergreen.