Trailblazing Women of Boston: The Boston Women’s Memorial

In the heart of Boston’s historic Commonwealth Avenue Mall stands a powerful tribute to three extraordinary women who shaped American history.

The Boston Women’s Memorial, created by artist Meredith Bergmann and unveiled in 2003, honors Abigail Adams, Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley—women who dared to challenge their times and whose legacies continue to inspire.

This guide is designed to deepen your experience when visiting the memorial, especially during Women’s History Month.

The Women Depicted on Commonwealth Avenue Mall

These three statues honor their remarkable contributions to American history and social progress. Here's a brief on each of them:

1. Abigail Adams (1744–1818)

• Role:  Political Thinker, First Lady, Advocate for Women’s Rights
• Accomplishments:  Abigail Adams was the wife of President John Adams (2nd U.S. President) and mother of John Quincy Adams (6th U.S. President). She was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for women's rights and education. In her famous letters, she urged her husband to "Remember the Ladies" as he helped shape the new nation’s government.
• Legacy:  Abigail is recognized for her intellect, political insight, and advocacy for women at a time when they were excluded from formal politics.
• Quote at the Memorial: "Remember the Ladies."

Abigail Adams Statue created by Meredith Bergmann

2. Lucy Stone (1818–1893)

• Role: Suffragist, Abolitionist, Orator
• Accomplishments:  Lucy Stone was a prominent suffragist, abolitionist, and orator. She was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree (Oberlin College). Stone was a key organizer in the women's rights movement and helped found the American Woman Suffrage Association. She also published the influential Woman's Journal, a major voice for women's rights.
• Legacy:  She is known for keeping her maiden name after marriage—sparking the term "Lucy Stoner" for women who do the same.
• Quote at the Memorial: "Make the world better."

Lucy Stone statue created by Meredith Bergmann

3. Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753–1784)

• Role: Poet, Author
• Accomplishments:  Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773). Enslaved and brought to Boston as a child, Wheatley was educated by her enslavers and became a celebrated poet, gaining recognition in both America and England.
• Legacy:  Wheatley’s literary accomplishments challenged prevailing assumptions about race and intellect during her time.
• Quote at the Memorial: "Imagination! Who can sing thy force?"

Phillis Wheatley statue created by Meredith Bergmann

Exploring the Boston Women's Memorial

• Design Highlights:  Three Bronze sculptures designed to be approachable and interactive, not placed on pedestals.

• Granite Benches:  Inscribed with selected writings from each woman.

• Best Time to Visit:  Early morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting and a peaceful atmosphere.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Other Monuments on Commonwealth Avenue Mall include Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Eliot Morison, and are located between Arlington and Berkeley Streets.

• Boston Public Library - Just a short walk away at Copley Square.

• Boston Women’s Heritage Trail - Explore other sites important to women’s history in Boston.  

• Boston Public Garden - The Public Garden, opened in 1837, features sculptures, fountains, and seasonal plantings, including four fountains designed by women.
  

  • Make Way for Ducklings, modeled on the ducklings in Robert McCloskey’s book of the same name, is by local sculptor, Nancy Schön. Women also designed the sculptures for four fountains in the Public Garden.

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    Moving past the ducklings, follow the path to the left to Triton Babies by Anna Coleman Ladd (1878-1939), given by Elizabeth Sturgis Grew Beal.

  • Continue to Bagheera by Lillian Swann Saarinen (1912-1995). Named for the panther in Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, it was given to the garden by friends of the sculptor.

  • Cross the bridge over the lagoon to the Arlington Street entrance. On your right is Small Child by Mary Moore (1881-1967), the gift of Margaret Tenney Tozzer.

  • On your left is Boy and Bird by Bashka Paeff (1893-1979), a Russian immigrant who studied at the Museum School and gave the sculpture to the Public Garden.

Further Learning & Resources

• Books:

  • Abigail Adams: A Revolutionary American Woman by Charles W. Akers
  • Lucy Stone: Pioneer of Woman’s Rights by Alice Stone Blackwell
  • The Collected Works of Phillis Wheatley

• Websites:

  • Adams National Historical Park
  • American Women’s History Initiative

• Podcasts:

  • The History Chicks (episodes on all three women)
    
    

About the Artist

Meredith Bergmann is an American sculptor known for public monuments that combine traditional form with progressive content. In addition to the Boston Women’s Memorial, she created the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in Central Park, New York.