The Ithaca Historic Statues Steering Committee honored two local women trailblazers, Frances Perkins and Lucy J. Brown, with the unveiling of two full-scale statues in two locations in downtown Ithaca on August 17, commemorating both women’s passion for social justice and the actions they took to pave the way for future generations.

The public works of art consist of life-sized bronze figures, with each woman seated on a bench, inviting community members to sit in companionship. Through participation in the global Talking Statues network, a QR code at each site links to an audio narration sharing the women’s stories and highlighting their historic achievements. Sponsored by an anonymous local donor and hosted and cared for by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) at two of its downtown properties, these works of art are a gift to the people of Ithaca.

World-renowned sculptor Meredith Bergmann was commissioned to create the sculptures. Bergmann works “for social justice and historical redress through my public art.” Her portfolio includes the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in New York City’s Central Park, the Boston Women’s Memorial, and the FDR Hope Memorial on Roosevelt Island. Currently, only 9% of public statues in America represent women, and only 1% represent women of color.

Sculptor Meredith Bergmann said of the project, “I am really grateful to have the chance to create a portrait of Frances Perkins, whose life and work I’ve admired for years. I hope this statue will help bring her the recognition and gratitude she deserves for designing the social ‘safety net’ on which most of us rely. Learning about Lucy J. Brown and her tireless work to help others and improve her community was truly inspiring. I’ve tried to create a portrait of her listening and ready to spring into action. Both statues are meant to welcome you to sit with them, encouraging you to think about how you might help create a better future.”

“Women in Ithaca and America have long labored to improve our lives, our laws, and our culture, yet rarely receive recognition in history or in public art,” said Carol Kammen, chair of the Historic Statues Steering Committee. “Through a private donation and the artistry of renowned sculptor Meredith Bergmann, we are honoring two such women, Frances Perkins and Lucy Brown, through works of beautiful public art that will stand as a permanent reminder of the contributions of those often marginalized and an inspiration for those who seek progressive change.”

Frances Perkins was a social reformer and lifelong advocate for working people. She was the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, holding the position of Secretary of Labor for twelve years, and the driving force behind Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic New Deal. Perkins taught at Cornell University’s New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations from 1957 to 1965, residing at the Telluride House.

Lucy J. Brown has dedicated her life to advancing racial justice, educational equity, and affordable housing. As a co-founder of INHS, a regional affordable housing organization in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions of New York, she was instrumental in the nonprofit’s establishment in 1976 and its long-term growth and commitment to affordable housing. In her role as a longtime INHS board member, Brown acted as a strong advocate for neighborhood residents, ensuring their concerns remained central in INHS’s decision-making.

The statues will be a part of the global Talking Statue network created by Copenhagen-based David Peter Fox. The Talking Status mobile device app allows visitors to listen to a narration about Brown and Perkins via a QR code located next to each statue or at nyts.de/fp (for Perkins) and nyts.de/lb (for Brown). The Lucy Brown narration was written and is being voiced by Miss Brown herself, which may make it unique among the scores of Talking Statues across the globe.

Frances Perkins’s statue is located in front of Breckenridge Place near the corner of W Seneca and N Cayuga Streets in downtown Ithaca, with Lucy Brown’s statue just blocks away at the historic Henry St. John Building (301 S. Geneva Street). During the event, local community organizations and leaders participated in a procession between the two statues, celebrating local change-making women throughout history along the way.

Tompkins County Legislator Dan Klein said of the public works of art, “We’re fortunate that the statues of Lucy Brown and Frances Perkins will turn these outstanding community members into permanent residents of Tompkins County.”

City of Ithaca Mayor Robert G. Cantelmo said of the project, I am honored to help dedicate these two new immersive public art installations. On behalf of the City, I am grateful to the project steering committee and Meredith Bergmann for undertaking this labor of love to honor two remarkable Ithacan women. Secretary Perkins was a trailblazer for workers-rights and championed the advent of Social Security. Her legacy as the first woman cabinet secretary serves as a model for women and girls across the nation. Just as Secretary Perkins helped to transform a nation, Ms. Lucy Brown has spent her life working to transform our community. Ms. Brown was an early voice working to elevate educational equity and help chart new paths to affordable housing. Those working hard to build an Ithaca that is safe, welcoming, and accessible do so on a foundation of values and accomplishment that Ms. Brown helped lay. These sculptures will preserve the legacy of both women for generations to come.”

Speakers of the event included Ithaca City Mayor Robert Cantelmo; Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature Daniel Klein; Sculptor Meredith Bergman; Dr. Alexander Colvin; ’69 Dean of the IRL School at Cornell University Kenneth F. Kahn; Board Member and Chair Emerita of the Frances Perkins Center, Sarah Peskin; grandson of Frances Perkins and Board Member of the Frances Perkins Center, Tomlin Coggeshall; community activist, Ken Glover; Rev. Mabel Welch of the St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Ithaca; daughter of Lucy Brown, Louise Brown Harris; and Lucy Brown, statue honoree.