ADAMS, Mass. - After a nearly year-long delay, the town of Adams unveiled a statue of women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony on its town common on Thursday.

“She means a lot to the town,” said town administrator Jay Green. "And this is finally an opportunity for the town to have a tangible way to recognize her, and to celebrate the fact that we are the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony and all of her accomplishments.” 

The statue was planned as part of a celebration of Anthony’s 200th birthday and the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote, which Anthony campaigned for. But last summer’s event was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the town still wanted to mark those milestones, even if it’s a year late.

“It kind of closes the chapter in what had been several years of planning, several years of fundraising,” said Green. "So it was important to be able to have that closure and have that celebration.”

The statue depicts Anthony as an adult giving a speech, as well as her as a child, reading a book.

“The principle of reading meaningful books as a kid so that as an adult you can say something profound and even more meaningful is the message of the piece,” said statue sculptor Brian Hanlon.

For many, including Adams Select Board Vice Chair Christine Hoyt, the statue will be a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the importance of the voices of women.

“Representation is very important,” said Hoyt. "And that is what I hope this statue will prove to be. I hope that other women and other people will step forward and say I also would like to serve in some capacity, and let this be that moment and that beacon to inspire and empower them to do so.”

The statue isn’t the end of the town’s celebration of Anthony. There will be another event downtown, with vendors, live music and fireworks, on Saturday, August 21.