Location: Downtown Rochester's Central Park, USA
Artist: Gillie and Marc
Description
Unveiled in Rochester’s Central Park, this striking bronze sculpture celebrates Amelia Witherstine, a pioneering leader and trailblazer in the community. Witherstine made history in 1911 as the first woman elected to the Rochester School Board. She went on to become the board’s first female president and was among the first women to serve on the Olmsted County Jury, breaking barriers for women in public service and civic engagement.
Created by Australian sculptors Gillie and Marc, this work is part of their Statues for Equality initiative, which aims to address the global disparity in public monuments. Less than 5% of statues worldwide honour women. By bringing Amelia’s story to life in bronze, the sculpture highlights the significant contributions of women in shaping communities and inspires future generations.
Mayor Kim Norton, Rochester’s first female mayor, noted the importance of honoring historical female leaders: “I stand on the shoulders of lots of other people that have done great things in history. And Amelia, in this community, was that first, that first woman elected to office, the first woman to do so many great things that it just resonated as the right choice for us here.”
The statue is prominently placed at the southeast corner of Central Park, recognized as a Historic Landmark, and surrounded by plans for a garden and informational signage once the snow melts. Withersine’s bronze likeness serves not only as a tribute to her pioneering achievements but also as a meaningful symbol of equality, leadership, and community pride.
